The 2011 trade show season was a tremendous showcase for the positive changes in trenchless technologies. From improved tools and methods for more effective CIPP lining to state-of-the-art equipment for cleaning large-diameter pipes, the trenchless research, development, and products being introduced are cutting edge.

Since part of NASSCO’s mission is to assure the continued acceptance and growth of trenchless technologies, we are pleased to see the industry stepping up.

One trend that seems to be catching on is excellent service. Cutting-edge equipment is only an asset when it’s running. The equipment suppliers who have survived this economic downturn have done so through effective maintenance of the equipment they sell, and by providing training for the proper use of their equipment.

CCTV contractors are working harder than ever to make sure that data is PACP-compliant and can be effectively incorporated with technologies such as laser profiling and sonar to provide owners with the information they need to develop an effective rehabilitation plan.

Pipe lining and pipe bursting contractors are working to increase the minimum standards required throughout the country. The investment manufacturers and service providers are working to improve technologies and extend service which will expand market share and make trenchless technologies more accessible and appealing than ever before.

Besides product and service en-hancements, I have noticed other major trending shifts in the industry, namely geographic opportunities, demographics and psycho-graphics.

Geographic expansion. While trenchless technologies are established in eastern European countries, there is still vast geographic opportunity for expansion. NASSCO has joined forces with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) to provide PACP in Canada. Mexico and South and Central America also present huge new business potential.

Demographics. The trenchless industry is becoming more diverse, which helps to extend the market dramatically. This year, for example, the NASSCO board appointed its first female president, Kathy Romans. Kathy brings a passion for a solid strategic plan to manage resources and energies appropriately, and her appointment will work to attract other women and minorities to seek more prevalent roles in the trenchless industry.

Psychographics. As we move from the Baby Boomers to the future generations, our values and attitudes are progressing from a good-old-boy network to a team of sophisticated professionals who develop their business models on proven methods of corporate goals, sales objectives, strategic marketing, and formulas for business success.

In order to attract and retain these qualified professionals in this industry, NASSCO’s Jeffrey D. Ralston Memorial Scholarship is awarded each year to a qualified candidate. This year it went to two young people: Kevin Cira from Kent State University and Kristi Steiner from Virginia Tech. Our industry creates these opportunities to support young professionals and encourage students to choose the underground pipeline industry as a viable career choice.

All in all, this is an exciting time for our industry. We are expanding in every direction, and as we grow it is more important than ever to keep our eyes fixed on setting standards for the assessment and rehabilitation of underground pipelines. F

Ted DeBoda is executive director of NASSCO. He can be reached at director@nassco.org. NASSCO is located at 11521 Cronridge Drive, Suite J, Owings Mills, MD 21117.