We’ve noticed explosive growth in membership over the past five years. We have seen a 21 percent increase in our membership base, and NASSCO’s annual conferences grow in attendance year after year. While these are extremely positive trends, it’s important to understand the reasons behind the trend.

In January, we sent an online survey to 519 new members who have joined NASSCO since 2010. The majority of respondents were contractors, municipalities and engineers, and we learned some very interesting things, including the reasons people join NASSCO, the benefits they receive and areas where our association can grow.

The Power of PACP

In the past, networking with peers, followed by education (e.g. access to specifications, webinars and other resources) were the two most important benefits members received from NASSCO. While they are still important today, our new members have identified training in NASSCO’s Pipeline Assessment Certification Program (PACP) or Inspector Training Certification Program (ITCP) as the No. 1 benefit of NASSCO membership.

While NASSCO membership is not a prerequisite for training in either of these programs, PACP and ITCP were identified as the primary means for industry professionals to learn about NASSCO and opportunities to keep informed through training, stay involved through NASSCO committee participation and network with industry peers.

The importance of PACP and ITCP training was validated with a research question regarding where NASSCO should focus its efforts in the future. Training was the No. 1 answer, with specification guidelines and technical references ranking No. 2 and No. 3. This is great news for us because over the past 10 years we have focused on the importance of specifications and proper installation of trenchless technologies to ensure the continued acceptance and growth of trenchless technologies, which is an important part of our overall mission.

Areas for growth

It’s always great to hear what we are doing well, but when we conduct research I find the most valuable responses come from those who suggest ways to grow and improve. This survey was no different. When asked what NASSCO could do better, respondents noted three main areas:

Online training. One of the most common suggestions was to provide online training, especially for recertification. Luckily, we are on it. One of NASSCO’s major initiatives in 2016 is providing online recertification classes to accommodate the busy schedules of our members, trainers and students.

Committee participation. Interestingly enough, while 66 percent of the survey respondents do not participate in NASSCO committees, they said it’s important for us to ensure committee leadership is strong and proactive, and to make it clear how to get involved in committees. Our committees are making real and lasting changes, and we will work to make participation as easy as possible.

Regional representation. Survey respondents indicated they would like better representation regionally and across North America. We hear this request frequently and are investigating the options. Our hope is that our growing partnerships with academia and other organizations, such as the Water Environment Federation, will provide opportunities for NASSCO members to come together more frequently throughout the year.

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Get the EDge - Training and Continuing Education Courses

PACP TRAINING

April 4 Northville, MI
1 Day Recertification Course
Trainer: Brandon Conley
Contact Ashley Groves for more information or to register: 248/349-0904 or email pacp@dohenycompanies.com

April 4-6 Honolulu, HI
PACP Only
A limited number of PACP Recertification seats available.
Contact Marilyn Shepard for more information or to register: 916/899-8961 or email mshepard1@hotmail.com

April 5-7 Northville, MI
Includes Manholes and Laterals!
Trainer: Brandon Conley
Contact Ashley Groves for more information or to register: 248/349-0904 or email pacp@dohenycompanies.com

April 11-13 Marriottsville, MD
Includes Manholes and Laterals!
Trainer: Ted DeBoda
Contact Dawn Jaworski for more information or to register: 410/442-7473 or email dawn@nassco.org

April 13-15 Conyers, GA
Includes Manhole and Laterals!
Recertifications Welcome
Contact John Jones for more information or to register: 404/431-5584 or email plumblineconsultant@gmail.com

April 13-15 Seattle, WA
Includes Manholes and Laterals! (if desired)
PACP Re-certification seats available
Contact John Jurgens for more information, register or discuss in-house training: 425/487-3325 or email nodig@aol.com

April 25 San Francisco, CA
1 Day Recertification Course
Trainer: Brandon Conley
Contact Ashley Groves for more information or to register: 248/349-0904 or email pacp@dohenycompanies.com

April 26-28 San Francisco, CA
Includes Manholes and Laterals!
Recertifications Welcome
Trainer: Brandon Conley
Contact the Ashley Groves for more information or to register: 248/349-0904 or email pacp@dohenycompanies.com

May 10 Marriottsville, MD
PACP User Recertification
Trainer: Ted DeBoda
Contact Dawn Jaworski for more information or to register: 410/442-7473 or email dawn@nassco.org

May 16-18 Marriottsville, MD
Includes Manholes and Laterals!
Trainer: Ted DeBoda
Contact Dawn Jaworski for more information or to register: 410/442-7473 or email dawn@nassco.org

May 18-20 Conyers, GA
Includes Manhole and Laterals!
Recertifications Welcome
Contact John Jones for more information or to register: 404/431-5584 or email plumblineconsultant@gmail.com

May 18-20 Seattle, WA
Includes Manholes and Laterals! (if desired)
PACP recertification seats available
Contact John Jurgens for more information, register or discuss in-house training: 425/487-3325 or email nodig@aol.com

ITCP TRAINING (CIPP and Manhole)

April 6-7 Detroit, MI
Manhole Rehabilitation
8:00 am – 5:00 pm Day 1
8:00 am – 1:00 pm Day 2 Morning
Contact Tim Back for more information: 513/253-8461 email timbacktwo@gmail.com