It seems every time I pick up a newspaper in the past few months, the word I see is “stimulus,” or some form of it. The word means to inspire, incentivize or motivate.
While this word is often used in relation to an article about our nation’s economy, business or our industry, I think it’s important for everyone to think about what we need to do to stimulate our lives, both personally and professionally.
In many ways, NASSCO is like a stimulus package for the trenchless technology industry. I am fortunate to lead an organization that is committed to the growth of a multibillion-dollar industry. Beyond its membership, NASSCO serves the entire trenchless technology industry through education, training and ongoing commitment to setting standards that ensure quality results in pipeline rehabilitation.
As a not-for-profit organization, NASSCO reinvests funds into the trenchless industry. For more than three decades now, the organization has grown to service its diverse membership and anticipate future needs.
For example, NASSCO most recently committed to hiring a staff engineer, a new full-time position in its headquarters office in Owings Mills, Md. This much-needed position means technical director Gerry Muenchmeyer will be able to spend more time building critical training programs, such as the Inspector Training and Certification Program (ITCP).
With more than four decades of expertise in our industry, Gerry brings a wealth of knowledge and commitment to education and training. Introduced last year, ITCP for CIPP has been growing and is helping train inspectors as well as others in the industry. This knowledge is beneficial to everyone involved in pipeline rehabilitation projects. Gerry will build upon this foundation and introduce ITCP courses for other technologies, such as pipe bursting.
Making a commitment to learning and staying fresh with knowledge of the industry is important in our field. Our industry is relatively new, and the pipes we’re fixing or replacing are only getting older. New technologies come on the market, and it’s our responsibility to stay informed so that we can make sure we employ the best solution for the project at hand.
During challenging economic times, it’s understandable that folks forget to reinvest in themselves and their education on their profession. Wherever you are in life — entry level or business owner — it’s important to stimulate your life so that you can achieve the balance needed to make you thrive.
NASSCO offers many options to help folks throughout their careers and it provides what I think is a key element of success and satisfaction. NASSCO provides key networking opportunities, many of which I’ve seen lead to long-term relationships and even friendships. If you’re not already a member, I invite you to join us at WEFTEC in Orlando, Fla., Oct. 10-14.
Irvin Gemora is executive director of NASSCO. He can be reached at director@nassco.org. The NASSCO headquarters is at 11521 Cronridge Dr., Suite J, Owings Mills, MD 21117.
