The 2014 Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo is in the books. It was another great week in Indy, and it was great to get to talk to so many people from across the industry. And it’s always nice to get a close-up look at the newest equipment and technology.

There were so many new products, many launched right at the Expo, from cutting-edge inspection camera systems to redesigned pumps and even a new jetter truck designed specifically around the input and needs of a municipal wastewater utility in Georgia. It was truly a glimpse into the future of this industry and the potential of your utility, and it was all there on display.

Beyond the technology, the greatest part of the Expo for me is always meeting and talking to you. I speak with many of you from my desk in Northern Wisconsin, but the opportunity to meet face to face, to speak with you directly and hear your stories in person really brings everything together. It’s great to hear how the work we’re doing at MSW is making an impact on your work. That’s the goal, and it’s also the greatest reward.

There are so many stories to be told, and it’s an honor to convey them to you. From the municipalities picking up new trucks on the show floor, to the operators learning in the classrooms and seeking out new tools and technology to improve their operations, everyone has a story. You can look forward to seeing some of them in the pages of MSW as we move forward.

And while we’re looking ahead, take note that next year the Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo International will become WWETT – the Water and Wastewater Equipment, Treatment & Transport show. We understand that like the industry, this show has evolved to encompass far more than septic pumping and drain cleaning. The industry and profession has surpassed what many could have ever imagined way back in 1979, when Pumper was first delivered to mailboxes across a few Midwestern states.

The new name better reflects the industry and this show. It’s a more accurate snapshot of what we have become and where we are heading. It’s a show for an entire industry of hard-working people who maintain the flow in our sewer and water infrastructure, properly treat and dispose of wastewater, and keep drinking water safe and our environment healthy.

COLE Publishing has always used the annual Expo to show our appreciation for the work you do, day in and day out. That won’t change. Though often overlooked by others, we understand that what you do is vital to the individuals and communities you serve.

If you couldn’t make it to Indy, start planning now so you can be there next year. It’s one of the best things you can do to gain the insight and knowledge necessary to keep improving your utility.

Enjoy this month’s issue.