Technology makes it super simple to send a quick text, instant message or email for an immediate response and swift gratification. It has been my experience, however, that investing time in a meaningful in-person meeting provides the benefit of hearing a person’s inflection, reading body language and seeing emotion behind someone’s eyes, not to mention developing a real relationship.

When I took the position of NASSCO executive director last year, one of the first things I wanted to do was build a relationship with the staff of the Water Research Center in Swindon, England. My goal was to better understand our roots (NASSCO’s Pipeline Assessment and Certification Program is based on the Water Research Center’s Manual of Sewer Condition Classification). I also wanted to explore ways to connect with the Water Research Center and identify areas of collaboration to further NASSCO’s mission to set standards for the assessment, maintenance, and rehabilitation of underground infrastructure and assure the continued acceptance and growth of trenchless technologies.

It wasn’t until I made a trip to the Water Research Center last November with Tim Vivian, the 2018-19 president of NASSCO’s board of directors, that I felt real progress had been made. I attribute this to the investment Vivian and I made to meet with the Water Research Center team in-person, reminisce about our history, tour their impressive research facility, understand their culture and identify areas of mutual opportunity.

One of our takeaways from this productive meeting was to develop a collaborative work group to explore such opportunities. We look forward to building on our history with the Water Research Center to join forces and create a future that benefits our industry, and our world.

Get the EDge  Training and Continuing Education Courses

PACP TRAINING

April 15 Laurel, MA

Includes: MACP, LACP, PACP

Trainer: Ed Carpenetti ecarpenetti@louisberger.com

April 15 San Francisco, CA

Includes: PACP

Trainer: Brandon Conley 248-349-0904 • pacp@dohenycompanies.com

April 16 Springfield, MA

Includes: PACP, MACP, LACP

Trainer: Laurie Perkins 888-621-8156 • laurie.perkins@wright-pierce.com

April 16 Covington, GA

Includes: MACP, LACP, PACP

Trainer: John Jones 678-527-4212 • plumblineconsultant@gmail.com

April 16 Atlanta, GA

Includes: LACP, PACP, MACP

Trainer: Jerry Weimer 513-659-5008 • jerryweimerconsulting@gmail.com

April 16 San Francisco, CA

Includes: LACP, PACP, MACP

Trainer: Brandon Conley 248-349-0904 • pacp@dohenycompanies.com

April 23 Greenville, SC

Includes: PACP, MACP, LACP Trainer: Brandon Conley

248-349-0904 • pacp@dohenycompanies.com

April 30 Fresno, CA

Includes: PACP, MACP, LACP

Trainer: Marilyn Shepard

916-899-8961 • mshepard1@hotmail.com

April 30 Whitestown, IN

Includes: MACP, LACP, PACP

Trainer: Brandon Conley 248-349-0904 •pacp@dohenycompanies.com

May 7 Atlantic City, NJ

Includes: LACP, PACP, MACP

Trainer: Brandon Conley 248-349-0904 •pacp@dohenycompanies.com

May 13 Marriottsville, MA

Includes: LACP, PACP, MACP

Trainer: Irvin Gemora 410-458-9591 • irv.gemora@comcast.net

May 13 Corvallis, OR

Includes: PACP, MACP, LACP

Trainer: Marilyn Shepard 916-899-8961 • mshepard1@hotmail.com

May 14 Northville, MI

Includes: PACP, MACP, LACP

Trainer: Brandon Conley 248-349-0904 • pacp@dohenycompanies.com

May 17 Northville, MI

Includes: PACP

Trainer: Brandon Conley 248-349-0904 • pacp@dohenycompanies.com

May 21 Hartford, CT

Includes: PACP, MACP, LACP

Trainer: Lindsey Sylvester 603-606-4436 • lindsey.sylvester@wright-pierce.com

May 21 Louisville, KY

Includes: PACP, MACP, LACP

Trainer: Jerry Weimer

513-659-5008 • jerryweimerconsulting@gmail.com

May 21 Memphis, TN

Includes: PACP, MACP, LACP

Trainer: Paul Booth 704-681-3989 • woodsideenv@gmail.com

May 21 Orlando, FL

Includes: PACP, MACP, LACP

Trainer: Brandon Conley 248-349-0904 • pacp@dohenycompanies.com

May 22 Marriottsville, MD

Includes: PACP

Trainer: Irvin Gemora 410-458-9591 • irv.gemora@comcast.net