Trenchless Times
NASTT’s newsletter, is published bi-monthly in the pages of Trenchless Technology magazine. Read the current newsletter below for the latest NASTT news.

NASTT Celebrates 20 Years

Help NASTT's Student Chapters - Donate to the Educational Fund Auction

Trent Ralston Young Trenchless Achievement Award

Glynn, Preuss and Staheli Elected to the NASTT Board of Directors


Chris Brahler

NASTT Celebrates 20 Years

By Chris Brahler, 2010 NASTT Chairman

2010 is a very special year for NASTT, as we celebrate our 20th anniversary. In 1990, five key people began to the brainstorm on the possibility of establishing a new association just for trenchless technology. That organization became known as NASTT and those five people became its founding members. Twenty years later, zation of more than 1,200 members, nine regional chapters and 11 student chapters throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The 20th anniversary of NASTT is surely to be celebrated with excitement at our 2010 No-Dig Show in Chicago (Schaumburg), May 2-7. NASTT is planning an eventful and memorable No-Dig commemorating this very special occasion to include the presentation of the first-ever Michael E. Argent Memorial Scholarships.

Up to five scholarships in the amount of $5,000 each will be awarded to deserving students who are active members of a NASTT student chapter and fulfill other eligibility requirements. Michael was one of our founding members, and it is hoped that his contributions to our industry will continue to inspire young trenchless professionals through this newly established scholarship program.

The program is funded through money raised at NASTT's Educational Fund Auction held each year at No-Dig. I personally encourage you to get involved in this effort by donating items and/or services to the auction. By doing so, you are literally supporting the future of our industry in more ways than one.

NASTT is pleased to announce the new Trent Ralston Award for Young Trenchless Achievement to recognize a young professional who has shown commitment to the trenchless industry through volunteerism, leadership and career accomplishments. This annual award was established in honor of the late Trent Ralston, who was an early member of NASTT and an industry icon and friend to all.

The Michael E. Argent Memorial Scholarships and the Trent Ralston Award forYoung Trenchless Achievement are but two of special events planned to celebrate NASTT's 20 year history at 2010 No-Dig in Chicago. Kaleel Rahaim is heading up an eager team of 20th anniversary committee members with the task of chronicling NASTT's history, collecting interesting anecdotes and photographs that tell the story of our organization. Anyone who is interested in working on this committee or has facts, photos or materials to share, please contact Kaleel at krahaim@interplastic.com. The No-Dig conference theme of "Rebuilding North America's Underground Infrastructure using Trenchless Technology" is proven to be timely and relevant given that throughout North America there is a renewed focus of investing in our infrastructure with the least social costs and impact to the environment.

Because trenchless is often at the core of projects designed to be environmentally responsible, those associated with the trenchless business will find themselves leading the way in the utility construction industry in 2010. Despite these economic times, projects will need to be completed one way or another, keeping trenchless industry on firm footing going forward.

NASTT is busy developing and supporting initiatives that place trench- less on the fore front of the construction industry, such as the car bon calculator which helps engineers and contractors estimate the reduction of CO2 emissions when trenchless is used vs. traditional open-cut methods.

These important issues will be among those presented and discussed at 2010 No-Dig in Chicago, May 2-7. By attending our high-quality technical paper program and networking in the 50,000 sq. ft. exhibit hall, you'll find solutions to your underground infrastructure needs using trenchless.

I may be reached at cbrahler@tttechnologies.com.



Help NASTT's Student Chapters - Donate to the Educational Fund Auction

Don't miss NASTT's must-attend event - the annual Educational Fund Auction and Reception - on Monday, May 3, at the No-Dig Show in Chicago (Schaumburg). The auction is a wonder- ful way to support the students while having a great time bidding on amazing items.

Since its inception in 2002, the auction has raised more than $312,000 and directed those funds exclusively toward educational activities offered by NASTT.

Thanks to the generous support of our past contributors, money raised through the auction provide funding for student chapters' activities; funding of the NASTT 20th Anniversary - Michael E. Argent Memorial Scholarship Program; research initiatives; and room accommodations for student members attending and volunteering to work at the No-Dig Show.

To donate, please contact Angela Ghosh, NASTT assistant executive director, at aghosh@nastt.org or (703) 217-1382.







Trent Ralston Young Trenchless Achievement Award

NASTT is pleased to announce the new "Trent Ralston Award for Young Trenchless Achievement." This annual award has been created to recognize a young individual who has demonstrated excellence in the early stages of their career and who has made a valuable contribution to the trenchless technology industry. Current NASTT members under the age of 36, during the year of presentation, are eligible for consideration. Candidates must have been members of NASTT for a minimum of 24 months.

The recipient will be chosen by a committee appointed by the NASTT Chair. Applicants will be judged on employment history, relevant publications and major accomplishments, all related to the trenchless technology industry. Volunteer service to NASTT, a Regional Chapter or a Student Chapter shall also be an important component of the rating criteria.

Completed submissions should be directed to NASTT executive director Mike Willmets (mwillmets@nastt.org) and must be received by no later than March 1. The successful nominee must be present at the 2010 No-Dig Show on May 3, in Chicago (Schaumburg), to accept this award. Complimentary registration to the No-Dig Show will be provided.



Glynn, Preuss and Staheli Elected to the NASTT Board of Directors

Jennifer Glynn, Cindy Preuss and Kim Staheli have been elected to serve on the NASTT Board of Directors following an election held by letter ballot in December 2009.

Jennifer Glynn is a project manager for RMC Water and Environment in its Walnut Creek, Calif. office. Glynn has been a member of the No-Dig Program Committee for seven years and is one of the founding members of Western Chapter of NASTT (WESTT). She currently serves as Chair of WESTT and is a volunteer Pipe Bursting Good Practices Course instructor. Glynn is also a member of the AWWA Water Pipeline Rehabilitation Committee and a past vice president of the Northern California Pipe User's Group (PUG).

Cindy Preuss, P.E., is licensed as a professional civil engineer in the State of California and an associate and project manager with Harris & Associates located in Concord. In her 10 years with Harris & Associates, Cindy's engineering expertise includes designing new and rehabilitated pipeline systems and other infrastructure facilities. Preuss is currently serving her sixth year of service on the Board of Directors for (PUG).

Kim Staheli, PhD., P.E., is the president of Trenchless Consultants, a trenchless consulting firm in Seattle. She is a Registered Professional Engineer in Washington, Oregon and California. Staheli has served as Chair of the Northwest Chapter of NASTT and has been instrumental in the development of the Pacific Northwest Chapter. She also serves on the No-Dig Program Committee.

NASTT salutes outgoing board members Keith Hanks, Mark Knight and Jack Burnam, formally recognizing them during the Opening Breakfast, May 3, at the 2010 No-Dig Show in Chicago.




 

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