It was great to see many of you at the EGSA Spring Convention in New Orleans. If you were fortunate enough to have attended, you had the opportunity to see first-hand the interesting and informative presentations offered by our guest speakers; share in honoring EGSA members for their contributions to the Association; welcome 60 new member firms and 36 first-time attendees and enjoy all of the fun, food and excitement that have made New Orleans famous.
The Convention kicked off with a keynote address by Andy Karsner, former U.S. Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Mr. Karsner gave an informative and insightful keynote on the need for the public and private sectors to work together, in a comprehensive way, to meet environmental and economic goals. Attendee’s interest in this topic was evident as Mr. Karsner continued his Q&A session in the hallway, during a scheduled break and following his presentation. Our other guest speakers, in keeping with this year’s theme “Cleaning Up the Air: The Future of Energy,” gave interesting and informative presentations on both Green Technologies and RICE NESHAP regulations.
With New Orleans playing host to our Convention, Mike Park from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers gave a particularly topical session on the Storm Damage Risk Reduction System being implemented since Hurricane Katrina, a very impressive anti-flooding project.
We welcomed new leadership for two of our EGSA Committees, Chairman, Steve Evans of the Green Committee and Todd Lathrop, Chairman of the Codes & Standards Surveillance Committee. I was very pleased to see the turnout for the committee meetings. Many great ideas came out of the meetings including a theme for our Fall Convention in Baltimore, “Using Technology to Bridge the Generation Gap.” Your participation is proof-positive that we all benefit from the suggestions and insights offered when members get involved in their Association.
At the Awards Banquet I had the honor of presenting awards to three of our members. Andy Ulavege received The William Timmler Award for his most recent work leading the Education Committee through a very active time, first as Secretary and then as Chairman. Former EGSA President (2008) and two time board member, Warner Bauer received the Leroy H. Carpenter Award for his long and outstanding service to the Association. Jim Wright’s dedication throughout the years and undying commitment to EGSA has been invaluable and has influenced the Association’s direction and focus. In recognition of his commitment, I had the privilege of presenting Jim with The President’s Award. Thank you again gentlemen for your contributions to our Association throughout the years.
The Field Service Etiquette Roundtable, moderated by Leo LeBlanc, offered valuable insight and advice on this important and often overlooked subject. Attendees likewise benefitted from some of the best, high-energy networking thanks to the presence of some 230 attendees, including 36 first-timers.
There were so many highlights … the weather was perfect, the food was amazing, the vibrant, Mardi Gras atmosphere was enjoyed by all and the fishing and golf tournaments were second-to-none! Most attendees count this year’s convention as one of EGSA’s best ever. Thank you New Orleans for hosting a great Convention! Did I mention a lot of big redfish were caught?
If you didn’t have the opportunity to join us at the Spring Convention, I encourage you to make plans to attend EGSA’s Fall Conference September 18-20 in Baltimore, Maryland. This year’s Conference promises to be three days packed with learning, growing, networking, and having fun. Even so, it won’t be the same without you, so please make plans to join us.
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