Jackson Energy Authority (JEA) host Region 11 featuring Safety Engineering Consultants

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010 | TAUD, Where we will be | No Comments

Nick Newman of Memphis Light, Gas and Water serves as Region 11 Leader which serves the utilities of TAUD from Chester, Fayette, Decatur, Hardeman, Hardin, Henderson, Haywood, Madison, McNairy, Shelby and Tipton Counties in Southern West Tennessee. The program was sponsored by Next Generation Underwriters Inc. and Safety Engineering Consultants of Hendersonville. This meeting would also serve as TAUD’s pilot program for NIMS Training which would follow after lunch. Greg Baker of TAUD served as the instructor for the 3 hour CE Course.

Staff Members from the Tennessee Association of Utility Districts on hand were Executive Director Bob Freudenthal, Larry Lewis, Dewayne Culpepper, Tony Wyatt and Greg Baker. Originally scheduled to present the Basic Safety Program from Safety Engineering Consultants was Chris Stites, however due to a family health issue, Chris was not able to attend and Mark Bilyeu of SEC stepped in to give a 45 minute program to those in attendance. We want to give the Members of TAUD  a good opportunity to understand the importance of our programs benefits on Safety in the workplace stated Bilyeu. We touched on just a few of the behavioral based material today and plan on going into great depth with our upcoming CE sessions this spring and summer states Bilyeu.  Assisting in the presentation was Kirk Smith of Next Generation Underwriters who answered questions pertaining to joining the Tennessee Risk Management Trust and explanations to the benefits of the program.  The presentation lasted around 50 minutes which would take us up to the announcements from Bish Thomas of Rural Development. Bish informed attendees of the remaining stimulus funds that are still available and information about guidelines of the program.  Next Bob Freudenthal had all Associate Members who wanted to introduce themselves and speak briefly about their companies and their services were allowed to speak.

Dewayne Culpeper of TAUD gave regulation updates for Wastewater Operators.  Larry Lewis spoke about the interim finance program from TUBPA in association with Wiley Bros. Aintree Capital.  Tony Wyatt West Tennessee Circuit Rider gave attendees information about the Training Center in Murfreesboro’s upcoming schedule and opportunities for CE credits. Bob Freudenthal finished up the morning session with information about the upcoming Legislative Conference and Rally to be held next week in Nashville at the Double Tree Hotel.  Bob states, we want all members of TAUD to attend this very important program due to  the Federal Government’s proposed regulations that can affect the Utility Districts here in Tennessee.  We encourage you to take the time to meet with your Congressman while attending the meetings.

At the conclusion of the morning meeting, attendees were treated to lunch at the JEA Training Center sponsored by Safety Engineering Consultants and Next Generation Underwriters Inc. The lunch was catered by Backyard Bar-B-Que of Jackson.

We want the thank Jackson Energy Authority, Nick Newman of MLGW, Larry Lewis of TAUD and Mark Bilyeu of SEC for today’s program.

Kirk Smith
Account Executive
Next Generation Underwriters
615.822.5454
ksmith@nguins.com

West Wilson Utility District host Region 5 Quarterly Meeting

Thursday, February 4th, 2010 | TAUD, Where we will be | No Comments

Tom Faulk of West Wilson Utility District welcomed members of Region 5 to the first quarterly meeting for 2010. The meeting was sponsored by Heartland Pump Rental and Sales Inc. and held on February 3^rd at the offices of West Wilson Utility District. The member utilities in Region 5 reside in Robertson, Sumner, Davidson and Wilson Counties. We also want to  welcome the representatives from Adams-Cedar Hill Water Systems who are making their first visit to our meeting Faulk stated.

First, Executive Director of TAUD, Bob Freudenthal gave members a report on the Legislative Session that just started and encouraged Utility Districts to attend the Legislative Conference and Rally coming up on February 15^th, 16^th and 17^th in Nashville. This Rally is designed for member utilities to engage one on one with their State Senators and State Representatives to address bills and issues associated with the operation of a utility district. Bob states that it is vital for members to attend this Conference and Rally.  Next on the agenda was a power point presentation from Civic Engineering & Information Technologies. Then attendees heard from Representatives of Heartland Pump Rental & Sales of the Nashville Branch offices. Heartland also invited all members to a demonstration rig set up in the parking lot of West Wilson Utility District. A power point presentation on multiple applications for these type of pump operations was presented and members got a good look at the services that Heartland Pump Rental & Sales can provide.

Next, John Hall of TAUD gave an update on the Low Interest Interim financing program from Wiley Bros. Aimtree Capital.  Dan Martin of TAUD gave a report for the wastewater operators in attendance. Representatives from Rural Development provide information on monies available to utility districts from RDA. Scott Bueal of TN811 gave a report on the services and changes in the law for TN811 and how it effects utility construction. There were also Representatives for TDEC who provided members with updates from the state on reporting water loss. Next, Larry Lewis of TAUD gave members a report on the upcoming training opportunities and passed out the new publication training schedule booklet now available from TAUD.

After the meeting concluded, attendees traveled over to Baker’s Café and enjoyed a great lunch sponsored by Civic Engineering & Information Technologies and Heartland Pump Rental & Sales Inc.

We wish to thank Tom Faulk of West Wilson Utility District and our lunch sponsors for another great Region 5 meeting.  

Kirk Smith
Account Executive
Next Generation Underwriters
615.822.5454
ksmith@nguins.com

Associate Member host Region 6 TAUD meeting in Fayetteville

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010 | TAUD, Where we will be | No Comments

Kenneth Carr serves as the General Manager of Lewisburg Water & Wastewater and carries the dual role of serving as Region 6 Leader for the TAUD members. Last Wednesday January 27^th, in Fayetteville, Mike Wetherington President of American Development Corporation (ADC) hosted the first quarterly meeting this year for Region 6. A great crowd of over 85 attendees were on hand for a terrific presentation by Ron Warren and Duke Julian of United Utilities. They presented a power point program on AMR’s and Leak Detection. Next Michael Walden of Windsor Technologies along with Corey Harper on SHK Enterprises presented a program on Fire Hydrant Security.

TAUD staff members on hand included, Larry Lewis, Bob Freudenthal, Dewayne Culpepper, Bruce Trotter, Dan Martin and John Hall.

Prior to this meeting, Mike Wetherington, President of ADC wanted to recognize one of his most valuable and beloved employees, Glen “Piggy” Parks who is now retired as of the end of 2009.  On the night before, everyone who has come in contact with Piggy was asked to attend his retirement party in downtown Fayetteville.  A huge crowd showed up to pay Glen “Piggy” Parks a job well done as we send him off onto his next adventure states Wetherington.  Retired but not forgotten, Piggy will keep his cell phone by his side in the event that anyone needs him.

The lunch was sponsored by United Utilities. A skeet shoot and round of golf was on scheduled but, due to weather conditions these events were canceled.

Standard reports were also given by TAUD, Rural Development and TN811.

We thank Mike Wetherington of ADC and Kenneth Carr for their hospitality in hosting this event and meeting.

Kirk Smith
Account Executive
Next Generation Underwriters
615.822.5454
ksmith@nguins.com

Oldest City in Tennessee host Region 1 TAUD Quarterly Meeting

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010 | TAUD, Where we will be | No Comments

Located on historic Boone Street in the heart of Jonesborough, members from Region 1 gathered at the Jonesborough Visitors Center to hear the latest news from the Tennessee Association of Utility Districts. Fred Hicks, General Manager of Bloomingdale Utility District and Region 1 Leader served as host for meeting and program. Region 1 includes Utility Districts from Carter, Greene, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi and Washington Counties and has held attendance records boasting over 110 attendees back in 2008 for a single meeting. Roger Booher who serves as a Field Circuit Rider for TAUD recorded 82 members for the January 17^th meeting.

Serving as sponsor for the program, Vaughn & Melton Inc. provided a power point presentation by Stuart Humphries of EnviroMix and Tom Kazmier of Kazmier & Associates Inc. on mixing technologies and applications for water & wastewater utilities.

Members also heard reports from the Johnson City Environmental Field Office on regulatory updates. Also, a brief report from Rural Development on the low interest loan program still available. John Hall of TAUD gave a report on the upcoming training opportunities along with encouraging utilities to attend the upcoming Legislative Rally to be held in Nashville on February 15^th, 16^th and 17^th.  Next Dan Martin of TAUD gave a report on Wastewater regulations that will be put in place over the next few years.

Kirk Smith of Next Generation Underwriters Inc. informed members about the upcoming Basic Safety Training opportunities available on June 2^nd. This will take place after the Region 2 meeting to be held in the Knoxville area. Be sure to contact Region 2 Leader Wayne Watson for class availability. Also, Holly Austin of TN811 gave attendees an update on making sure to contact them before digging. New laws have gone into effect before earth can be turned. Underground utilities must be marked or fines  will be leaved against the contractor.

At the conclusion of the meeting, lunch was sponsored by Vaughn & Melton and catered by the Firehouse Restaurant

We want to thank the Firehouse Restaurant and Fred Hicks along with the Jonesborough Visitor Center for their hospitality. Be sure to check the TAUD website for continuous updates.

Kirk Smith
Account Executive
Next Generation Underwriters
615.822.5454
ksmith@nguins.com

TOOT-N-TELL-IT Host Region 8 TAUD Meeting in Dyer Tennessee.

Monday, January 18th, 2010 | TAUD, Where we will be | No Comments

Grey Scott, General Manager of the Gibson County Municipal Water District serves as the Region 8 Leader and also President of the Tennessee Association of Utility Districts. To say his plate is full would be an understatement. Grey put together another great program for the Utility Districts from Benton, Carroll, Crockett, Dyer, Gibson, Henry, Lake, Lauderdale, Obion and Weakley Counties. The main program presenter was Kevin Young with the HD Supply Company. Kevin presented a power point presentation on AMR Meter Systems. This was the first time HD Supply has brought their package information to the Utility Districts in Region 8.

Next, attendee’s heard reports from Rural Development and the Jackson Environmental Field Office. Brenda Horner was on hand from the Union City office of USDA. Kirk Smith of Next Generation Underwriters gave members an update on the CE Credit Safety Classes which will be available on July 8th for the West Tennessee Region. Chris Stites along with Mark Bilyeu of Safety Engineering Consultants will be presenting a program after the regularly scheduled Region 8 meeting. The class will start at approximately 12:30 and run until 3:30 to 4:00 on the 8th of July.

Dewayne Culpepper of TAUD gave members a report on Wastewater guidelines and updates. Tony Wyatt with TAUD gave members a report on the upcoming training sessions for CE Credit and updates pertaining to the TAUD website. Greg Baker of TAUD was on hand to give members a report on the upcoming NIMS Training for 2010. Larry Lewis of TAUD re-emphasized to the members that TAUD wants utility districts to use the TAUD website for all updates and additional information pertaining to meetings and training. Larry stated, in our effort to cut down on the cost of providing information, TAUD will no longer mail meeting reminders to utility districts. We are now providing the meeting planner booklet which will give members a one year’s notice of scheduled events. These booklets were made available at the meeting. Next Holly Austin of TN811 gave a brief report on the new laws involving location of utility lines underground.

Mike Wetherington of America Development Corporation, informed members of the retirement party for long time employee Glen ‘Piggy’ Parks on January 26th. This will take place in Fayetteville and prior to the Region 6 meeting on January 27th. Mike has invited everyone associated with the membership of TAUD and let’s help send a big ‘Thank You’ to a man who has served ADC and the Utility Districts of Tennessee with honor, class and respect. Piggy’s presents will be missed.

We would like to thank Kevin Young of HD Supply for sponsoring the lunch plus, thank you to Grey Scott and the TOOT-N-TELL-IT Restaurant for their Hospitality in hosting the meeting.

Kirk Smith
Account Executive
Next Generation Underwriters
615.822.5454
ksmith@nguins.com

Region 7 Holds first TAUD Meeting of 2010 in Waynesboro

Thursday, January 7th, 2010 | TAUD, Where we will be | No Comments

Annie Chiodo serves as the Manager of Waynesboro Water & Wastewater along with the responsibilities of Region 7 Leader. The meeting took place at Bradley’s Restaurant in downtown Waynesboro and attracted some new attendee’s for this Region. Typically, this has been one of the smallest regions but, a new realignment of adding Decatur and Hardin Counties to Region 7 should boost attendance figures. The move was made to give Utility District’s located in the eastern part of West Tennessee south of I-40 a better chance to attend the quarterly meetings without having to travel down to Memphis. Larry Lewis of TAUD felt that the realignment would serve the Decatur and Hardin County’s Utility Districts better and pushed to make the change. Lewis said in a statement during the Wayne County meeting, we try to make each Region accessible for all Utility’s travels as we are sensitive to the amount of time needed to attend meetings.

The first presentation of the meeting was from Alliance Water Resources with Dick Tuttle providing a power point presentation. The presentation centered around the I&I issues and how to construct a program. Dick discussed the reducing infiltration and inflow as an important component of CMOM. He also presented the information on the benefits of I&I reduction for communities as efficiencies result from fewer complaints. This information will help achieve fewer sewer system overflows, less time spent on sewer backups, lowered energy cost, and less wear and tear on treatment plant machinery.

On a more somber note, Members learned of an accident involving David Money’s daughters from Summertown. David serves in the Columbia Environmental Field office and attends the Region 7 meetings regularly. Information can be obtained on the TAUD website involving the accident and the Funeral arrangements. Please keep David and his family in your prayers.

Next, Executive Director of TAUD, Bob Freudenthal gave a report on the upcoming legislative rally to be held in Nashville on February 15^th, 16^th and 17^th.  Region 7 was also the first to receive the new Conference Planner Guide for 2010. This new publication contains all the Conference and Rally information along with registrations for each program.

Kirk Smith with Next Generation Underwriters Inc. gave members a report on the upcoming sessions being offered as CE Credit from Safety Engineering Consultants. This free program to TAUD Members will be held in Jackson, Tennessee at the Jackson Energy Authority(JEA) training facility on February 11^th. Smith stated that in the event members could not attend this session, they would have an option of going to the Region 9 quarterly meeting  sessions which will be held on June 24^th in Dickson at the Dickson Country Club.

Additional reports from TAUD Staff Members, Tony Wyatt gave a report on upcoming training for water operators, Dewayne Culpepper gave a report on the EPA updates to Wastewater Operators and Holly Austin of TN811 reported on the new laws involving the services they offer.

After the reports were given, Members enjoyed a fantastic lunch at Bradley’s sponsored by Alliance Water Resource. We want to thank Annie Chiodo and Bradley’s Restaurant for their hospitality in hosting this meeting.

Kirk Smith
Account Executive
Next Generation Underwriters
615.822.5454
ksmith@nguins.com

Record Number turn out for Region 3 Quarterly Meeting at Cove Lake State Park……….

Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009 | TAUD, Where we will be | No Comments

(Jacksboro, Tn.) The final quarterly meeting for TAUD’s Region 3 was held on December 17^th at the Cove Lake State Park Pavilion and Conference Center. Jimmy Langley, Region 3 Leader and General Manager of Luttrell, Blaine & Corryton (LBC) Utility District had encouraged Utility Districts to attended the Christmas themed gathering. Langley was in for a real surprise as was Harold Corum of McGill Associates who helps put the programs together for the East Tennessee area TAUD Members. Corum had ask all Associate Members to bring door prizes valued at over 50 dollars or more and they did not disappoint.

Two 8ft tables were filled with great gifts as the crowed continued to grow. Jimmy Langley indicated that we usually have  around 35 to 40 during the year per meeting, but on this date, a grand total of 92 Members and Associate Members were packed inside the Conference Center. As true to form, Jimmy and Harold had put together a great program and it started with Jimmy Langley explaining the reason you see xmas used to describe Christmas. Next, Steve Chappell of Central Services Association (CSA) gave attendees a report on the increase in energy from our neighbors in the electric utility business. Then a power point presentation was presented by Gary McGill of McGill Associates. Titled, THE BIG BEAR ON THE HORIZION, Gary has been given the Members of TAUD the inside information on how the cost of electricity is going to impact the water utility districts. Roger Booher of TAUD gave members a report on the upcoming training opportunities, and John Hall of TAUD gave attendees a report on upcoming events that TAUD Members will want to attend. Dan Martin of TAUD gave wastewater operators an update and report on changes that have been put in place since the last legislative session.

Kirk Smith of Next Generation Underwriters informed Members about the opportunities coming up to receive free Safety Training at Region Meetings 2 and 10. These sessions have been approved for CE Credit and will last around 3 hours. The sessions will be held after the regular Region meetings are concluded.

Attendees then heard reports from ETDD and TN811. TDEC also had representatives on hand to answer questions about water quality and safety.

After the door prizes were drawn, Members and Associates  enjoyed another great meal from Vanessa of Classy Threads and Catering. The lunch and program was sponsored by McGill Associates. We want to thank Gary McGill, Harold Corum and Jimmy Langley for another great Region 3 Meeting.

Kirk Smith
Account Executive
Next Generation Underwriters
615.822.5454
ksmith@nguins.com