TAUD Members hold quarterly meeting in the Oldest City in Tennessee

Friday, July 24th, 2009 | TAUD | No Comments

With Region 1 known for its great turnouts at the quarterly meetings, the July 23rd program was no disappointment. Region Leader and General Manager of Bloomingdale Utility District Fred Hicks scheduled a very informative meeting which boasted over 75 attendees. The meeting was held at the Jonesborough Visitor Center located on Main Street in the heart of downtown.

Region 1 includes the counties of Carter, Greene, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi and Washington in upper East Tennessee.

Fred Hicks introduced Sam Harrison of Smith, Seckman & Reid Engineering of Knoxville who gave a Power Point Presentation on Water Modeling and Monitoring. A question and answer session concluded Sam’s presentation. Next, Rick Kirby of JJ&G of Knoxville gave a Presentation on CMOM Rules and Regulations. Members then had a chance to ask questions about the CMOM Program. Rounding out the program was Jonathan Cummings of Wascon in Livingston. Jonathan presented a presentation on Water Loss Through Pressure Management. Next, Members heard reports from the Johnson City Environmental Field Office on regulatory updates.

Rural Development representatives were on hand to discuss the low interest loans from RDA. Dan Martin of TAUD spoke on the new Wastewater Guidelines and upcoming CE Classes for Members. Also Will Taylor the new circuit rider for Middle and East Tennessee was introduced as the newest member to the TAUD Staff. Roger Booher of TAUD also gave a report on the upcoming Annual Conference in Gatlinburg coming up on August the 5th, 6th and 7th.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Members enjoyed a Bar-B-Que lunch with baked beans and cold slaw sponsored by WASCON, ADC, JJ&G and Smith Seckman and Reid.

We want to thank Fred Hicks Region 1 Leader and the Jonesborough Visitor Center in hosting this quarterly meeting. The next meeting will take place at the Unicoi Farms & Garden in October. Check the TAUD website at www.taud.org for more upcoming Regional Quarterly Meetings.

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

Next Generation Underwriters and Safety Engineering Consultants provides Presentation for TAUD Region 6 Members

Friday, July 24th, 2009 | TAUD | No Comments

The Tennessee Association of Utility Districts Region 6 held their quarterly meeting on July 22nd at the Lewisburg Gas Department Auditorium. This Region includes the counties of Bedford, Cannon, Coffee, Franklin, Giles, Lincoln, Marshall, Maury, Moore, Rutherford and Williamson in Southern Middle Tennessee.

With a solid turnout, Region Leader Kenneth Carr of Lewisburg Water & Wastewater introduced Kirk Smith of Next Generation Underwriters and Mark Bilyeu of Safety Engineering Consultants to kickoff the meeting with Presentations about the Tennessee Risk Management Trust Insurance program. Kirk spoke about the importance of reviewing your current policies and making sure that the proper coverage’s are in place. Kirk also spoke on the history of the ‘Trust’ and the benefits of membership. Mark Bilyeu gave a Power Point Presentation and overview on Behavioral Safety in the Workplace and then opened up the floor for any questions. Next on the program was Pete Trautman of Underground Solutions. Pete presented a presentation on Fusible PVC waterlines. Members then heard reports from Rural Development on the low interest low program and the funds available to Utility Districts. TDEC representatives were also on hand to give members a Regulatory Update and report from the State of Tennessee. Holly Austin of TN811 was on hand to answer any questions pertaining to locating underground utilities before digging.

Executive Director of TAUD Bob Freudenthal was in attendance to report on the closing of the last Legislative Session and the new guidelines that have been put in place and their effects on Utility Members.
As the meeting concluded, TAUD Members were treated to lunch sponsored by Next Generation Underwriters and Underground Solutions.

The next Region 6 meeting will be held in Tullahoma. Details to follow.

We want to thank Kenneth Carr of Lewisburg Water & Wastewater and the Lewisburg Gas Department for their hospitality in hosting this event.

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

TAUD Region 8 holds Quarterly Meeting in Martin, Tennessee

Tuesday, July 21st, 2009 | Where we will be | No Comments

Region 8 covers the Northwest corner of West Tennessee and consist of Utility Districts from Benton, Carroll, Crockett, Dyer, Gibson, Henry, Lake, Lauderdale, Obion and Weakley Counties. Grey Scott serves as Region Leader and has been newly appointed as the President of the Tennessee Association of Utility Districts for 2009/2010.

Kappis Restaurant served as the meeting place for the quarterly meeting with around 35 members is attendance. Tony Wyatt, Larry Lewis and Bob Freudenthal of TAUD were in attendance and Frank Henderson of Instrument and Supply SE giving a presentation. Jaimie Hanseroth of C.I. Thornburg also gave a presentation on their products.

Tony Wyatt of TAUD gave a report on upcoming meetings for CE Credit to get all water operators up to speed with the new laws and regulations on 24 hours staffing. Larry Lewis gave a report on the Tennessee Utility Political Action Committee (TUPAC) and spoke about the upcoming Golf Tournament to be held at Eagles Landing in Sevierville prior to the Conference in Gatlinburg this August. Members also heard reports from Rural Development, TEDC and the Jackson Environmental Field Office.

Executive Director of TAUD, Bob Freudenthal gave members a rap up on the closure of the Legislative Sessions and the changes that will have an impact on Utility Districts. Bob also encourage members from Region 8 to attend the ‘Business of Running a Utility District’ Conference coming up in early August. Meeting information and registration for the Conference are now on the TAUD website at: www.taud.org.

We want to thank Grey Scott and Kappis for their Hospitality in hosting the quarterly meeting in Martin.

Next Generation Underwriters Inc. will be on hand in the Exhibit Hall Foyer located at the bottom of the stairs in booth 85. We look forward to seeing all members of TAUD in Gatlinburg for the upcoming ‘Business of Running a Utility District’ Conference on August 5th, 6th and 7th.

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

Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association (TMEPA) conducts Annual Conference in Knoxville

Monday, July 20th, 2009 | Where we will be | No Comments

The Marriott Hotel in downtown Knoxville served as the meeting site for the 43rd Annual Meeting and Program for the members of the Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association. With a turnout of over 250 delegates for the three day Conference, members began by playing a round of Golf at the EGWANI Farms Golf Course on Wednesday morning. While members were enjoying the East Tennessee Golf and non-golfers were shopping in and around Knoxville, Associate Members where in the process of getting the exhibits ready in the Mississippi Ballroom of the Hotel.

Later in the afternoon, in the Andrew Jackson Room, the Board of Directors for TEPAC and TMEPA attended annual Conference meetings prior to the opening reception in the Exhibit Hall. Members then got a chance to tour the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame located across the street from the Marriott.

On July 16th, a full day of scheduled meetings would follow the 7 am Executive Buffet Breakfast in the Exhibit Hall. This format would allow for members to move in and out of the Exhibit Hall during sessions to visit with Vendors and Associate Members.
Later in the evening, members would enjoy a social hour in the Exhibit Hall followed by the Annual Awards Banquet. The programs entertainment was headlined by Comedian/Magician Matt Fore.

On the final day of the Conference, members attended the Executive Buffett Breakfast before breaking into General Sessions. After the Sessions were complete, members attended a Congressional Update Plus a questions and answer program with Senator Lamar Alexander prior to lunch. The Adjournment of the Meeting was conducted around 1:00 by Allen Bradley as members and attendees left for home.
Next Generation Underwriters would like to pay a special ‘Thank You’ to Mike Vinson Executive Director of TMEPA for another outstanding Conference.

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

Region 7 Holds Quarterly Meeting on July 1st.

Monday, July 6th, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments

Utility Districts from Lawrence, Lewis, Perry and Wayne Counties make up the Region 7 TAUD Members with Annie Chiodo from Waynesboro Utilities serving as Region Leader. Although the turnout was smaller than expected, members heard a very informative presentation from Matt Bachhuber of Kepferle Foundry Company. Matt discussed how to use the Manual Blow-Off devises and their serviceability and Security Styles that are available from Kepferle.

Next, members when outside to watch a live demonstration of the Automatic Flushing Devices as Matt hooked it up to a fire hydrant located just off the Courthouse Square. These are designed to flush out any contaminates located within the top housing of the hydrant. Matt also demonstrated the serviceability and how to monitor the Flow Rates of the unit. The Kepferle Foundry Company has equip a tall service van where Matt can show the Bac-T Sampling Stations and with the different styles and serviceability for convenience.

Members also heard reports from the Columbia Environmental Field Office, along with reports from Rural Development. Larry Lewis, TAUD Source Water Protection Technician gave a report on the financing programs from TAUD through Wiley Bros. Aintree-Capital. Tony Wyatt of TAUD gave a report on the upcoming training programs available in Murfreesboro and the meetings taking place across the State of Tennessee. Executive Director of the Tennessee Association of Utility Districts Bob Freudenthal gave members a final report on the Legislative session that just closed and how members will be affected by the new guidelines that have been put in place.

At the concussion of the program, a lunch was sponsored by Kepferle Foundry Company at Bradley’s Restaurant in Waynesboro.

We would like to thank Annie Chiodo Region 7 Leader and Keperle Foundry Company for their hospitality in hosting this event.

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