Archive for February, 2010
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 3rd 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 15th, 16th and 17th 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 27th, 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