Issue link: http://psai.uberflip.com/i/1340443
ASSOCIATIONINSIGHT Portable Sanitation Association International News BIWEEKLY EDITION FEBRUARY 17, 2021 Page 11 Regional Portable Restroom Organizations For a period, there were also regional portable sanitation associations. Many held smaller annual meetings aimed at "bringing the PSAI 'in- person' to those who cannot attend the national events." Primary among these was the Southeastern Portable Sanitation Association (SPSA). The SPSA began in the early 1980s as a regional organization that brought education and industry information to operators—initially in Virginia, the Carolinas, and Georgia. Members and attendees were typically from smaller sized companies and they were unable to attend national PSAI events. I became involved with the SPSA in the mid-1990s. A typical annual meeting consisted of 40–50 people with perhaps 8–10 exhibitors with tabletop displays. Usually, the meetings were in late March following the PSAI's Nuts & Bolts Educational Conference. With the PSAI's blessing and support, material from that event was shared these members. Another goal of the SPSA was to establish business contacts on a regional level. The business and social aspects of this group were appealing. Membership eventually expanded into West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi. Passing time brought the expansion of "The Pumper Show" in nearby Nashville and the growth in the size and geographical diversity of PSAI events. Soon, this small group no longer benefited members as travel to these larger conventions and trade shows was easier and worthwhile. The SPSA disbanded in 2011. Final Thoughts Our industry grew in conjunction with the growth of the convention and trade show industry in the late 1960s and the early 1970s. As a result, more PSAI members meant larger attendance at shows and larger shows were able to recruit more PSAI members. In addition, the PSAI has received tremendous benefit and exposure from Cole Publishing. Their amazing story of expansion from a small local newsletter to multiple publications and a renowned industry convention has established the portable restroom industry as a necessary and professional business. These humble beginnings, combined with hard work and dedication to our profession, our employees, and our beloved association is the motivation for seeking to preserve and to publicize our history.v The PSAI's 50th—The History of Conventions and Trade Shows…continued from page 10 Fact: Though small, SPSA produced several PSAI Presidents through the years: • Ned Carpenter • Flay Anthony • Larry Cashwell • Jeff Wigley • Ron Crosier Quite a significant contribution from the SPSA! Jeff Wigley Ron Crosier REQUESTS: In a future story, I will explore other associations that are "associated" with PSAI members. By profiling strong organizations, such as the Michigan Septic Tank Association (MSTA), our Canadian friends in the Ontario Association of Sewage Industry Services (OASIS), and our European colleagues in Portable Sanitation Europe (PSE), we will highlight the "I" in PSAI. FINALLY, as this series of articles continues in our 50th Anniversary Year as well as the update of "PSAI Through the Decades" is composed, please help if you can. Any articles, stories, remembrances, or any other information that you could share to assist in the preservation and the publication of the amazing history of our industry and our PSAI would be greatly appreciated. Contact me at wjwigley@bellsouth.net or call 770-206-0794. THANK YOU!