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ASSOCIATIONINSIGHT Portable Sanitation Association International News BIWEEKLY EDITION JUNE 9, 2021 Page 9 History of the PSAI Scholarship Program…continued from page 8 In that year, Ned relates that Lothar Vermillion received the Andy Gump Award and, as was tradition at that time, Barry Gump presented this prestigious award. "As a longtime friend of Barry, Lothar had already planned to present Barry with an award as well, so neither of them knew the other was going to receive an award." The award to Barry was a $5,000 Donation in his name to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of California which was extremely meaningful and personal to Barry and to the Gump Family. "When I saw the ease at which we raised these funds [for Barry's award], it helped me to understand that we could raise more money for scholarship awards." Ned Carpenter's Proposal to the PSAI Board—2003 After careful consideration and research, Ned shared his ideas with others, including Barry Gump. Ned then approached the Board with a proposal and a general outline. His concept was to create a program whereby a completely dedicated committee would work to benefit more students through the awarding of scholarships in more generous amounts. The Board approved the formation of the Scholarship Committee. The First Committee Members—2003 An ambitious new plan is only as effective as the committee that is formed to implement that plan. As Chairman, Ned's plan was to have supplier members as a necessary part of the Committee. Since suppliers interact with huge numbers of operators in the normal cycle of business, "spreading the word" about the Scholarship Program would be very efficient with their help. Ned says, "We initially decided to ask each portable restroom manufacturer [for help], and they quickly agreed." Todd Hilde from Satellite Industries, Gregg DeLong from PolyJohn, and Kathy Crafton from PolyPortables were charter members of this new committee. In addition, Ned also stated that the committee needed geographical representation from the operator members. He came up with the best in the industry: Barry Gump for the West Coast and Lee Sola for the Midwest. Ned himself would represent the East and the South. With all three of these individuals also having served as Presidents of the Association (Lee in 1986–87, Barry in 1988–89, and Ned in 1998–99), there were numerous connections with fellow active members. This strong team was made even stronger by the addition of Rich Vegter of Service Sanitation in Gary, Indiana, who would go on to serve as PSAI President in 2005–06. Finally, two members of the Past Presidents Council were also approached. Both Ray Luden, Sr., then working with United Site Services in Westborough, Massachusetts (2001–02), and Larry Moore, then from A Company in Boise, Idaho (2002–03) agreed to serve. Goals and Structure This new scholarship program was extremely ambitious and forward thinking. Continued on page 10 Left to right: Ned Carpenter, Gregg DeLong, and Lee Sola Rich Vegter Ray Luden, Sr.