Portable Sanitation Association International

Page 12 PSAI Industry Retrospective - the 90s History Of The PSAI: The 1990s e 1990s ushered in many products, services and equipment that are commonplace in the portable sanitation industry today. Computers, the internet and cell phones became the rule as opposed to the exception. e equipment and technology of 20 years ago began to resemble that of today. OFFICIAL NAME CHANGE OF THE ASSOCIATION At the 20th Convention in Orlando, Florida, the Board of Directors voted to change the name of the Association from the long-standing "PSA" to the "PSAI" to reflect the growth and change in Membership. Although early publications reflect "PSA International," soon "PSAI" became the accepted moniker. Lothar Vermillion, an influential and successful operator in Europe, served on the Board during this time and was a major contributor in the growth of the PSAI in Europe. PSAI CERTIFICATION PROGRAM LAUNCHED IN 1992 One of the signature programs and significant benefits of Membership was created 20 years ago. Fulfilling the need for trained and informed service technicians as well as setting the standards for our industry, the first training class occurred at the Annual Convention in Phoenix on November 6, 1992 with an inaugural class of 50 candidates. According to the July 1992 "PSAI in Action," the Objectives of Certification are: • To Raise the Standards of Our Industry • To Encourage Self-Assessment by Offering Guidelines for Achievement • To Identify Persons With Acceptable Knowledge of Principles and Practices within Our Industry e initial committee that brought this monumental program to reality included Flay Anthony, Gene Howse, Henry McCall, Tom Stange, and Lothar Vermillion. Flay's involvement with Certification continues even today. ank you all for all of your hard work and dedication in this landmark effort. CREATION OF THE M.Z. "ANDY" GUMP AWARD IN 1993 As the PSAI continued to grow and to gain historical significance, there was a lack of meaningful lifetime achievement recognition in this now international association. According to Barry Gump, "I made a presentation to the Board about establishing an award that would represent the best that our Association had to offer. Although my Dad came well before the PSAI, his morals, his honesty, and his desire to "help someone" were the characteristics that leaders in our Association should strive for." Andy Gump was a true pioneer in the industry beginning his business from his garage in 1956. Andy's "do business with a handshake" and "your word is your bond" business philosophy earned customer loyalty and admiration that continues to this day. e origin of the familiar Andy Gump statue and inscription is inspirational in itself. It all started with a postcard. Barry's aunt in Colorado lived next door to a very remarkable lady that, although stricken with cancer, continued to do sculpture and write poetry. Barry's aunt sent him a postcard of the now famous "Banker and Cowboy" statues with the poem: e Contract " When two people meet an agreement made the terms of the deal, the plans are laid Each one gives their seal by the grip of their hand On their word of honor they take a stand. ese days there are contacts all written out So there is nothing to dispute about But if a person won't stand on his work understood A piece of paper won't make it good." With the establishment of the award in 1993, who would the first recipient be? Barry said "Clyde Samson seemed to be the embodiment of this new Award. His lifetime of success in the industry, his deep commitment to the PSAI, his entrepreneurial spirit and his service to his country, made Clyde the obvious choice in my mind."

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