Issue link: http://psai.uberflip.com/i/599004
Page 19 PSAI Industry Retrospective The stories that make up this collection were written by Jeff Wigley, PSAI President, as a part of the PSAI's 40th anniversary celebration. For each decade, Jeff interviewed PSAI Members who were there, and in the process he discovered a wealth of knowledge and a treasure trove of stories. Members of the PSAI have shaped the industry. Developing everything from products and services, best practices, certification programs and guidelines for regulation, the PSAI was formed to coordinate and administer these efforts. The PSAI's Mission Statement says it best: "It is the mission of the PSAI to expand and improve portable sanitation services and facilities world wide, and to be recognized as the authority within our industry." Jeff would like to thank everyone who contributed to this collection: Al Hilde, Barry Gump, Bill Reynolds, Jr, Clyde Samson, Flay Anthony, Gayle Humphries, Jeff Moore, Kathy Crafton, Ken Holyoak, Lee Sola, Matt Sola, Mike Rice, Ned Carpenter, Ron Inman, Sharon Manley, Todd Boyd, Todd Hilde In addition to the countries represented in Certification, other attendees at the Board Meeting were from New Zealand, Mexico, and Barbados. Nine nations at a PSAI function held in Colombia illustrated the progress that the PSAI had made in fulfilling its mission as an international organization. CONCLUSIONS Founded as the "Portable Sanitation Association" in 1971, the "Portable Sanitation Association International" had truly earned the "I" in "International" by 2012. e leadership of Lothar Vermillion and James Elliot provided the foundation for this growth and acceptance. Nationally, as a result leadership in national disasters (9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, among others), the PSAI has become firmly entrenched as THE authority within the portable sanitation industry. Future Of The PSAI Aer a challenging year with the release of three PSAI Headquarters personnel in April of 2012, the Association has undergone a positive and vibrant transformation. Long- held static views of the former Executive Director have been replaced by Membership initiated suggestions and ideas, coupled with an active Board of Directors that is eager to embrace change: • Technology has gone from "circa 1995" to "state of the art" in a matter of months. • In May 2012, "Operation Outreach" was launched whereby Past Presidents contacted all Members to open communication. is first-of-its-kind project was a resounding success. • e result of increased communication led to the first ever "PSAI Member Survey" in July 2012, which exceeded all projections of participation. • In August 2012, the Survey responses let to the formation of eight volunteer teams that researched the areas in which the Membership deemed to be of importance and value: 1. Tiered Membership 2. Benefits of Membership 3. Increasing Membership 4. Profitability and Cost of Doing Business 5. "Green" Opportunities 6. Governmental Regulations 7. Marketing 8. Enhancing Communication • On September 21 and 22, 2012, the first Strategic Planning Session in the 40-year history of the PSAI was convened in Jersey City, NJ. e mission of this meeting was to shape the future of the Association based on the input and suggestions from the Membership. VISION A strong foundation of the "New PSAI" has been laid. With the four cornerstones being transparency, open member communication, an active Board of Directors, and a strong audit-ready position, a new Association can be built upon the 40-year history of success of the PSAI. With the motto of "ROLL UP OUR SLEEVES," the next year will be one of hard work as we turn ideas into facts, blueprints into successful programs, and artist renderings into reality. Are you ready to join this building project? "We strive to support our members and make the association a benefit to them." – Jeff Wigley, President