Issue link: http://psai.uberflip.com/i/943542
W EEKLY EDITION FEB 21, 2018 The Hand that Feeds Us …continued By PSAI Executive Director Karleen Kos, as published in the February edition of PRO Magazine • Suppliers teach us things we didn't know we didn't know. A few years ago the PSAI had a panel discussion on the topic of deodorizers. When I worked with the five panelists ahead of the event, they nearly all thought the audience wouldn't be interested in the topic. As it turned out, that panel was among our highest rated educational sessions ever. One person who ha d been in the industry for more than 25 years said, "I took 10 pages of notes! I never realized all this stuff … great information!" • Suppliers drive innovation. Suppliers succeed when you succeed, so they are uniquely interested in your problems. The hinge s on your units rust or break? Not to worry – there's a company that spent years developing a door hinge that does neither. Your drivers get into too many accidents? Companies have developed technology that will tell you in real time when the driver is spe eding and others that provide camera evidence showing who was at fault. Disposal is difficult and fees are too high? Today there are firms working on new affordable solutions and others experimenting with technologies that will turn your waste into revenue . Too often, I fear, we take suppliers for granted. Their work not only makes your company possible, it makes organizations lik e the PSAI possible. Through the volunteer time their employees provide and the financial resources that flow from their dues, advertising, and exhibit fees, the support of supplier companies provides essential elements for our work. Without them, it i s entirely likely the PSAI and similar organizations would not be able to carry out our missions. So whether you attend a trade s how this season or not – and I hope you do! – take the time to appreciate the suppliers to our industry. They are the hand that feeds us all … and if you stop by their booths, many will feed you chocolate. Visit Karleen at WWETT This Week PSAI Executive Director Karleen Kos is representing the PSAI at the WWETT Show in Indianapolis, Indiana this week The PSAI Convention and Trade Show may be coming up just next month, but before we gather in Portland, there is one popular stop th at some PSAI Members will make. This week, companies from numerous industries will gather in Indianapolis, Indiana for the Water & Wastewater Equipment, Treatment & Transport (WWETT) Show. There is always a large PSAI presence at WWETT due to our Members exhibiting and attending. In addition, three PSAI courses are being offered at WWETT this year, including "Preparing for Hazards in Portable Sanitation," "Portable Sanitation and Special Events," as well as the PSAI Basic Service Technician Training Course and C ertification Exam. In between walking the trade show floor, attending educational sessions, and catching up with fellow Members, be sure to stop by the PSAI booth #1705 . You'll be able to visit with Karleen and view the 2018 Industry Resource Directory for the first time! Above: In 2017 Cody Mastin from Co - Man Portables in Whitehouse, OH stopped by the PSAI booth at WWETT and became a new Member . Right: Past President Ron Crosier (center) visited the booth in 2016 to relax and have a chat with Lou and Sharon Paulsen. Little did Lou know we were taking in all the stories h e told that day and retold them the following month when Lou was named the 2016 Andy Gump Award winner. PAGE 2