WJTA-IMCA Expo planned for Aug. 17-19

The WaterJet Technology Association and Industrial & Municipal Cleaning Association will host the inaugural WJTA-IMCA Expo Aug. 17-19 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.

The event will include an expanded exhibit hall and boot camp sessions for individuals and companies. Displays will include equipment, products and services related to precision waterjet cutting, industrial cleaning, waterblasting, hydrodemolition, surface preparation, and industrial vacuuming.

There will be 51 exhibitors, and 12 companies will give live demonstrations of their equipment. For more information, contact the WJTA at 314/241-1449 or visit www.wjta.org.

Ted DeBoda Named NASSCO Executive Director

The National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO) board of directors has selected Ted DeBoda, P.E., to succeed Irvin Gemora as executive director. Last October, Gemora announced his decision to retire effective in February 2011.

DeBoda is manager of the Baltimore office of the URS Corporation, a leading provider of engineering, construction and technical services for public agencies and private-sector companies around the world. Previously, DeBoda served as a senior project manager for URS in the Delaware office, and served 15 years with the Departments of Public Works and Special Services in New Castle County, Del., working in the Engineering and Operations Divisions.

“Accepting the position at NASSCO is a natural progression for me,” says DeBoda. “Becoming executive director is the only career opportunity I can think of for which I would ever leave URS. The position at NASSCO is the next step in my contribution to helping the industry grow as a whole.

“I’ve been in this business my entire life, and I have a passion for the industry and the professionals involved in it. This is the next step for me to personally promote trenchless technologies on a national level, reconnect with people I’ve known through the years, meet new industry experts, and work to help us all come together to move our industry forward.”

DeBoda is also vice president of the Chesapeake Water Environment Association and a past chair and founding member of the Collection System Committee. He also brings 20 years of leadership experience as an officer in the Army National Guard. “I fully intend to stay involved in leadership positions in WEF and CWEA to help to stay on top of the latest technological and legislative changes in the industry, while getting information out to the people who need it,” says DeBoda.

Gemora comments, “We are very excited about Ted’s appointment. We know that in order to uphold NASSCO’s mission, we must reach out to other organizations, industries, governments, and look at all avenues to promote trenchless technologies. I believe that Ted is just the guy to do that. He also has a great combination of contractor, engineer and municipal experience, so I am confident that he will relate very well to NASSCO members.”

Gemora’s nine years as NASSCO executive director left a legacy of accomplishments that started during a period of significant technological advances and ended with a challenging economic period. One of the most significant accomplishments during his tenure was in making the Pipeline Assessment Certification Program (PACP) a national standard.

DeBoda will officially take the helm in August 2010. Gemora will help bridge the transition by continuing his involvement until February 2011. For more information on NASSCO, visit www.nassco.org.

Louisiana FS Solutions Center Adds Guzzler Parts

Federal Signal Environmental Solutions Group’s FS Solutions center in Gonzales, La., now stocks parts for Federal Signal’s Guzzler brand of industrial vacuum loaders, as well as vacuum accessories. The new inventory is in addition to the Jetstream brand of waterblasters and other makes and models of waterblasters already in stock.

Draincables Direct Opens California Location

Draincables Direct has opened a distribution facility in Visalia, Calif. Draincables Direct now has two West Coast locations.

PipeFlo Becomes Installer for LMK Enterprises

PipeFlo Contracting Corp., operating in Southern Ontario, Canada, has become a licensed installer for LMK Enterprises. PipeFlo will offer both LMK’s Lateral Lining System and its Vac-a-Tee Trenchless Cleanout Installation System.

Elastec/American Marine Assists with Gulf Oil Spill

Elastec/American Marine is assisting with the oil spill cleanup in the Gulf of Mexico. The company has shipped 9.14 miles of containment boom to assist in the response efforts. The inflatable, water-cooled, fire-resistant Hydro-Fire Boom System was developed to contain surface oil and burn it offshore.

StoneAge Named 2010 Colorado Company to Watch

StoneAge Inc., Durango, Colo., was named 2010 winner of the Colorado Companies to Watch award, presented by M3 Insurance and developed by the Edward Lowe Foundation. StoneAge was chosen from among 250 nominees and 110 finalists. To be eligible, nominees must be a second-stage company, typically past the startup phase, and face growth challenges rather than survival issues. Companies must be privately held, employ six to 99 full-time workers, have between $750,000 and $50 million in annual revenue or working capital and demonstrate the intent and capacity to grow. Founded in 1979, StoneAge had 49.5 employees in 2009 and has averaged 18 percent in annual sales growth.

Pat’s Pump Named Distributor for Myers/Aplex

Pat’s Pump & Blower has been named Southeast Master Distributor for the Myers/Aplex line of high-pressure pumps used for the sewer jetting industry.