Word On WasteExpo, The

Alice P. Jacobsohn

There were no signs of an anemic economy at this year's WasteExpo held the first week of April. In fact, the nation's largest showcase of waste systems and technology was larger than ever, with 427 companies filling 242,000 square feet in Chicago's McCormick Place South — all awaiting the arrival of 11,500 visitors.

The show floor grew by 10 percent, attendance was up by 4 percent and international attendance was up by 6 percent since 2000, according to Show Director Rita Ugianskis-Fishman of Intertec Exhibitions, Stamford, Conn. “This represents a 13 percent growth in attendance in the past two years,” Ugianskis says. “Keep in mind that attendance was steadily declining for the previous 5 years — likely due to the effects of consolidation.”

WasteExpo's marketing efforts have been more aggressive in the past two years, as well, Ugianskis adds. “From the exhibition to the educational sessions, we are creating a show with a broader appeal to reach key segments such as waste generators and public sector professionals.”

“I am very pleased with the overall results of WasteExpo 2001,” Ugianskis continues. “I think this is a good indication of the strength of the show and the future of this industry.”

Among the show highlights were:

In total, these events made the show as great as it was, Ugianskis says. “I greatly appreciate everyone who supported this event — our partners, sponsors, vendors and, most importantly, our attendee and exhibitor customers.”

Following are photographs from the various activities.

Be a part of WasteExpo 2002, May 20-23, in Las Vegas. Contact Rita Ugianskis-Fishman at (203) 358-3705. Fax: (203) 358-5816. Website: www.wasteexposhow.com.

Accolades And Awards

Each year during WasteExpo, the Washington, D.C.-based Environmental Industry Associations (EIA) and its sub-associations, the National Solid Wastes Management Association (NSWMA) and Waste Equipment Technology Association (WASTEC), honor people who have contributed to the industry, association and community. Here are this year's winners (pictured on right):

NSWMA winners for Distinguished Service Award

Linda Glaus, Sonny's Solid Waste Service Inc., Sikeston, Mo.
Steven D. Menoff, EMCON/OWT Solid Waste Services, Bolingbrook, Ill.

NSWMA's Special Governors' Award

Jeff Gaker, Republic Services Inc., Stone Mountain, Ga. (not pictured)
David Moore, J.C. Duncan Companies, Arlington, Texas

WASTEC Distinguished Service Award

Henry C. Jobe, Harris Waste Management Group Inc., Peachtree, Ga.

WASTEC Employees of the Year for Production, Engineering and Sales

Production: Richard Bell, Leach Co., Oshkosh, Wis.
Engineering: Randy Lewis, Bes-Pac Inc., Easley, S.C.
Sales: Shawnna Romans, Marathon Equipment Co., Vernon, Ala.

EIA Special Trustee Award

Ted C. Flood, International Baler Corp., Jacksonville, Fla.
Robert Eldredge, Eldredge Inc., West Chester, Pa. (not pictured).

EIA Hall of Fame Inductees

Darlene Jeter, Jet-A-Way Inc., Roxbury, Mass.
Keith Foster, Keith Manufacturing, Madras, Ore.
Floyd Tuominen, Excel Manufacturing Inc., Coleraine, Minn.

Drivers are the lifeblood of the waste industry. They navigate heavy trucks through narrow streets in bad and good weather conditions. In many cases, drivers also are responsible for performing other duties, such as training drivers and maintaining safe operations. This year's EIA Drivers of the Year program, sponsored by Heil Environmental Industries Inc., Chattanooga, Tenn., recognized refuse truck drivers with exceptional safety and customer service records. The winners are (pictured on right):

Public Sector

Michael J. Maloney, City of San Diego

Small Company

Gene R. Rehbein, Walters Recycling and Refuse, Blaine, Minn.

Large Company Residential

Alan R. Beschler, York Waste Disposal Inc., York, Pa.

Large Company Commercial

Alberto V. Aguilar, BFI Waste Systems, San Antonio, Texas

Large Company Industrial

John T. Updike Jr., BFI Waste Systems, Commerce City, Colo.