Fall Crop

The National Solid Wastes Management Association (NSMWA) and the Waste Equipment Technology Association (WASTEC) are prepared for an active autumn schedule of meetings and activities. These events help waste industry leaders keep abreast of the latest technological and political trends, meet important business contacts, and learn more about issues affecting our industry. Members of NSMWA and WASTEC regularly cite the opportunity to attend association meetings and events as one of the greatest benefits of their membership.

“Everybody is busy, but NSWMA and WASTEC meetings and events are worthwhile uses of precious time,” says NSWMA's Sunbelt Regional Manager Mike Huff. “You're missing great networking opportunities if you don't attend these meetings.”

Steve Changaris, NSWMA's Northeast regional manager, adds, “Since our economy hasn't recovered, elected and regulatory officials increasingly are considering decisions such as new taxes and fees that can impact our business. Solid waste leaders need to remain informed and be involved.”

NSWMA and WASTEC meetings are open to all current and prospective NSWMA and WASTEC members. Participating in a meeting can be a good way for smaller companies to have a significant impact. As NSWMA's Midwest Regional Manager Peggy Macenas explains, “Larger company reps may bring issues forward to the chapter because they may have the staff at the state capital; however, any member can bring issues to the chapter for discussion. And all companies have an equal say in the chapter decision.”

Some meetings are shorter, focus on specific business and may include educational components. Events often include opportunities for members to meet and interact with public officials and their staff members. All provide plenty of networking opportunities, such as golf or skeet shooting, to encourage industry relationships.

Below is a list of upcoming events. Unless otherwise noted, annual conferences/meetings will focus on regional business and begin the planning process for the 2011 legislative sessions.

Sept. 14-15 — Southeast Annual Conference: Hosted by the Georgia and Florida chapters on Amelia Island, Fla.

Sept. 21-21 — South Central Annual Conference: Hosted by the Texas chapter near Austin, Texas.

Sept. 22-23 — Indiana/Kentucky Annual Meeting: Hosted by the Indiana and Kentucky chapters in West Baden Springs, Ind.

Sept. 24 — Maryland/Delaware Annual Golf Tournament: Held in Queenstown, Md., proceeds from the tournament go to chapter legislative and advocacy efforts, educational programs, and to support the local community.

Sept. 26-29 — Future Industry Leaders Association Fall Meeting: Held in Chicago. In addition to meetings, the group will be touring a number of solid waste facilities in the area.

Sept. 28-29 — Heartland Annual Conference: Hosted by the Oklahoma chapter in Lone Wolf, Okla.

Oct. 3-6 — Global Waste Management Symposium: GWMS is a three-day event in San Antonio serving the needs of the landfill community. The symposium's technical program focuses on fundamental and applied research conducted in the solid waste industry.

Oct. 5-6 — Mid-Atlantic Annual Conference: Hosted by the Virginia and Carolinas chapters at the Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Va.

Oct. 6 — Wisconsin Annual Meeting: Hosted by the Wisconsin chapter in Madison, Wis. Facility tours will be included.

Oct. 8 — Minnesota Annual Meeting: Hosted by the Minnesota chapter in Prior Lake, Minn., this meetup will include “an opportunity for shooting.”

Oct. 11-14 — EIA Executive Roundtable Conference: ERT provides a venue for senior managers, business owners, presidents and CEOs from NSWMA and WASTEC to connect with colleagues at the Balboa Bay Club and Resort in Newport Beach, Calif.

Nov. 3 — Arizona Chapter Annual Business Meeting and Golf Tournament: Hosted by the Arizona chapter in Scottsdale, Ariz. The tournament benefits the chapter legislative fund.

Nov. 10 — New York City Fall Meeting: Hosted by the New York City chapter in Queens, N.Y.

Companies without an active NSWMA or WASTEC membership should join or renew today to take advantage of this upcoming schedule of activities. Additionally, there are sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities still available for a number of these meetings. To see the latest schedule of NSWMA and WASTEC events, register, or sponsor, please visit www.environmentalistseveryday/calendar.

Thomas Metzger is director of communications and public affairs for the National Solid Wastes Management Association. Reach him at (202) 364-3751.