WorldWide Drilling Resource

Exhibitors prepared for the OGWA Contractors Meeting and Annual General Meeting at 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. NOW, remember how this began? It was NOT all ab out the SHOW - oh no! This conference had a point to it - sustainability! Actually, it could have been “How NOT to kill a GOOD ASSOCIATION” . You see, this was, and continues to be an effort to bring all of the Canadian Water Well Drilling Professional Contractors back together. As some may remember, this type of event was touted as THE EVENT held every two years and rotated across the Canadian countryside - from province to province - and was enjoyed by all who attended. The meeting began, as Marcel and Carol told us, with a standard format of minutes to be read, motions to approve, etc. There were two directors who wished to remain and two new members also wanted to join (things were looking up). Then came a discussion of the convention and golf tournament: As with many association events we cover, the concern was turnout along with the size of the trade show. i c s ns d: D s us ion e ue How to motivate members to attend? Members working in isolation rather than reaching out to others. Perhaps it is the completitive nature; but collective reasoning to solve problems is always good. Maybe a letter to those members, along with a survey to see what members want? Perhaps a change of time of year and change to lower priced accommodations to hold the event and those attending and exhibiting? Remind them how much money they are saving due to the activities of the association - these savings should allow them to come to the convention. [But do they know what the association is doing for them?] Savings in insurance also, from being members, but not returning the favor? Create a women’s division - they get things moving! When they want to come, it happens! [ This was addressed in a previous series in WorldWide Drilling Resource ® - “How to Kill a Good Association” - it proved that women like to come to conventions and visit with old friends and make new ones each year. ] Need cooperation from the provincial governments? So here were some answers: Regarding Pricing - Identified as an issue by informal vote. But, show members value - what they get for their money - people want to see this, realize this. Time of year? Suggestions - Question - How many had to take time off to come? Idea posed: Cut off - Load Limit Time - before middle of May? There was disagreement to this: Doesn’t matter - people will find excuses if they are not a strong association member. Maybe in the fall? There is always work to do! FACT: For the past 20 years, every month has been used except the fall. Company size may be a factor also - small companies may not be able to spare workers. Maybe a day shorter for the convention - cut length? No prob- lem with regional meeting attendance because they are mandatory and provide Continuing Education (CE) credits, which they must have. Maybe make atten- dance mandatory for convention? Make attendance a goal - the trade show will grow if more attend - People must lose something (and realize that) if they don’t go. The thought about running a CE course during trade show - but didn’t have approval except for the disinfecting course. Maybe have two CE courses so mem- bers would be more motivated to come? Regional meetings are larger than conventions because people have to be there! Idea: Upping membership dues by $1000 and if you attend convention, you get a credit? To renew license? Some don’t join because they say they don’t get anything out of it. Idea: Tier membership? Maybe: 3 = residential, 2 = industry members, 1 = full membership. Maybe this would attract more than just contractors? Maybe a coordination with the sep- tic/wastewater businesses? Could be a unified trade show - there have been meetings to discuss this including issues that overlap both industries. Each affects the other - members thought it was an ex- cellent idea for broadening the show. Water In - Water Treatment - Water Out. Hit the government on issues from both sides. New concepts in septic sys- tems (setbacks) are an issue. Bigger crowd = BIGGER VOICE! Historically, the organization was just drilling contractors, then pump installers, then scientists, always branching out to coordinate. It was determined the association di- rectors would continue fact-finding to put the puzzle together . . . The changes in membership this past year were also brought up. Canadian Ground Water cont’d from page 15. No the police were not called to settle the discussion - this was a training exercise . 22 SEPTEMBER 2016 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® Canadian Ground Water cont’d on page 64.