WorldWide Drilling Resource

Doubled Up and On to Texas by Betsy Willett, Public Relations Professional WorldWide Drilling Resource ® We left Minnesota to fly to the great state of Texas to attend the Texas Ground Water Association (TGWA) Annual Convention and Trade Show in San Marcos. When we arrived, attendees and vendors had commenced with a meet and greet at the bar. Attendees from all over North America were finishing up day one of the two-day “Aquifer Testing Techniques for Improved Hydrogeologic” class, and some exhibitors had already begun setting up their booths. Wednesday morning started out early with day two of the aquifer testing class going on, while others headed out to Plum Creek Golf Course for a friendly four- man golf scramble tournament. At the same time, concurrent continuing education classes were being given throughout the convention hall and exhibitors had an- other opportunity to complete their booths. TGWA organized a “Meet and Greet” for vendors and exhibitors to kick off the trade show. There were lots of people, tons of vendors, and a couple rigs like SEMCO’s pump hoist with 44-foot derrick mounted on a 2017 F-550, Pulstar’s P10HD3L mounted on a Dodge 5500, and Venture Drilling brought their Atlas Copco TH60. I also had the pleasure of meeting several people I had spoken to through e-mail or phone. It’s always nice putting a face with a name! The guys over at Geo Cam were great to talk to also. They told me about their openhole wireline truck and how they use it. Am I the only one who finds all of this fascinating and interesting? Afterward, we all settled in to the ballroom for the Scholarship Education Fund and Super Chapter Auction. I was amazed by all of the extraordinary hand-crafted items up for auction. They raised quite a bit of money for the scholarships. I have to give it to Mr. Charlie and the other auctioneers, as well as Alex and Chris, the auction models - y’all were too much fun to watch and capture on camera! Also at the show, were the wonderful women from the Ladies’ Auxiliary and they brought in a couple of nonprofit organizations with them like the Autism Society of Texas and Operation Overwatch. It was great to see these community organizations there and see how they intertwine with TGWA. Mark, a MANNA missionary was also there. He spoke with many vendors and attendees on how they can make a difference and help provide water to those who do not have any. Thursday was filled with more continuing educa- tion classes, the exhibit hall also opened up, and the general membership and board meetings were held. Next, was the awards luncheon where several people received recognition for their service to the industry and TGWA. After the awards were given out, Allie from Cabela’s joined us for the raffle of over 20 assorted rifles. The exhibit hall opened back up after lunch. Sad we missed the bowling tournament, but there is always next year! Attendees taking the aquifer testing class. The auctioneers having a little fun during the scholarship auction. Operation Overwatch joined TGWA at the trade show. WWDR Photos. Groundwater / Water Well by: National Ground Water Assoc. Field Methods: Groundwater Sampling and Analysis June 5-7 ~ Westerville, OH phone: 614-898-7791 www.ngwa.org by: Utah Ground Water Association Education Connection Moab PED (Professional Education Day) & Summer Retreat June 9 ~ Moab, UT phone: 801-541-7259 www.utahgroundwater.org Pipe by: McElroy University Small Diameter Oper. Qualification June 5-7 ~ Tulsa, OK Fusion Inspector Training & Qual. June 6-8 ~ Miami, FL Medium Diameter Oper. Qualification June 7-9 ~ Tulsa, OK Large Diameter Oper. Qualification June 12-15 ~ Tulsa, OK Fusion Inspector Training & Qualification (in Spanish) June 19-21 ~ Tulsa, OK phone: 918-836-8611 www.mcelroy.com Pumps by: Franklin Electric Irrigation / Industrial June 20-21 ~ Wilburton, OK phone: 800-348-2420 http://franklinwater.com/more/ training/franklintech-schedule/ 42 MAY 2017 WorldWide Drilling Resource ®