WorldWide Drilling Resource

76 AUGUST 2013 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® GEFCO Training Class 2013 Through the Eyes of a Student... by Veronica I. “Ronnie” Jones Managing Publisher We al l know there have been many changes in many companies during the past few years. GEFCO (The George E. Failing Company) has had many, and all GOOD! Earlier this year you may have noticed the change in the logo for the company in their ads appearing in WorldWide Drilling Resource ® . Since Astec Industries Company purchased the company, the manufacturing plant in Enid, Oklahoma, began undergoing complete renovation including new and modern equipment and changes in lay- out. But, one thing has NOT changed! They continue to provide the very best educational experience packed in one solid week of classroom as well as “hands-on” activities outdoors with the rigs, pumps, etc. This year I got to once again be part of that wonderful experience and will be sharing it with you for many months to come in a series you are sure to enjoy. If you are interested in being part of this great educational opportunity - look for the Scholarship Application online at: www.worldwidedrillingresource.com as well as in our upcoming issues. We encourage you to apply! You won’t be sorry - once you win! Look for the Hard Hat and GEFCO Training Manual each month NDA had a Grand Time in Florida Information Provided by the National Drilling Association National Drilling Association (NDA) held a Meet and Greet at the Caribe Royale Hotel in Orlando, Florida, during the Florida Ground Water Association’s Annual Convention & Trade Show held in May. The evening featured hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, and other beverages. Everyone had a great time playing bingo for some fantastic door prizes including a flat panel TV! Plans were also discussed for forming a Florida NDA Chapter. All are welcome to join. Currently, there are five local NDA chapters: Buckeye, Mid- Atlantic, New England, Pacific Northwest, and Tri-State. Founded in 1972, the NDA is a non- profit trade association of contractors, manufacturers, and affiliated members from the drilling industry representing the geotechnical, environmental, and mineral exploration sectors. The association has more than 250 international member companies with a mission to promote the use of profession- al drilling contractors and their methods. NDA is also a great resource for continuing education. This year’s annual convention, October 17-19, will be held at the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort in Orlando, Florida. The presentations featured at this year’s event include: equipment and business appraisals; magnifying profits in foundations design; new revenue streams for drilling professionals; geo- technical drilling quality control and assur- ance, as well as presentations on safety, geophysics, leadership, and management. Subsurface investigation qualifica- tion training will also be offered at this year’s convention. The course is intended for drill operators, drilling inspectors, engi- neers, geologists, and technicians in- volved in field data collection and quality assurance of subsurface investigations. Some of the topics covered are: explo- ration equipment and methods; safety: borehole sealing; drilling and sampling requirements and criteria; proper soil and rock visual classification and descriptions; common drilling errors; and dealing with difficult subsurface site conditions. Please call the NDA office at 877-632-4748 for information. +9 &8 ,&6"4/23 ( ! ( ! !" ( $ " ( !" & )"6& &,&6"4/23 /' ",, 3*:&3 490&3 ".% 7&*()43 ".% $". #5*,% 4/ ".9 30&$*", "00,*$"4*/.3 *,'*&,% "4&2 &,, /.6&.4*/.", ".% &6&23& *2$5,"4*/. 2*,, *0& 15*0-&.4 +9 &8 ,&6"4/23 2& 3&% /2,%7*%& ( & % " ( # ' !" ! 2&8 2&8-$'"%%&. $/- ,&6"4/23 /"% 4&34 $&24*'*$"4&3 "6"*,"#,& ) # !$ ) # ' " ) # !$ ) ! " $ #$ ! ( #! $ $ " ( ! "" % ! $ " ( #" ( & " 777 2&8-$'"%%&. $/- &7 3&% 15*0-&.4 6"*,"#,& NASA plans to capture and begin har- vesting a near-earth asteroid’s resources by 2025. The Cancer planet “55 Cancri e” is 40 light-years away, and may be made of diamond.