Twenty years later, NASTT is a vibrant, growing organisation of more than 1,200 members, nine regional chapters and eleven student chapters throughout the US, Canada and Mexico.

The 20th anniversary of NASTT is surely to be celebrated with excitement at our 2010 No-Dig Show in Chicago (Schaumburg), 2–7 May. NASTT is planning an eventful and memorable No-Dig commemorating this very special occasion to include the presentation of the first ever Michael E. Argent Memorial Scholarships.

Up to five scholarships in the amount of $US5,000 each will be awarded to deserving students who are active members of a NASTT student chapter and fulfil other eligibility requirements. Michael was one of our founding members, and it is hoped that his contributions to our industry will continue to inspire young trenchless professionals through this newly established scholarship program.

The program is funded through monies raised at NASTT’s Educational Fund Auction held each year at No-Dig. I personally encourage you to get involved in this effort by donating items and/or services to the auction. By doing so, you are supporting the future of our industry in more ways than one.

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NASTT is pleased to announce the new Trent Ralston Award for Young Trenchless Achievement to recognise a young professional who has shown commitment to the trenchless industry through volunteerism, leadership and career accomplishments. This annual award was established in honour of the late Trent Ralston, who was an early member of NASTT and an industry icon and friend to all.

The Michael E. Argent Memorial Scholarships and the Trent Ralston Award for Young Trenchless Achievement are but two of special events planned to celebrate NASTT’s 20 year history at 2010 No-Dig in Chicago. Kaleel Rahaim is heading up an eager team of 20th anniversary committee members with the task of chronicling NASTT’s history, collecting interesting anecdotes and photographs that tell the story of our organisation. Anyone who is interested in working on this committee, or has facts, photos or materials to share, please contact Kaleel at krahaim@interplastic.com

The No-Dig conference theme of Rebuilding North America’s Underground Infrastructure using Trenchless Technology is proving to be timely and relevant given that throughout North America there is a renewed focus of investing in our infrastructure with the least social costs and impact to the environment.

Because trenchless is often at the core of projects designed to be environmentally responsible, those associated with the trenchless business will find themselves leading the way in the utility construction industry in 2010. Despite these economic times, projects will need to be completed one way or another, keeping the trenchless industry on firm footing going forward.

NASTT is busy developing and supporting initiatives that place trenchless on the forefront of the construction industry, such as the carbon calculator which helps engineers and contractors estimate the reduction of CO2 emissions when trenchless is used versus traditional open-cut methods.

These important issues will be among those presented and discussed at 2010 No-Dig in Chicago, 2–7 May. By attending our high-quality technical paper program and networking in the 50,000 square foot exhibit hall, you’ll find solutions to your underground infrastructure needs using trenchless.