Record turnout again for the state's annual meeting.

Water-Right Inc.'s Greg Gruett leads a seminar on water treatment opportunities for contractors.
It was fast-paced and business-like at the Virginia Water Well Association's Winter Conference and Trade Show earlier this year in Roanoke, Va. Nearly 450 well drillers, pump installers and exhibitors attended - another record turnout for the association's annual event.

A strong slate of educational programming was highlighted by seminars on hydrofracturing, water treatment, welding, safety and renewable energy pumping systems. A welding class, hosted at Noland Company's rig repair shop and given by Arcet Equipment, was a favorite. And National Driller hosted an industry roundtable discussion that was good fun - much passion in the room. (Special thanks to panelists Jim Hall of Hall Well & Septic, Mike Heatwole of May Supply, Scott Miller of Northern Virginia Drilling, and Calvin Norris, representing Sydnor Hydro.)

Per usual, a much-anticipated event of the meeting was the Friday evening banquet and auction. Approximately 200 people attended, enjoying an excellent meal as well as fun and good fellowship. Association executive director Jane Cain offers, “A big 'Thank You' to all of those companies and individuals who donated items to the auction and the raffle. Also, major thanks to those who bid so enthusiastically. The fund raising total for this year's event was an outstanding $28,074.57. The auction proceeds are critical to the financial health of the association. They are used to educate the public and decision-makers about the industry. And, while the association's increased political activity has a major impact on the treasury, it has been well worth the cost.”
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Photo Gallery

The dedicated Al Loftland (Drillers Service, Hickory, N.C.) greets visitors at the Jubilee booth.

Rick Finney (l) hosts Irvin Lacks (Irvin's Well Drilling Inc., Victoria, Va.) at the Foremost booth.

Calvin Norris (Sydnor Hydro Inc., Mechanicsville, Va.) visits Therrell Hannah at the Central Mine Equipment Co. booth.

Donald Funk ( Funk Drilling Co., Coeburn, Va.) and Larry Jennings (Halls Well & Pump Inc., Lovingston, Va.) give a T4W the once-over.

Two guys from Farmville, Va. - former association president Brad Slayton (Slayton Well Drilling Inc.) and Ted Layne (Longwood Well Drilling Co.).