The folks in the Great Lake State really know how to put on a drillers' convention. The Michigan Ground Water Association (MGWA) held its 74th annual get-together March 11-12 in Lansing, Mich., and the constant smile worn on the face of convention chairman Sandy Slevatz (Earl Sanders & Son, Lawton, Mich.) told the whole story - another great show.

Nearly 800 visitors convened to celebrate their industry, visit old friends, make new acquaintances and even learn a thing or two. A full slate of seminars covered topics such as drilling additives, well abandonment, bacterial contamination, chemical rehabilitation of wells (see article on page 51) and more. The National Ground Water Association's certification exam also was offered. Industry suppliers filled the sold-out exhibit floor with the latest products and services, and were kept plenty busy by the big and exuberant crowd.

Four association members were granted Lifetime Honorary Membership in the association: Jerome Bufka (Bufka Enterprises, Maple City, Mich.), Richard Slevatz (Earl Sanders & Son, Lawton, Mich.), Glenn Sommers (Davisburg, Mich.) and Creighton Watson (Watson Well Drilling, Bryan, Ohio).

The prestigious "Driller of the Year" award was bestowed upon Jack Belt (W.S. Belt & Sons Inc., Allenton, Mich.) to the surprise of no one; his efforts and contributions speak for themselves. Carl Mason (CM Services Co., Bedford, Pa.) saw his considerable dedication to the industry rewarded; he took home the association's coveted "Distinguished Service Award."

While we're addressing Michigan, associations and awards, we'd like everyone to know that MGWA executive director John Schmitt recently was selected as the recipient of the "Special Recognition Award" from the Michigan Environmental Health Association for his contributions to field of environmental health.

Results of elections for new officers were announced. The NGWA's 2002-2003 leadership team, which takes office in October:

President
Michael Mattson
Mattson & Sons Well Drilling, Wolverine, Mich.

1st Vice President
Bryan Brewer
Central Wells & Pumps, Muskegon, Mich.

2nd Vice President
Sandy Slevatz
Earl Sanders & Son, Lawton, Mich.

Secretary
Miles Foune
Foune Well Drilling, Bloomingdale, Mich.

Treasurer
Gerald Hart
Hart Well Drilling, Mason, Mich.

Looking ahead to next year's MGWA diamond anniversary convention, count on another valuable experience March 31-April 1, 2003, in Grand Rapids, Mich.