Information and commentary by editor Greg Ettling on industry-related subjects.

Geothermal Popularity

Our recent series, “The Geothermal Industry Beckons,” concludes with part 3 this month. Reader feedback on these articles has been such that, in order to save a lot of people some time, we're going to list the contact information for the principals involved in the article series right here.

Air Brokers HVAC
417-739-2185
www.airbrokershvac.com

American Geothermal DX
800-776-8039
www.amgeo.com

Bland Air Conditioning and Heating Inc.
661-589-3715
gbland@blandac.com

Bandimere Geothermal Drilling Systems
303-881-8622
www.dxdrilling.com

Consolidated Testing Laboratories
559-781-0571
ctl@consolidatedtesting.com

ECR Technologies Inc.
866-211-6102
www.ecrtech.com

EnviroGuard Drilling
918-962-2860
www.comfortmadesimple.com

Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium
www.geoexchange.org

IACDS Tabs O'Brien

Belated congratulations to Patrick O'Brien, executive director of the Concrete Sawing and Drilling Association (CSDA), for his election to the presidency of the International Association of Concrete Drillers and Sawers (IACDS).

“It is an honor to be elected as president of this umbrella organization of sawing and drilling professionals,” says O'Brien. “The U.S. association, in conjunction with the German and Swiss associations, spearheaded the formation of IACDS 10 years ago. The wisdom of that decision has been reinforced over the past decade as international cooperation has expanded to many areas.”

Representatives and guests attended the annual meeting of the IACDS from Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Japan, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the United States. IACDS membership now includes nine association members from Australia, Austria, Germany, Italy, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the United States. Additional members include 13 sponsor members and three non-active members.

The IACDS currently is concentrating on improving tolerances and specifications and training. We wish O'Brien our best in forwarding those important efforts. Environmental Certification Atlas Copco's manufacturing unit in Shenyang, China, has been granted ISO 14001 certification for its operations according to its documented Environmental Policy. Atlas Copco (Shenyang) Construction & Mining Equipment Ltd. implemented an integrated quality and environmental management system and, at the same time, also received an ISO 9001:2000 certificate for its Quality Management System. These certificates can only be gained by complying with strict international standards. To retain the certifications, the company's performance will be checked continuously. All employees at Atlas Copco (Shenyang) Construction and Mining Equipment Ltd. are continuously trained in quality and environmental processes. At year-end 2004, 82 percent of the production units in the Atlas Copco Group were certified according to ISO 14001.

Shameless Self-promotion

With just an ever-so-slight blush, we're proud to report that National Driller recently received a pair of accolades acknowledging the efforts we make on your behalf to deliver to you the best editorial package that the drilling industry has to offer.

This past spring's “Reader Preference Study,” in which some of you took part, the question was asked, “Which one [drilling industry] magazine do you find most useful?” In the 2003 survey, National Driller led its nearest competitor by a nearly 2:1 margin. Results from the 2005 survey show that that margin now has increased to more than 3:1. And just last month, National Driller, as seemingly is its custom, was honored by the 2005 Apex Awards for Publication Excellence. This year, awards were received for feature writing; cover design; and column and editorial writing.

That these kudos come as a result of our small but earnest contributions to such a wonderful industry is both humbling and inspiring.
ND