Education Day is going on right now at the Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo International, and I'm lucky to be reconnecting with contractors I've met year after year as well as first-time attendees.

Jon and Gale Houseknecht of Sunset Septic Service have been at the Expo for several years. You'll know these installers from La Porte, Indiana, from their matching bright yellow uniform shirts and the everpresent smiles on their faces.

On the other end of the spectrum, George Mueller, who designs onsite systems and performs O & M inspections, for Mountain Wastewater in Forksville, Pa., is attending his first Expo in 29 years in the industry. He decided to come when he added the O & M service recently. "It was important for me to come and see this show,'' Mueller said. "I think it's important to know what's happening in other states, though right now I'm only working in Pennsylvania.''

Welcome to newcomers and long-time Expo visitors alike. Please stop and see me at the COLE Publishing editors booth near the registration area.