Celebrating 25 years in the industry, EREF continues to provide valuable solid waste data, having become one of the largest sources of funding for solid waste research in North America.
In the early 1990s, the waste industry faced regulations and policies based on little sound science and data. Recognizing this, several industry leaders came together to form an organization that could provide that sound solid waste science. Science that would be the basis on which the regulations and policies would be built, providing companies with the confidence on which to back their management strategies.
The non-profit organization, originally a part of the Environmental Industry Association (now the National Waste & Recycling Association), was known as the EIA Research and Education Foundation. The new organization would be the research arm of the EIA, filling in data gaps and informing industry regulators and policy makers.
Twenty-five years later, now known as the Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF), the organization continues to provide valuable solid waste data, having become one of the largest sources of funding for solid waste research in North America.
Celebration and Fall Classic
In October, EREF celebrated its 25th anniversary with a celebration in Orlando, FL. The celebration, co-located with the Foundation’s annual Fall Classic fundraiser, began with a networking reception then moved into a program with a plated dinner.
The dinner portion of the evening included a message from the EREF board chair, Jim Dowland, video interviews with key participants in EREF’s history as well as those who have received funding from EREF and how their research impacted the industry. The night concluded with keynote speeches from Richard Burke (Advanced Disposal), Jon Vander Ark (Republic Services), Worthing Jackman (Waste Connections) and Tara Hemmer (Waste Management) regarding the value of EREF and the importance of supporting the charity.
“It was exciting to see the industry support at EREF’s 25th anniversary celebration,” said Jim Dowland. “It was clear that the attendees recognized the valuable role the Foundation plays in providing the scientific information that moves our industry forward.”
The following day, Fall Classic attendees loaded up their golf carts for a shotgun start at the Villas of Grand Cypress. Golfers participated in a number of contests on the courses including a longest drive marshmallow contest and an air gun contest. The event concluded with an awards luncheon during which contest winners and 1st through 3rd place teams received awards.
Mark your calendars for next year’s event: September 30th and October 1st at Pinehurst Resort in Pinehurst, NC! | WA
EREF is a 501(c)3 class charity that funds and directs scientific research and educational initiatives for waste management practices to benefit industry participants and the communities they serve. For more complete information on EREF funded research, its scholarship program and how to donate to this great cause, visit www.erefdn.org.
Winners
First Place
- John Lamanna, Tunnel Hill Partners
- Kevin Walbridge, GHW Waste
- Sean O’Brian, O’Brian Tarping Systems
- BJ Harvey, EL Harvey & Sons
Second Place
- Carl Apicella, Continuum Environmental
Shawn Devinney, PumpOne Environmental
Larry Holmes, PumpOne Environmental
Mark Jenkins, Tinsley Creative
Third Place
- Art Mohr, Environmental Specialties, Inc.
Junior Thompson, Environmental Specialties, Inc.
Elliot Pugh, Wind Defender
For a complete list of Fall Classic winners, please visit https://erefdn.org/event/eref-25th-anniversary-celebration-fall-classic/.
Thank you to our sponsors!
EREF 25th Anniversary Celebration
Platinum Level
Environmental Solutions Group
Mack Trucks/Volvo Construction Equipment
Gold Level
Big Truck Rental
Casella Waste Systems
Republic Services
Waste Management
Waste Connections
WCA Waste Corporation
Reception
McNeilus Truck & Manufacturing
Rush Refuse Systems/Peterbilt/ Meritor
Silver Level
Covanta
Scholar/Grantee
Continuum Environmental
National Waste & Recycling Association
PTR Baler & Compactor Company
Ron and Susan McCracken
SCS Engineers
Specialized Biogas Services
EREF Fall Classic
Tournament Co-Sponsors
Waste Connections
Waste Management
Major Giveaway: Wastequip
Shirts: Volvo Construction Equipment
Golf Balls and Tee Markers: Caterpillar
Golf Carts: Environmental Solutions Group
Hats: Covanta
Beverage Carts: Agru America, Environmental Specialties International, Inc., Waste360
Hole-in-One Insurance and Goody Bags: McNeilus Truck & Manufacturing
Putting Contest: Machinex
Golf Towels: Rush Refuse Systems/Peterbilt
Golf Contest Package: Blue Flame Crew
Bloody Mary Bar: Big Truck Rental
Mulligans: LaBella Associates
Welcome Bags: Risk Strategies
Longest Marshmallow Drive Contest: Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc.
Holes: Cascade Cart Solutions, Mack Trucks, Macquarie, Meritor, PPG, PTR Baler & Compactor, Rehrig Pacific Company, Waste Advantage Magazine, Weaver Consultants Group