Archive for April 24th, 2008

Yesterday at the PES press conference, Wanda Reder, PES President, announced a new award has been approved by PES. It will be called the Douglas M. Staszesky Distribution Automation Award. It is to be given yearly to a person in the industry who has demonstrated the enthusiasm for promoting and implementing Distribution Automation Projects. Doug recently passed away, but was told of the honor a few months ago. He said, “This is truly a high honor and just the sort of legacy I’d like to leave the industry.” It includes a scholarship to the school of the recipient’s choice and a travel stipend to the awards banquet. Doug was a good friend to all of us and we will miss him. He helped me with a lot of articles I have written. He could really get you excited when he explained a concept. Stop by the S&C exhibit and talk to them about the award. They have supported this award from the start.

I have been talking with the exhibitors over the past couple of days and they are saying this is the best Expo they have attended. They love the crowds. Their exhibit floors have had steady traffic. The people visiting have been their customers. The one thing that worries them is the amount of future work this represents. They say the customers are talking real projects and about buying equipment.

The shear size of some of the equipment is impressive. Look at the EHV breaker I found at Mitsubishi’s exhibit. I watch it being set up and was impressed. The attendees are too. Go by and ask them questions about it.

What a week! I have been planning for this conference for months now. Sunday finally came and we were in Chicago. Monday I was on the floor dodging fork lifts and trying to stay out of everyone’s way, while still taking photos of what was going on for the blog. Tuesday was the big opening and now it is Thursday morning – where did the time go? The last figures I heard were over 12,000 for the attendees. Tommy is going to make an announcement this morning as to the exact numbers. His eyes were sparkling when we talked. I think he is happy.