V-tech Featured in Railroad Commission News Release

Railroad Commission of Texas News Release - November 30, 2006
Michael L. Williams - Commissioner

Contact: Jessica Markyl - 512-463-7147

Williams Opens First Annual HUB Forum

Austin, Texas – The Railroad Commission of Texas hosted its first annual Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) forum and recognition breakfast. The events highlighted the success of the Commission’s Mentor-Protégé Program, recognized a successful Mentor-Protégé relationship, and brought together environmental companies to increase the opportunities for contracting with state agencies and subsequently developing more jobs. Other state agencies participating in the events included the General Land Office, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Texas Building and Procurement Commission, Texas Department of Transportation, and Texas Water Development Board.

“We have gathered our ‘sister agencies’ that have similar contracting needs as the Railroad Commission, like earth-hauling, well-plugging, and environmental services,” said Commissioner Michael Williams as he gave opening remarks at the forum. “I’m pleased to see so many companies taking advantage of this opportunity to meet with state agencies and other vendors. Developing these relationships will be helpful in expanding Texas businesses and providing more jobs.”

Prior to the forum, a breakfast was held for the Commission’s existing environmental service vendors to update them on the Mentor-Protégé Program and encourage their participation as mentors. The Commission’s Mentor-Protégé Program pairs a prime contractor as a ‘Mentor’ with a HUB company as a ‘Protégé’ with the goals of benefiting both businesses through eligibility for more contracting opportunities. The end result is business growth and job development.

The breakfast also recognized two companies, Earth Tech, Inc. and V-Tech Environmental Services, for their successful partnership in the Commission’s Mentor-Protégé Program. Earth Tech, Inc. was the Mentor company, and V-Tech Environmental Services was the Protégé company.

“Earth Tech, Inc. and V-Tech Environmental are exemplary participants in the Mentor-Protégé Program,” said Williams. “Both companies have benefited from their partnership, and I look forward to more of the Commission’s regular contractors following in their footsteps.”

V-Tech Environmental Services and Earth Tech, Inc. began a two-year agreement in August 2005.

V-Tech Environmental Services was founded in 1993 by Polly D. Vann. It is located in Lubbock, Texas and specializes in federal and state regulations that govern the management of solid hazardous waste. The company performs comprehensive environmental site assessments and has extensive experience in sampling of hazardous materials, including NORM surveys. They also have experience in remediation of soil and groundwater contaminated with petroleum products, NORM and a variety of other contaminants. V-Tech has performed several site remediation jobs for the Commission including two large sites in the Permian Basin.

Earth Tech, Inc. was founded in 1970 and employs 8,000 employees worldwide. The company’s primary focus is geotechnical engineering and includes working in the environmental services market. Earth Tech has been recognized as one of the leading providers of environmental, earth sciences, and waste management consulting. The company provided emergency response services in the removal of debris at the World Trade Center after 9-11.

www.v-teches.com
www.earthtech.com
www.rrc.state.tx.us/commissioners/williams/index.html