TPG TESS combine meetings

PITTSBURGH, July 1 /PRNewswire/ – The Pipeline Group and the Texas Excavation Safety System (TESS) will combine their contractor and emergency responder pipeline awareness meetings in Texas beginning next month. The joint meetings will combine safety briefings by The Pipeline Group, the most recognized name in pipeline public awareness, and information about one-call regulations and processes from TESS, the damage prevention authority in the state of Texas. "Combining our meetings will create a strong public awareness message and a compelling reason for increases in attendance," said Jim Mings, president of The Pipeline Group. "In turn, this will enhance the effectiveness of the public awareness programs for our collective clients."

This joint venture between The Pipeline Group and TESS will ensure clients for both organizations have access to the nation's largest source of pipeline emergency contact information, including emergency responder capabilities, Mings said. "Information is critical in preventing pipeline incidents and responding to them," said Jack Garrett, director of regulatory services at TESS. "By joining forces with The Pipeline Group, we're helping the clients of both organizations fulfill their commitments to public safety and regulatory compliance."

Garrett said clients will have easy access to their data, either on compact disc or through Celeritas' Public Awareness Manager, the industry's leading compliance documentation software. The Pipeline Group- TESS meetings are expected to generate more than 6,000 continuing education units (CEU) for excavators each year and more than 7,000 for emergency responders.

Mings and Garrett said the full integration of their co-branded meetings should be complete in 2009.

About TESS Texas Excavation Safety System is a non-profit corporation whose mission is to facilitate pipeline damage prevention, promote public safety and protect the environment through stakeholder education and communication.

About The Pipeline Group With nearly 400 clients, The Pipeline Group is a full-service, consulting organization for the pipeline and hazardous materials industry. The Pittsburgh-based company offers "turn-key" public awareness, emergency response, community right-to-know and Recommended Practice 1162 damage prevention plans, the industry standard for pipeline public awareness programs.