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Sunday, August 25,
2002
Desk
& Derrick Club: professional, not social group
By Kathy Edwards
Reporter-News Staff Writer
You
may have heard of the Desk & Derrick Club, but dont
have any idea who the members are or what the organization actually
does. If the current members stick to their mission of education
in the community and schools, you will soon be better informed.
Desk and Derrick
has been a valuable asset in my 23 years in the oilfield industry.
The field trips, seminars and speakers have taught me everything
about the oilfield business from A (assignments) to Z (zones),
said D&D president Debbie English. I have met many knowledgeable
people through Desk and Derrick and traveled to some interesting
places.
English is office
manager for Chisholm Exploration, Inc.
We not only
become more informed about the industry we are a part of, but
strive to educate students, especially in what the energy industry
does, to make them better prepared to possibly join the industry
as well, said Sheryl Minear, Education Committee Chairman
for the Desk & Derrick Club of Abilene.
Minear, office manager
for LeClair Consulting Engineers, said that the 50-year-old Abilene
chapter has been living up to its purpose in a vibrant and professional
manner.
Formed in 1952, the
Desk & Derrick Club of Abilene, a nonprofit educational organization,
is affiliated with the Association of Desk and Derrick Clubs,
numbering close to 80 throughout the United States and Canada.
Member-ship
is open to anyone in the energy industry or allied fields,
Minear said. We have members representing 10 different companies
in a variety of fields, including independent producers, geologists
and crude oil purchasers.
The clubs purpose
is to promote the education and professional development
of individuals employed in or affiliated with the energy industry
and allied fields.
The educational
programs offered by Desk and Derrick have given me the opportunity
to develop and maintain a broader knowledge of the oil and gas
industry, said Minear. With the ever-changing technology
in our industry, this is essential for employees. As a member
of D&D, I have been able to strengthen my leadership skills
by serving on not only local committees but ADDC committees.
One of the educational
tools currently being presented by ADDC clubs throughout the United
States and Canada, including the Abilene chapter, is The Magic
Suitcase, which introduces fourth- and fifth-grade students to
the role petrochemicals play in everyday life.
The presentation
demonstrates how solids retrieved from liquids distracted from
gas are turned to solids, better known as petrochemicals.
The club also makes
available educational materials from the National Energy Education
Development project and the Texas Energy Education Development
project, and sponsors an annual essay contest for area fourth-
and fifth-grade students..
The theme for this
years essay contest was What are petrochemicals and
how do we use them? The winners entry is published
here.
To better understand
the energy industry so as to work better in the industry, the
ADDC clubs have started certification programs for their members.
This year at the ADDC national convention, a class in basic geology
will be offered to members.
For
details about the 2003 essay contest or how to join the Desk &
Derrick Club of Abilene, contact Sheryl Minear, 698-5100.
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