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Notes from Chairperson Spain

Welcome to the Minnesota Section American Water Works Association website. Our goal as an Association is to be your focal point for assistance in education and training related to the water industry. This is direct alignment with our mission statement:

 

“Our Section will provide information, education, and networking opportunities to the drinking water community to promote public health, safety, and welfare.”

 

I have had three primary goals for the Section to achieve in this year:

1. This Section lives on volunteerism. Past-Chair Karla Peterson stressed the professional and personal gains received by those who volunteer. We as an association cannot lose sight of the importance of volunteering. There is always room for new and fresh ideas.
2. Expand the involvement in the Young Professionals group. I would challenge this group that has already done so many things, to assist in developing student sections at their alma mater. Please make contact with that professor who may have inspired you to pursue a career in the water industry and pass that information on to undergrads at that institution of education. This group not only provides our future leadership, many are today’s leaders.
3. Membership growth is my third objective. We have maintained our current level for quite some time, which is definitely a positive in today’s economy. I feel it is an excellent time for growth. The need to network and expand industry contacts is at an all-time high. Be sure to ask co-workers and new hires if they are members. I am sure we could easily add to the current level if we would only ask. I would challenge everyone to have at least one recruit in 2009.

The Minnesota Associates Council and Water For People committee have undertaken a new project this year by hosting a concert fund raiser, a 1st Annual that will have many years of future success. The next is being planned for April 16, 2010. The Young Professionals committee continues to grow and offer new ideas and challenges for the Minnesota Section. We are also in process of creating competitions such as Meter Madness, Taste Testing, and Pipe Tapping. These are planned to have Minnesota represented at these competitions at the AWWA Annual Conference and Exposition  in the near future.

The planning for the MN Section AWWA Annual Conference is well under way. Conference dates are September 30 thru October 2, 2009. The Conference will again be held at the DECC in Duluth. Start making plans to attend.

This is your Minnesota Section of American Water Works Association. Feel free to let me or other board members know what assistance we can provide to enhance your expertise and knowledge on water issues. And do not forget it is you the volunteer that will make this Section thrive and grow.

 

Bill

bspain@sctc.edu