AWT 2000: Wrapping up a day of association business

Taking place this week in Honolulu, Hawaii, the first day of the Association of Water Technologies annual conference and exposition was filled with association business, products and services, and renewed friendships.

By Tracy Fabre, Managing Editor, Water Online

The annual conference and exposition of the Association of Water Technologies (AWT) got underway this week at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Honolulu, HI. Despite the venue's reputation for fun and relaxation, the business portion of the conference, which took place Wednesday, was just that—all business. To follow is a summary of the year's accomplishments.

AWT's outgoing president, Alfred J. Nickels of Watertech Inc. (Twin Falls, ID), spoke today about the many accomplishments made during the past year. Four goals that were set last year—and accomplished this year—are of special recognition, said Nickels.

The four goals of note are:

• The AWT Position Paper on Legionella were completed and distributed to members.
• Three AWT Legislative/Regulatory Manuals were published.
• The AWT Technical Reference and Training Manual will be published by Spring 2001.
• The Certified Water Technologist (CWT) examination was realigned to be consistent with the Job Analysis, which was completed in 1999. The CWT exam is representative of the standards AWT has set, says Nickels.

AWT Board of Directors actions in 2000
The Board of Directors is empowered by association members (through the Bylaws) to lead the organization. As a whole, the Board establishes the direction of the association by allocating resources for various programs and services. To follow is a short list of some of the Board's actions for 2000. This list is in addition to four accomplishments Nickels spoke of earlier (above).

• The Board approved an AWT Long Range Plan, which will serve as a roadmap for the association's future plans. The Plan consists of prioritized items, complete with implementation dates to ensure timeliness and budget projections. In addition, preamble and mission statements also were developed to better communicate the association's purpose and goals.
• The Board recommended to the voting membership several changes to the Bylaws that include incorporation of the approved new mission statement.
• A two-year agreement for management services has been made with Association Management Group. The contract will continue through the year 2002.

Trade show exhibitors
The Hilton's Coral Ballroom sold out this year at 78 booths. Exhibiting at the show this year are:

Stay tuned to Water Online as we cover the conference this week.