By Dean Srygley
Lancaster, PA provided a beautiful backdrop for exhibitors and attendees from throughout the US as they gathered for the September 2015 EWQA Convention and trade show, held at the Hilton DoubleTree Resort. EWQA received a big thumbs-up for providing a very successful convention and training experience. Heavy walk-in traffic on the first day was a true (though not uncommon) surprise for organizers, but with their typical can-do spirit, they adjusted accordingly and everyone was accommodated. New and old friends, training and certification and B2B opportunities made the 2015 convention memorable from coast to coast.
Success was repeated with the Keynote address by new WQA President Bret Tangley, followed by regional/national legislative contributions from Richard Mest, D. J. Shanahan, David Loveday and Larry Casey. EWQA members received special thanks for their efforts, in addition to news about EWQA achievements and future plans.
From training rooms and the exhibit floor, attendees gained more than they planned for or expected. The auction/banquet room saw EWQA’s very talented auctioneers, Mike Urbans and Peter Auchincloss, keep the house laughing. Attendees thoroughly enjoyed the auction and the winners took home some great gifts. Through their stellar auctioneering skills, Urbans and Auchincloss swelled the EWQA coffers by almost $5,000 (USD).
Another important part of the event was the installation of several new Executive Board members: President, Marianne Metzger (Manufacturer Rep); 1st VP, Doug Ramer (Dealer); 2nd VP, Doug Haring (Manufacturer Rep); Internal VP, Kathee Srygley (Manufacturer Rep); Secretary, Jeff Gottlieb (Manufacturer Rep) and Treasurer, John Theisen (Dealer). And what’s an annual event without awards? Retiring President Brent Golding was honored for his years of quality service to the industry and the organization, while Brian Oram, Greg Reyneke and Randy Eddinger were recognized for their specialized expertise and continued support of the industry.
Details for next year’s convention and exhibition will be forthcoming as they are approved. Keep watching and we hope to see you next year.
About the author
Dean Srygley is Executive Director of the Eastern Water Quality Association. He can be reached via email, ewqa12@verizon.net, phone (302) 730-3019 or (302) 382-1186 (cell).