By Pacific Water Quality Association
The City of Industry, CA played host to the Pacific Water Quality Association’s Annual Convention and Trade Show. A staple in the water treatment and improvement industry, the association’s annual event has consistently received rave reviews from members on how well it is scheduled and the multitude of offerings for everyone. From training to products, nobody walked away empty-handed.
The ubiquitous golf tournament, sponsored by Performance Water Products, took place at the Babe Golf Course at Pacific Palms, kicking off at 7:30 am on Wednesday with a shot-gun start. The race for best of the best was on! When all was said and done, everyone had a great time competing. 
The first place team included Kurt Peterson (WC&P), Brent Simmons (Omnipure), Mike Conte (John Guest) and James Good (Good Water Warehouse). In second place, a full house of Rayne dealers took their best shots: John Foley, Peter Pak, John Brooks and Steve Blomeke. The esteemed Chuck Rodent team included Bill Hanson (AquaCon), Mike Mecca (Performance Water Products), Courtney Hanson (AquaCon) and Dave Smith (Pentair). Grabbing honors for Men’s Longest Drive was Pak, joined by Irma Bishop (Hall’s Culligan) for the Women’s title. Russ Harrison (Kinetico) nailed Closest to the Pin.
Taking care of business, Ken Steitz of EcoWater passed the gavel to incoming President John Miller of Vertex. He will be joined by Melodie Bullock (Cal Aqua) as Vice President and Shannon Murphy (TST) as Secretary-Treasurer. Steitz will remain part of the board as Past President. New board members were also inducted, including Tracy Strahl (South Bay Salt); Courtney Hanson; Bishop; Cliff Fasnacht (Pacific Purification) and Marty Jessen (Pionetics).
In the purely fun department, PWQA’s own beautiful Vanna (Ron Ruef of Morton Salt, for the uninitiated) assisted Mark Mecca with the auction. He flew in from Wisconsin especially for this assignment. Prizes included an impromptu, private dinner party (offered during the auction by an inspired Senator Hertzberg) with Assembly Member Bill Dodd and six guests; wine packages; designer purses; Newport harbor cruises; a pair of beautiful, custom women’s Lucchese boots and many more wonderful items. It was one of the most successful auctions ever.
Members were treated to a wide variety of educational and technical seminars as well as the opportunity to take WQA certification exams. Kelly A. Reynolds, PhD, University of Arizona, presented an overview of the costs and benefits of POU drinking water filters as well as an update on the most recent salinity study. Marianne Metzger (National Testing Labs) talked about water testing procedures and Red Fox Advisors’ Greg Reyneke detailed productivity and efficiency in service departments. Adrian Aspensen (NSF) presented an overview of softener certifications and C.F. ‘Chubb’ Michaud presented a closer look at fluoride and arsenic reduction. Tech Talks included membrane separation and RO sizing given by Dow’s Mike Kim; chloramine reduction by Frank DeSilva (ResinTech); Troubleshooting Coffee Applications with Mike Mecca and Fleck 5810/5812 Teardown and Programming by Dave Smith (Pentair).
During the welcome reception and banquet, industry leaders covered legislative issues and presented the annual PWQA awards. California State Senator Robert Hertzberg gave an overview of current and possible legislation that could impact the water treatment and improvement industry. Pete Conaty also gave a comprehensive review of what is happening and what the association needs to be ready to tackle. Annual award winners included Performance Water and Pentair; each received the Special Service Award for dedication to the industry, resulting in the achievement-of-association outreach goals. Sean Caughron was presented with the President’s Award for his dedication to the industry and the association’s marketing efforts. Frank DeSilva was honored with the Marino Pomares Award for public relations for his consistent and continuing dedication to the industry and the achievement of its goals. All honorees have exemplified the best of the organization and the industry by their unswerving support.
As we bring the year to a close on a successful note, remember there is always something that needs to be addressed when it happens, not when it gets out of our each. Be aware of business dynamics, federal and regional legislation and consumer trends. Help us help you enjoy the level of success your efforts have garnered and your hard work has fostered. And we can do this all again next year at the 60th Annual Convention!