Water Quality Association President Don McGhee, MWS, issued a year-end statement that outlined the organization’s accomplishments during 2016. Here is the text of his statement.
“As 2016 comes to a close, I want to take a few moments to share a few of the Water Quality Association’s areas of focus this year. Our Government Affairs team continued to actively monitor legislation and regulatory affairs. Along with the Gephardt Government Affairs group, the team has many initiatives at work on water quality advocacy issues. Our Technical Affairs department has stayed on top of water issues of interest to you. They are continuously monitoring emerging contaminants, water disasters and emergencies, new drinking water treatment innovations, and new developments that could pose either a threat or an opportunity for our industry.
“Our Professional Certification and Training staff delivered professional certification and technical training programs that increased the overall knowledge and job expertise of water treatment professionals domestically and internationally. Our Product Certification team worked to ensure that WQA is recognized as a highly credible, leading water treatment certifying body, with focus on an improved customer experience, sustainability, and an international presence.
“Our new Career Center has helped many employers find the next generation of talent. Our Events department is at hard work preparing for the 2017 WQA Convention & Exposition coming up in Orlando, Florida on March 28th through March 31st. The annual event connects the drinking water treatment industry’s technologies, know-how, education, training, networking and business opportunities with industry professionals in one convenient and cost-effective location. If you haven’t already registered, I encourage you to do so at wqa.org/convention.
“The Marketing & Communications department has helped WQA get its name and programs out to our members, our industry, and consumers through our website, e-newsletters, a new blog and podcast and through social media like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Our Membership department continues to grow our member base by adding new member companies. Through the President’s Club recruitment program, our great volunteer members are recruiting new members through first-hand testimonials about the value of WQA membership.
“In closing, on behalf of the WQA membership and staff, I want to thank Interim Executive Director David Westman for his steady guidance and leadership during his tenure at the Association. We are very excited for what the future holds as Pauli Undesser will transition to WQA Executive Director on January 1. We have a lot to be proud of and a lot more to be excited about in 2017. Thank you for your dedication and service to the water quality industry. Happy New Year!”