N ovember 2 0 0 0 • V olume 2 • N umber 6 - American Water ...

▲ AWRA Business
A WORD FROM OUR PRESIDENT . . . Janet L. Bowers
As the year comes to a close, it seems appropriate to share with the readership of IMPACT the accomplishments of
AWRA throughout 2000. In January 2000, the AWRA Board of Directors adopted an ambitious “action agenda”
of 52 action items focused toward four objectives: (1) foster fiscal growth and sound management of AWRA,
(2) establish avenues for advancement of young professionals as future leaders, (3) expand services and outreach
to state sections, and (4) achieve technical superiority by focusing on emerging issues most relevant to AWRA’s
customers. Due to the commitment and efforts of the AWRA staff, committee chairs and members, conference planning
committees, Board of Directors, and general membership and customers, all 52 action items were successfully
completed. As a result, the following key accomplishments were achieved by AWRA:
• Achieved an 88 percent retention rate for existing members (exceeding our annual goal) and welcomed
over 500 new members during the year.
• The annual budget and revenue projections are anticipated to be met.
• Sponsored three highly successfully conferences in Anchorage, Portland, and Miami.
• Held our inaugural series of stand-alone continuing education courses, with CEU credits.
• Unveiled an updated and expanded AWRA website with numerous information portals, links, and
on-line services.
• Established on-line financial transactions at the AWRA website for membership renewal, conference
registrations, and other purchases.
• Established 13 new On-Line Technical Committees with individual websites and on-line communications.
• Established and awarded the new Pyramid Award to acknowledge the achievements of young
professionals in water resources.
• Hosted a “Leadership Forum” for water resources professionals.
• Welcomed a new AWRA state section – the Philadelphia Metropolitan Area State Section.
• Conducted visits to eight state sections by members of the Board of Directors.
• Assembled a suite of 13 services available from AWRA National to assist state sections and provided
on-line information, communications, and individual websites for all state sections.
• Hosted a state section leadership luncheon.
• Conducted a competitive search and selection of a new Editor for JAWRA.
Other initiatives that are being pursued include: expanding the role and presence of AWRA in the global water resources
arena; continued advancements in the on-line services and product delivery by AWRA to its members and
customers; and exploring opportunities regarding on-line distance learning.
AWRA membership is fortunate to have a staff of seven talented and dedicated individuals whose contributions to
our organization are countless. The continued advancement and development of the professional staff during 2000
included:
• Ken Reid, Executive Vice President, received the ASAE Key Award, their most prestigious recognition of
professional achievement.
• Harriette Bayse IV joined the AWRA staff as Coordinator of Marketing and New Product Development.
I extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the AWRA staff and each AWRA member whose contribution of
time, energy, and talent allowed us to achieve these successes. It has been my honor and pleasure to serve this
organization and I wish the best of success to incoming AWRA President Mr. John Grounds III and to the 2001
Board of Directors!!
Jan Bowers, AWRA President, 2000
28 • Water Resources IMPACT November • 2000