Your Water Service

One word sums up my past week at the Water and Wastewater Equipment Manufacturers Association (WWEMA) annual meeting in Savannah: gratitude.

First of all thanks to the WWEMA staff and my many friends in the organization for sharing ways to move our industry forward and giving voice to water .

And a heartfelt thanks to the speakers who addressed ways to navigate the labyrinth of water-related challenges and illuminating different facets of our industry’s potential…

To Matthew Holmes for segmenting the US map into different land use categories, adding a unique dimension to our understanding of the water-land connection. I also appreciate Matt's leadership of the National Rural Water Association (NRWA) and the group's dedication to smaller communities—the organization continues to be a lifeline for many of these regions. I am a big fan of the work the NRWA does in the face of numerous challenges as I report in this blog post…Rural Water Systems: Dancing Backwards and in High Heels

To Ifetayo Venner and Dionne Delli-Gatti for refining our thinking about inclusion and how it can act as a catalyst in building a more supportive, more resilient water community.?

To Dr. Amy Kirby for warning us that in order to be ever-vigilant of public health, we need to improve our water surveillance technologies.

To Michael Deane and Deirdre Finn for their efforts to untangle the alphabet soup of government regulations—BABA, SRF, WIFIA, OMB, OIG (not to mention PFAS)—and trying to help keep these letters and numbers straight in our heads.

To Shawnee Delaney for her spy agency stories that entertained and educated us on how managing the whole employee lifecycle results in a more productive and secure business.

To Melissa Meeker on her continued?mission to make the Water Tower a hub of innovation, sustainability and collaboration for the water sector.

Finally, while walking on the Savannah waterfront, I came across the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, a monument sitting in a reflecting pool at the center of Emmet Park. It was dedicated on June 29, 1991. At that time, it was the only monument in Savannah erected to living individuals as well as to the dead.?

Last week ended with Veteran’s Day, prompting reflection on the sacrifices made by these heroes in protecting our freedom.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Emmet Park remains a poignant reminder of their valor.

And it further reminded me of my quest and request for more inclusion of veterans into our industry…Answering the Call: Why Military Veterans Are Vital in the Water Industry?

It seemed a fitting and contemplative conclusion for a week that made me grateful to be surrounded by people who have been so generous with their wisdom, as well as veterans who have given so much. Thanks for your service!

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