Illinois Section AWWA - E-Splash -  January 2013

Dennis Bowe
Trustee at Large

Winter is nearly over, and Spring is on the horizon. The drought continues to impact much of Illinois, and one can only hope that Spring rains will replenish our surface water and ground water supplies.

In addition to desirable rainfall, Spring also brings WATERCON. WATERCON13 will be held in Springfield at the Crowne Plaza Hotel and Conference Center March 18-21, 2013. This year WATERCON13 promises to be the best conference ever! Historically, WATERCON has provided unparalleled opportunities for training, networking and socializing. This year, WATERCON13 will be no exception. Many ISAWWA Section members have contributed countless and tireless hours in developing the technical programs, competitions and social events for WATERCON13. Details regarding WATERCON13 can be found on the Section website as well as in this issue of SPLASH. Early Bird registration has commenced and the hotels are filling up, so don’t procrastinate - register now.

In addition to the educational and networking opportunities at WATERCON13, there is a philanthropic opportunity available to you during the conference. ISAWWA has always supported Water for People, and the Section has distinguished itself as one of the most generous contributors to this very worthy organization. In keeping with tradition, once again there will be a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction benefitting Water for People. Please participate in both of these events. Your participation will result in noteworthy benefits throughout the developing world. In order for the silent auction to be appealing and successful, we need donations from vendors and from members. In order to make silent auction donations effortless, prospective donors can send a check ($50.00 minimum, please) to ISAWWA, attention Sandi. The WFP Committee will shop for an auction item for you, and you will be listed as the donor. If you are not exhibitor at WATERCON13, we will display your donated item at an ISAWWA Committee booth on the exhibit floor. Please visit the Section website for details. You can also contact Dennis Ross (ross@otterlakewater.net) or myself to discuss your contribution and involvement.

This will be my last SPLASH article for a period of time. My term as Trustee-at-Large ends at the conclusion of WATERCON13 and I am not eligible to run for re-election. It has been my privilege and my pleasure to serve on the ISAWWA Section Board and to serve the ISAWWA membership in this position. I have met and interacted with many special water industry professionals. Clearly, ISAWWA occupies a special place in the World of Water. The knowledge, dedication and enthusiasm of our Section officers, staff and members have been very impressive and inspirational to me. I want to thank all of you for this opportunity and for the confidence you have entrusted in me.

In closing, I especially want to thank Laurie, Lisa and Sandi for their assistance and cooperation. Our Section is exceptionally fortunate to have such talented and hard working individuals on our team and I have certainly been the beneficiary of their outstanding performance. Quoting Willy Shakespeare: "All’s well that ends well.”