Three divisions; six countries; 56 teams; 37 years. Many numbers can measure the magnitude of Operations Challenge, billed as the water sector’s premier skills competition. But for more than 300 contenders this year, a single number took precedence over any other: first place. Read the full coverage in December Water Environment & Technology.
A Midwestern utility dramatically improved its recruitment and retention by creating career progression pathways. Read the full story in November 2024 WE&T.
Historically, the prevailing belief has been that “you must go to college to get a good job.” Although this was true for previous generations, access to college has become more attainable today, leading to less interest and a deficit in the skilled trades workforce. Our society requires a balance between college education and skilled trades. …
Sandy Smith, national manager of sales, service, testing and business development for Burnett, Inc., was recognized at ACE24 for his “Outstanding Service to AWWA.” He has been an influential volunteer with AWWA and the Georgia Section, including as GAWWA Section Chair and member of the AWWA Board of Directors, the Water Utility Council, and current …
Continue reading “AWWA Water Champion – Sandy Smith, Cleveland, Georgia”
Siloed organizations, characterized by isolated departments and fragmented workflows, are an important topic in workplace management. This is because a siloed organization can negatively affect its customers, stakeholders, and employees. Read more in August 2024 WE&T.
The new 2030 Strategic Plan, which will be in effect through the end of 2029, is the guiding document for AWWA and its operations. It defines the Association’s vision, mission and core principles, while laying out strategic goals and objectives. It was approved by AWWA’s Board of Directors during its June meeting at the 2024 Annual …
Continue reading “AWWA embraces water sector leadership in new 2030 Strategic Plan”
WE&T‘s May 2024 Operator Essentials column highlights what every operator should know about workforce development. Read more.
Kouao-Eric Ekoue is superintendent of New Brunswick Water Utility and received the 2024 Harold V. Florence, Jr., Meritorious Operator Award presented by the AWWA New Jersey Section. Learn more about this water champion by clicking here.
Across the United States, water and wastewater utilities are challenged with managing aging infrastructure, tight budgets, and understaffing — not to mention rising retirements and a shrinking talent pool. Many organizations believe they lack the resources to do succession planning or focus on workforce development, but it can be done. This article looks at two …
AWWA’s board includes four directors at large (DAL). At the board’s January 2024 meeting, members approved a proposed change to the AWWA bylaws to designate one DAL position for an active AWWA member age 35 or younger. Another DAL position is designated for a service provider volunteer, and the other two do not have any …
Continue reading “AWWA designates board seat to include next generation of leaders”