With the draw of the beautiful Pacific Northwest and an outstanding program of timely topics and insightful speakers, AMWA expects robust attendance at its 2012 annual conference – ensuring an exceptional gathering of water utility executives and thus expanding the benefits of networking and knowledge sharing that are hallmarks of its successful meetings. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to examine the key issues facing the water sector in a collegial, experience-rich environment. Here’s a look at the program:
 

Declining revenue, declining consumption, employee and board turnover, and political polarization are just a few of the challenges facing water CEOs today. This session will focus on strategies to address these challenges.  Providing case studies from their own experiences will be David Rager, Executive Director of SD1, Northern Kentucky’s wastewater and stormwater utility; Ed Archuleta, President and CEO of El Paso Water Utilities; Sue McCormick, Director of the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department; and Jim Lochhead, Manager and CEO of Denver Water.

 

Utilities have been working to reduce energy costs for decades, but many are finding the results leveling off.  Steve Davis, President of Columbus Water Works in Georgia, will outline his utility’s comprehensive energy management program and roadmap for continuous improvement.

 

Harnessing the Power of AMWA’s UFI Database 

AMWA’s 2012 Utility Financial Information (UFI) survey, the third biannual collection of data uniquely relevant to water system managers, will provide timely information to help maximize financial planning and performance.  Mike Wallis, Director of Operations at East Bay Municipal Utility District in Oakland, and Ray Hoffman, Director of Seattle Public Utilities, will demonstrate how the database enhances executive decision making.

 

International collaboration and research allows communities everywhere to benefit from the knowledge and experience of a global brain trust. Discussing strategies around these concepts will be Rob Renner, Executive Director of the Water Research Foundation; Paul Reiter, Executive Director of the International Water Association; and Booky Oren, former Executive Chairman of Mekorot, Israel’s water provider, who will discuss ways to solve water problems through partnerships and collaborative R&D.

 

A follow-on to the morning discussion of management challenges, this roundtable session will provide an opportunity for utility executives to have an informal dialogue with colleagues in small groups on pressing local water issues.

 

Kathryn Sorensen, Mesa, Arizona’s Water Resources Director, will describe the lessons learned after a lone night-shift operator at a reclamation plant shut down key systems in an attempt at sabotage. She will cover what may have motivated him, challenges in getting media cooperation and communicating with the public, and actions management can take to mitigate insider threats.

 

Extreme weather events, contamination and security intrusions are among the hazards water utility executives could confront without warning.  Beyond physical crises, public and organizational challenges can spin out of control in highly charged situations fed by misperceptions and misstatements. Internationally recognized risk communication expert Dr. Vincent Covello will lead a workshop on communicating effectively in high concern/low trust situations.

 

Alan Heymann, Chief of External Affairs for DC Water, will share his utility’s experiences in using non-traditional media to reach and interact with customers and the community in a wide range of situations, including crises, customer relations, marketing and service interruptions.

 

In addition to the packed program, the events at Portland’s landmark Benson Hotel include AMWA’s annual awards luncheon and evening receptions. The Monday reception at the Portland City Grill will provide spectacular views of the city, river and distant mountain peaks, and on Wednesday there will be a tour of the scenic Bull Run Watershed in Mount Hood National Forest.  Spouse events are also planned.

 

Learn more about the Annual Meeting and register online by clicking the links in the upper righthand corner of this page.