Aug 5

Written by:
8/5/2009 11:41 AM 

Welcome!

We are excited to launch the first phase of new design and enhanced web services for the benefit of the members of the New England Water Environment Association (NEWEA) and anyone interested in New England’s water environment.

Our thanks must first go out to member Jack Cochrane, who pioneered NEWEA’s initial “world wide web” site in 1994 and maintained it for 15 years. His efforts allowed us to maintain a web presence with minimal effort of our paid staff. Jack continues to focus on the application of computer-based tools – an important and still growing aspect of our industry.

In recent years, members have begun to request more on-line services. When we held our first annual Planning Session for the Association in 2007, enhancing the website was one of the top recommendations. NEWEA began immediately to research and retain the services of a consultant in order to make the leap to a more comprehensive site. This launch could not have happened without the dedication of the ad-hoc Web Design committee and the approval of the Executive Committee. Thank you to everyone who supported and realized the vision.

What I am most excited about is the opportunity for our 2,000 members and countless friends to see and share what’s going on in the Association. As an officer, I have had that bird’s eye view and can attest to the impressive number, quality, and effectiveness of programs and volunteers. As for how it all comes together into a cohesive whole – I can only attribute that to our amazing professional staff that brings consistency to an ever changing organization.
In that spirit, here are a few highlights of recent and upcoming events. Check out the committee pages for more information on these and future events!

Congressional Briefing.  The Government Affairs Committee (GAC) organized a breakfast briefing held on April 29 in Washington D.C. Over 40 NEWEA members attended the breakfast, and many scheduled one-on-one meetings with senators and representatives. This was a very important and successful element of our ongoing government affairs program.

Student Day. A recommendation from our 2008 Planning Session was to consolidate some of our student events at a springtime event to be held at a university. The Student Activities Committee wasted no time! The first annual NEWEA Student Day was held on May 2 at Wentworth University.

Asset Management for Small Communities. The Asset Management and Small Communities committees have teamed up to offer an excellent specialty seminar on May 6 in Concord, NH.

Spring Meeting.  Please join us in downtown Providence, RI from June 7 -10 to celebrate the integral connections between a thriving city and its waterways. The successes of the Narragansett Bay Commission and many others will be highlighted in our program. Bring a date or the family down for the weekend – I know I’ll be keeping my eyes on the schedule for WaterFire as well as the many other attractions the city has to offer.

We welcome your ideas for how to use our new website to strengthen our connections within the Association and with our communities. And stop by again soon - the site will be updated frequently, and this blog will host dialogues on Association and industry topics.

Cheers!

Article written by: Erin Mosley, NEWEA President