Public Officials Explore Water Issues at AWWA’s ACE09

Elected, appointed leaders to examine finance challenges, earn water certification.

Denver, CO (Vocus) April 30, 2009

Mayors, water commissioners, council members and other public officials will convene at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego June 14-18 to explore critical water issues during the American Water Works Association’s Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE09).

Among the featured public officials events are a three-session Public Officials Certificate program, a Public Officials Breakfast and Caucus and a networking reception.

“We live in a time when water issues are dominating headlines and public policy discussions,” said Michael Bell, chair of AWWA’s Public Officials Forum and board member of the Beaufort-Jasper Water and Sewer Authority in South Carolina. “As public officials, we have a responsibility to immerse ourselves in the critical water issues of the day. There’s no better way to do that than by participating at ACE09.”

Public Officials Breakfast and Caucus
San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders will address his city’s significant water resources challenges during the June 17 Public Officials Breakfast and Caucus, 8-11:30 a.m. Subsequent caucus topics will focus on funding water system improvements in today’s difficult economy, with presentations from respected experts on federal stimulus funding, state revolving funds, and innovative financing options.

Public Officials Certificate Program
For the first time, public officials registered at ACE09 will have an opportunity to earn the AWWA Public Officials Certificate by participating in three four-hour courses the afternoons of June 14-16. Participants will emerge with an excellent grasp of water operations, finance and sustainability. “Public officials who earn an AWWA certificate will be able to speak with a new level of knowledge and confidence about the water resources and treatment facilities in their communities,” Bell said.

Public Officials Reception
Public Officials will have an opportunity to discuss common issues in a relaxed setting during this 5-6 p.m. June 15 networking event.

ACE09 is the largest and longest-running water event of its kind, featuring a professional program with 570 presentations in 100 separate sessions and multiple in-depth workshops. Among the topics covered will be infrastructure maintenance, climate change, conservation and water efficiency, water resources management, legislative and regulatory issues, managing in a down economy and public affairs. More than 500 exhibitors will be on-site at the San Diego Convention Center showcasing the latest products and services available to help ensure safe water.

Registration Information: ACE09 registration information is available at http://www.awwa.org/ace09. Those wishing to register for the public officials reception or caucus should fill out a special registration form and email it to Trish Allen at tallen(at)awwa.org or call 303.734.3471. You may also register at the AWWA Public Officials kiosk in the registration lobby. You must be a registered ACE09 attendee to participate in the public officials events and training.

Please note, all events will take place at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Specific rooms to be determined.

Media Note: Accredited members of the media may attend ACE09 at no charge. However, they are required to register with AWWA Public Affairs. For media registration, please visit the press room at http://www.awwa.org or contact Deirdre Mueller at dmueller(at)awwa.org or 303-347-6140.

Established in 1881, AWWA is the oldest and largest nonprofit scientific and educational organization dedicated to safe water in North America. AWWA has more than 60,000 members worldwide, and its 4,500 utility members serve 80 percent of America’s population.

AWWA is the authoritative resource for knowledge, information, and advocacy to improve the quality and supply of water in North America and beyond. AWWA is the largest organization of water professionals in the world. AWWA advances public health, safety and welfare by uniting the efforts of the full spectrum of the entire water community. Through our collective strength we become better stewards of water for the greatest good of the people and the environment.

Contact
Greg Kail
303-734-3410
gkail(at)awwa.org

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