IAWPCO Executive Director's Notes

GREETINGS FROM THE DIRECTOR’S CHAIR

        2008 was a interesting year. The Annual conference exhibition and registration remained steady with sixty-three exhibitors in the hall and close to four hundred attendees. The pre-conference workshop was well attended and we have one scheduled again this year. The social functions in the exhibit hall continue to bring in large crowds and we did add a “small gathering” (over 100) for those who attend the pre-conference workshop or arrive early. If you would like more information on this-attend the workshop.

       The 2008 Regional conferences were, for the most part, well attended even as budgets across the state shrink and sometimes training seems to be one of the first casualties. All of the meetings showed a modest profit and we were able to have a presentation via cell phone at the Southern Regional. Congratulations to Phil Brandenburg on the innovative approach to solve the problem.

      Again in 2008 the IEPA and the IAWPCO sent out joint inspection teams to do the inspections for plant and operator of the year awards. After two years of doing the inspections I have realized how hard it is to pick one winner from the nominees. All of the plants and operators I have visited have been outstanding and believe me it is no easy task to choose just one.

     On a sad note, we recently lost one of our exhibitors who has been with us ever since the exhibit hall was first opened. Steve “The Irishman” O’Donnell passed away in January and we will miss him and the peanuts that were always present in his hotel room. A booth will be set up in the exhibit hall with a card for all to sign for his family.

     As always all of the Board members continue to work hard to improve the Association and we would like to hear any suggestions on how we can do this.

Hope to see everyone in Springfield in April.