2007 was a wonderful year. The Annual conference grew once again with sixty five 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 for those who attend the pre-conference workshop. If you would like more information on this-attend the workshop.The 2007 Regional conferences were well attended even though the day of the week changes seemed to confuse some people. We will try to clarify the order a little better this year. The award for the largest increase in attendees goes to the Southern section, where the attendance doubled. Thanks to Phil Brandenburg, who hosted the meeting, and to all the Regional officers who worked very hard to get the people to Du Quoin. We will return for 2008.
The biggest change in 2007 was the way in which the plant and operator of the year inspections were handled. These have always been Association awards but the IEPA has been willing to help us by doing the inspections. This year, with budget constraints limiting the Agency involvement, the Association and the Agency formed three two man teams to do the inspections. Bob Voss, Bruce Rodely, and Jeff Holste from the IEPA teamed up with Mitch Patterson, Lawrence Quick, and myself to cover the state. Each team was assigned two categories of award nominees and off we went. I saw more of this state in three weeks than I thought possible and found out just how hard it is to pick the winners. I also found a few innovations at some of these plants that will now will be used at my facility.
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.
Dave Miller
Executive Director
IAWPCO
Executive Director
IAWPCO
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Executive Director |
Secretary - Treasurer |