Watermark > Fall 2003 > Water Environment Federation Director's Report

Water Environment Federation Director's Report

Neal Carley

When my term as your WEF Director ends in October 2003, I will hastily stumble out of the way as Rick Corbett gracefully steps into the position. This not to say that I am naturally clumsy, although many would argue vehemently to the contrary. During the past three years, the BCWWA has aggressively pursued change in our relationship with the Water Environment Federation and improvements in the ser-vices provided to all Canadian members of WEF.

We made positive steps forward, particularly in terms of setting the groundwork for improved services to WEF members in Canada. WEF now has a Canadian Affairs Council to manage government affairs at the federal level and Canadian issues in general. WEF also recognized the imbalance due to the US dollar exchange rate and offered WEF publications to Canadian members for Canadian dollars at par. In another area, we have supported a call for a review of the governance of WEF. The current governance structure has not kept pace with the evolution of both WEF and the member associations. Finally, the BCWWA will work with WEF over the next two years to improve the services to increase the value of the relationship between the two organizations.

The past three years have been challenging, fun, and the term “bull in a china shop” has been used more than once but, obviously, in an affectionate and appreciative manner. Thus, I look forward to passing the responsibility of carrying on these initiatives to our new Director.

WEFTEC 2003

The annual WEF trade show and conference, WEFTEC 2003, is scheduled for October 12-15, 2003, in Los Angeles, California. Last year, WEFTEC 2002 attracted over 18,000 delegates and is the premier conference for professionals in the water environment field. I invite all BCWWA members to attend WEFTEC 2003.

As an added bonus, the US Consulate has offered all Canadian delegates to WEF a special offer to be part of the official “Canadian Delegation.” The benefits include the guaranteed preferred registration rate, free access to the Global Business Centre and Lounge, and the distinction of being part of an official delegation. To take advantage of this offer, please contact Cheryl Schell at cheryl.schell@mail.doc.gov or 604-624-6679.

WEFTEC 2003—Great Canadian Icebreaker

Have you made plans to attend WEFTEC in Los Angeles this year? If you are going, the best event is always the Great Canadian Icebreaker.

This is an opportunity to meet everyone that is attending the conference and renew old acquaintances (not everyone attending the conference is at the icebreaker, only the ones that count). This year’s icebreaker is being held at the Jonathan Club. This is a private members social club that was established after the presidential elections of 1894. The club has its own building constructed in 1925, that is even more grand than the Biltmore hotel built in the same era.

To purchase tickets please send a cheque to:

WEAO
PO Box 176
Milton, ON
L9T 4N9
weao@weao.org

Please contact us for prices. You can also send an e-mail with a credit card number. Make sure you indicate how many tickets you are purchasing and the names of all your guests. When you are in Los Angeles, the place to stay is the Hilton Checkers Hotel located at 535 South Grand Ave. This hotel has been chosen as the Canadian hotel at WEFTEC. The hotel is a historical building that opened as the Mayflower Hotel in 1927. It has been fully restored to its original splendour. The hotel has a total of 188 rooms and we have blocked most of the rooms assigned to WEF. The hotel is in downtown Los Angeles and is a three-minute walk to the convention centre.

To book a room at the hotel, contact WEF housing at 1-888-301-4WEF and request the Canadian Block.

Hope to see everyone in LA. Contact me if you have any questions.

David Hein, WEAO Icebreaker Committee Chair davidh@kmk.on.ca