President's Message

Kevin Freber
Watertown, Wisconsin
August 2014

This will be my last Presidents message to the Clarifier and I can’t express how humbling it is to be the President of such a great organization. I can’t believe that I’ve been in the Wastewater field for over 30 years and a member of the WWOA for most of them. I never imagined when I was going to Moraine Park Technical College that someday I’d have this experience. So thank you for this opportunity!!  

As I sit at the August Board meeting, I’m reminded how important it is to have good Board of Directors and Secretary. They have made this year such a pleasure and I recommend this experience to anyone.  We are putting the final touches on the 48th Annual Conference. The Preconference Workshops have Wastewater Microbiology and passing the Wisconsin Department Natural Resources Operator Certification exams as there focus.  

It appears that Randy Herwig (Golf Outing) Jim Thalke, Tom Kruzick (Sporting Clays) and Tom Crouse (Bike ride) have everything ready to go. The Guest Program has a fun packed two days and I’d like to go on the Lambeau Field Tour. A special thanks to Jean Van Sistine and Bruce Bartel for putting together such a great program.  This year’s keynote speaker is Morgan McArthur; the title of his presentation is “Boredom Insurance”  I believe the Technical Program should have something for everyone, Lyle Lutz and the Technical Committee did another fabulous job. Presentations will begin at 10:45 am on Wednesday and run till 4:00 pm. and also again on Thursday starting at 8:00 am and running through 4:00 pm.  

We should have a great Exhibitor area again this year with 102 booths already signed up for. Please, take some time to visit the vendors they help support the conference.  Don’t forget to sign up for the Operators Luncheon or just attend the Business meeting; we have Bylaws and Articles to vote on which have been posted in the Clarifier.  

The Tour to the Fox Energy Center is limited to one bus so please sign up early. The New Water Tour will have a continuous bus running back and forth from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm with vendor demonstrations and online equipment.  

On Thursday night, we will again have the Awards Banquet to honor some of our peers.  Please consider attending it is a very enjoyable event. During the Awards Banquet, I will be passing the president’s gavel to my very good friend Kelly Zimmer from MSA Professional Services. I know she will do a great job for the organization. After the Awards banquet we will have a card playing and social event with raffle prizes. All conference attendees are invited. 

This year the Operator Certification credits are being handled differently please remember to scan in and out daily to obtain credits!  Enjoy the conference!!  

I like to say Thank You to all the Committee members and Chairs for their hard work.  This year has been a pleasure.  Thank you for allowing me to serve this great organization!!!

Kevin