President's Message

Kelly Zimmer
Baraboo, Wisconsin
September 2015

As I write my last Presidents message for the Clarifier I look out at my gardens and reflect.  Where did the past few months go?? It’s been such a pleasure being President; I want to express my heartfelt thanks to all of you and my employer, MSA Professional Services, Inc., for providing me this opportunity.  Having a resourceful Board of Directors and Regional Directors, willing committee chairs and a dedicated Secretary make everything run smoothly and I know they will continue to better this great organization. I have attended meetings in most of the regions and am impressed with the level of commitment and professionalism. All the regions continue to offer quality education and training to the membership.  The meetings are well organized and the food is always outstanding.  I encourage each of you to consider getting involved in the WWOA, either at the Regional or State level.  It will truly be something rewarding that you never will regret being a part of.

Vice President Sharon Thieszen has put together another fine conference technical program with excellent training and networking opportunities for the upcoming Annual Conference.  All of the conference information can be found in this issue of the Clarifier or on the WWOA.org website.

We will have a great Exhibitor area again this year with over 130 booths already reserved.  Please, take some time to visit the vendors, as they are a major supporter of the conference.

On Thursday evening at the Awards Banquet of the conference I will be passing the President’s Gavel to my friend and President-elect, Lyle Lutz.  We will also bid farewell to Past President Kevin Freber.  Thank you Kevin for all of the years of dedication to the WWOA.  Next year I will join you in the ranks of Presidents of the Past. 

I want to remind you that the Operator Certification credits are handled electronically and you must remember to scan in and out at the WWOA conference registration area daily to obtain credits.  This includes the Wisconsin Dells/Lake Delton Wastewater Treatment Facility tour on Thursday afternoon.

I am excited that the Annual Conference is returning to the Kalahari in Wisconsin Dells.  Having the conference take place centrally located in the State tends to draw members from all over making it on of the best-attended conferences.  I look forward to seeing you there!

I hope you have had a great and memorable summer.  Now, it’s time for me to go relax by the pool.

Kelly