The Eastern Water Quality Assn. (EWQA) completed a successful 2016 convention. Held at the Bear Creek Mountain Resort in Poconos, Pa., Sept. 14 to 16, the convention featured a record number of attendees and a fully booked exhibit space. Reports from attendees, exhibitors and walk-ins named it the best EWQA convention in recent memory.
Among the highlights, Brian Oram of B. F. Environmental Consultants Inc. presented an eight-hour program on the legalities of testing to assist those who require proper and legal testing results in a legal setting. Attendees also experienced a plant tour of the BCR water treatment facility, a golf event and an auction.
The 2016 golf tournament gathered 33 golfers and concluded in an awards ceremony. Jim Vander Horn of Jayson Soft Water was awarded Longest Drive; David Baker of Duff Co. was awarded Closest to the Pin; and the winning team comprised of Jeremiah Jesse of Hankscraft, Randy Hockenberry of ResinTech and Jesse Smyers of Sunbury Controls. Doug Haring of Clack and Peggy Blazek oversaw the tournament.
The auction also provided entertainment and a source of revenue for EWQA programs. Mike Urbans of Nalco-Reskem and Peter Auchincloss of Don Shaw/Watermark Corp. organized the event.
Water Quality Assn. (WQA) President Don McGhee and Richard Mest of Master Water Conditioning Corp. presented the keynote address, which focused on WQA’s final barrier initiatives. They also discussed WQA’s efforts on the water crisis in Flint, Mich.
During the keynote address, Doug Haring, EWQA second vice president, provided an update on the association’s progress in ensuring training, certification and improvement in quality membership enhancement goals. In addition, Haring presented awards in various categories to recognize industry achievements.
Haring presented awards to the following recipients:
- Marianne Metzger, EWQA president, received the EWQA President of the Year award.
- Kathee Srygley, EWQA internal vice president, received the President’s award.
- Mike Urbans, EWQA board member, received the Hall of Fame award.
- Dean Srygley, EWQA executive director, received the Distinguished Service award.
Haring also recognized EWQA contributions, including:
- Former EWQA President Brent Golding’s volunteer efforts;
- Peggy Blazek’s support of sponsorship opportunities; and
- Board member Alex Duffine’s revision of EWQA by-laws.
For more information on EWQA membership or events, and to contact the board of directors, visit www.ewqa.org.
