June 2008

Hello from Minnesota.

"Developing Great Infrastructure to Enhance our Water Environment" was the theme for our 81st CSWEA Annual Meeting recently held in Bloomington, Minnesota. We had a great technical, exhibitor, student, entertainment, spouse, and special team meeting program the week of May 19th to 22nd, 2008. Dr. James Barnard was our keynote speaker and he gave a terrific presentation on the future of nutrient removal and the concept of nutrients as a diminishing resource. The opening session was well attended. Mr. Chuck Weir, Treasurer for the Water Environment Federation (WEF), was the guest speaker for the CSWEA Awards Luncheon. Mr. Weir gave a presentation on the future of the WEF organization, which was also well attended. Ms. J. Drake Hamilton, Science Policy Director with Fresh Energy, gave the Farewell Breakfast presentation on clean energy solutions to climate change that will maximize economic opportunities for the Midwest. The technical program for the conference this year was outstanding. Abstracts for the technical program can be found on the internet at http://www.cswea.org/

The exhibitor's showcase format was new this year. Over 68 companies, with over 150 representatives, showed up to present their firms and products during a concentrated timeframe. Exhibitor booths were set up to operate Tuesday, May 20th in the afternoon without competition from technical papers. The goal was to focus more attention on the exhibitors and products without competition from other venues. Prizes and vendor talks were given following a set timeline in an attempt to keep people in the exhibit hall. The exhibitor's session ended with the Exhibitor's Reception, which turned out to be a good time for all. While this format was new, we would appreciate hearing from you about your thoughts on this pilot format.

Several upcoming events for the MN Section are currently in the planning stages. Upcoming events for the MN Section include:

• June 18-19, 2008: MN Section CSWEA/MWOA Laboratory Seminar - General Topic: MDH Rules from the Laboratory Prospective, St. Cloud, MN
  
  
• July 22-25, 2008: MWOA 32nd Annual Conference, Mankato, MN
  
  
• October 2008: CSWEA/MWOA Collection System Workshop, Duluth, MN
  
  
• November 6, 2008: MN Section CSWEA/A&WMA Conference on the Environment, Earle Brown Center, Brooklyn Center, MN
  
  
• February 2009. MN Section CSWEA/MWOA 25th Annual Innovative Approaches to WW Operational Problems Seminar, St. Cloud, MN

Several professionals also recently stepped forward to accept new positions with the MN Section. As professionals in the wastewater industry we have many opportunities to learn, grow, and give back to our communities, and CSWEA can help you attain your goals. Positions recently filled include:

• Trustee to CSWEA - Patti Craddock, Craddock Consulting
  
  
• Immediate Past Chair - John Glatzmaeir, CH2M HILL
  
  
• Vice Chair - Jason Benson, AE2S
  
  
• Secretary/Treasurer - George Sprouse, MCES
  
  
• Student & Young Professionals (S&YP) Committee Chair - Alison Sumption, Howard R. Green

Chair positions still needing to be filled include the Biosolids and Government Affairs committees. To learn more about these opportunities or to join a committee, please visit our website: http://www.cswea.org/minnesota. This site also includes a listing of all current committees and chairs.