Published in the March, 2002 Issue
Executive Report
By Jim Burke, AWBD President		 Membership Breakfasts:
Three For Texas

   January, 2002 will be marked in AWBD history for two important events.
   First, the membership overwhelmingly approved the adoption of revisions to the Association Bylaws.  Results were announced at the general session of the Mid Winter Conference.  The vote was 324 for with only 4 opposed and 4 abstentions.  This clearly shows that members are strongly behind the stated vision and purpose of AWBD.  
   A vote for the Bylaws revisions was a vote of confidence in AWBD's operational strategy and plan for the future.  As I have said before, Bylaws are meant to be a dynamic instrument, one subject to review and temperate revision.  By examining the structure on which our organization operates, we can best take stock from time to time and adjust as needed to keep on track, to continue growing and to always be responsive to our members and their needs.
   Secondly, AWBD completed its first out of state event and the Mid Winter Conference more than lived up to expectations; it exceeded them.  Given the huge numbers of delegates who came to the Mid Winter Conference, you will not be surprised that the 2002 event was the largest ever.
   Hats are off to the hard work of the Program Committee for putting together a superb conference schedule.  Full rooms, stimulating dialogue and glowing comments were the order of the day. The member input and seminar evaluations will have residual effects as they influence programming for the summer conference…and beyond.
   Well-deserved applause is due our office staff, headed up by Executive Director Merry Leonard.  As always, their organization and care about our delegates enhanced the experience.  It can't be easy to put our show on the road, but they made it look effortless.  
   AWBD founding member Bill Callegari made a strong impression in his address to our general session as he recounted his rookie year as a member of the Texas Legislature.  His track record is unprecedented: an astounding 100% of his legislation passed either as separate bills or as incorporated into other enabling legislation.  He is a true friend both of AWBD and the water industry.
   Where do we go from here?  It's simple.  We keep building on these successes which are truly indicative of the strength of the organization.
   Do your part.  Take full advantage of your membership.  Attend the April membership breakfasts and make plans to be in South Padre Island for the Annual Conference in June.

    The April Membership Breakfasts have been expanded this year.  In addition to the usual locations of Houston and Austin, the north Texas area will participate at the breakfast held in Irving.  
   Breakfasts will be held in Houston on April 10 at the Wyndham Greenspoint Hotel; in Irving on April 17 at the Omni Mandalay Hotel at Los Colinas; and, in Austin on April 24 at the Renaissance Hotel.  
   Reservation deadlines have been set for each breakfast; the cost is $20 per person.  Complete details have been  mailed to members and are on the AWBD website.
   "Member interest from districts in the north has steadily increased," said Jim Burke, AWBD President.  "Holding a  breakfast in Irving gives us a chance to meet directors who can benefit from AWBD membership.  And, the breakfast topic this year is of key interest to any district in the state."
   The breakfast topic focuses on facility security in the aftermath of September 11.  The worst-case scenario has moved from the pages of fiction to the essential strategic plans of districts.
   Breakfast speakers will review preparedness models, potential dangers and realistic strategies that districts can put into place.  The presentation is designed to be interactive and there will be plenty of time for a question and answer period.
   These Spring Membership Breakfasts showcase the advantages of being a part of AWBD.  In addition to providing members with important information, they serve as excellent introductions to what AWBD has to offer and are important in recruiting new members.
   The format allows members to interact, share experiences and opinions, hear informed speakers and view  vital presentations - and still get in a full business day.  Plus, the cost is reasonable and the food is always good.
   Make your reservations early and plan to have breakfast with AWBD in April.