SDARWS' ANNUAL TECHNICAL CONFERENCE

2021 ANNUAL TECHNICAL CONFERENCE CANCELED

 

The South Dakota Association of Rural Water Systems (SDARWS) regretfully announces the cancellation of the 2021 Annual Technical Conference (ATC), which had been scheduled for January 12–14, 2021. The SDARWS Policy Committee met on Friday, October 16, 2020 (via Zoom), to discuss the future of the conference. Given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the decision was made to cancel the ATC for 2021. This decision did not come lightly. After all of the evidence was presented, the Policy Committee felt there were significant issues and obstacles to overcome. It was conceded that cancellation was the safest, clearest, and most sensible option available. We understand the ATC's impact and value on our membership – our water and wastewater professionals, and our industry members. We are deeply disappointed that we are unable to host the event this coming January and fervently hope that COVID-19 will be behind us soon. For now, we look forward to gathering back together on January 11-13, 2022, for a spectacular ATC.

 

With regrets,

SDARWS Board of Directors

2021 AWARDS NOMINATIONS

 

Despite the cancellation of the 2021 ATC, SDARWS still plans to give out awards.

We have extended our Awards Nomination deadline to November 30, 2020.

Give recognition where it is due by making an award nomination. Eligible nominees must be affiliated with a system member in good standing.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT AN AWARDS NOMINATION

 

We are accepting nominations for the following categories:

Rural Water System of the Year: a member system who puts forth exceptional efforts to properly manage, operate, and maintain their drinking water system.

 

Rural Water Manager of the Year: Recognition for a manager of a Rural Water System for outstanding performance in operating a Rural Water System.

 

Rural Water Office Person of the Year: Recognition for an administrative employee of a Rural Water System for outstanding performance in office management and procedures.

 

Rural Water System Operations Supervisor of the Year: Recognition for a State of South Dakota Certified Operator who is actively working a supervisory role for a Rural Water System, and has demonstrated outstanding leadership ability and/or accomplishments in drinking water.

 

Rural Water System Operations Specialist of the Year: Recognition for a State of South Dakota Certified Operator who is actively working for a Rural Water System with outstanding leadership ability and/or accomplishments in drinking water.

 

Municipal Water/Wastewater System of the Year: a municipality who puts forth exceptional efforts to properly manage, operate, and maintain their drinking water and wastewater system.

 

Municipal Manager of the Year: Recognition for a municipal manager for outstanding performance in managing a municipality.

 

Municipal Office Person of the Year: Recognition for an administrative employee of a municipality (i.e. clerk, finance officer, etc.) for outstanding performance in office management and procedures.

 

Municipal Operations Specialist of the Year: Recognition for a State of South Dakota Certified Operator who is actively working for a municipality with outstanding leadership ability/accomplishments in water.

 

Carroll Anderson Memorial: The Carroll Anderson Memorial Award is a tribute to the exemplary work of Carroll Anderson who gave generously of his time, talents, and efforts to the Kingbrook Rural Water System and the South Dakota Association of Rural Water Systems. This award recognizes an individual’s outstanding voluntary contributions to the advancement of rural community water systems in South Dakota, and is the greatest tribute the Association can bestow recognizing an individual’s contributions to both the member system and to SDARWS.

 

Friend of Rural Water: This distinguished honor is awarded to agencies, organizations, or individuals who have lent a hand in supporting this fantastic phenomenon we call Rural Water. The ability to provide life’s essential need, water, to all the citizens of South Dakota was not done by one person or organization; it is a collective effort encompassing many.

 

Spirit of Rural Water: This award is presented to an individual, business or group that goes above and beyond for a rural water system or rural water cause. South Dakota Rural Water wants to recognize exceptional rural water advocates that stand out from the pack because of their commitment to rural water issues and/or their passion for the job. Eligible candidates include rural and community water consumers, employees, directors, as well as lawmakers, businesses, or any person or group that puts forth a noble effort to advance rural water.

 

Donald B. Pospishil: This award honors the work of Don Pospishil who dedicated many years of his life to helping small water systems across South Dakota. The Donald B. Pospishil Award is awarded to individuals who demonstrate leadership abilities in the water supply field, provide quality services to consumers, and exhibits professionalism and dedication while operating and maintaining a small water system.

What is the ATC?

The Annual Technical Conference is the annual conference of the South Dakota Association of Rural Water Systems

and is designed to bring together water and wastewater utility systems – both large and small, municipal and rural

– for sessions in operations, management, boardsmanship and governance. The ATC is held every year

during the first week of the South Dakota Legislative session in Pierre, SD.