Planning for the American Water Resource Association’s 2009 Annual Conference is underway. The conference will be held November 8-12, 2009, at the Red Lion Hotel in downtown Seattle. The Washington Section hosted a very successful national meeting here in 2005 and, based on recent upward trends in attendance, we are anticipating excellent participation at next year’s conference. We are committed to putting together a technical program of exceptional quality, comprising policy and technical-themed sessions, presentations, panel discussions and forums of special interest to the many dedicated researchers, managers, watershed planners, and individuals working on water related issues.

On behalf of AWRA-WA, we invite you to help with some of the many activities that are part of planning and executing a successful conference. This is an excellent opportunity for you to give back to your profession, connect with your peers, and raise people’s awareness of important issues affecting us all. We are seeking volunteers to serve on several committees:

·                  Program Committee – Contact Alan Black (alan.black-consultant@i405.wsdot.wa.gov) or Brenda Bateman (brenda.o.bateman@wrd.state.or.us)

·                  Fieldtrips, Workshops, and Community Project Committee – Contact Scott Kindred (scottkindred@comcast.net) or Felix Kristanovich (felix2water@comcast.net)

·                  Socials Committee – Contact Pete Sturtevant (psturtev@ch2m.com)

·                  Student Activities Committee – Contact Mark Raleigh (mraleig1@u.washington.edu) or Kelsey Ketcheson (ketchk@u.washington.edu)

·                  Finance Committee – Contact Scott Kindred (scottkindred@comcast.net)

·                  Awards and Gifts Committee – Contact Stan Miller (samillerh2o@comcast.net) or Beth Peterson (beth.peterson@hdrinc.com)

·                  Publicity and Information Management Committee – Contact Steve Hughes (steven_hughes@urscorp.com)

·                  Social Responsibility Committee – Contact Sandy Slayton (sslayton@entrix.com)

Volunteers willing to review abstracts and help us develop the conference program are especially needed. We are also interested in hearing from individuals who would like to serve as moderators or organize special sessions or panel discussions that address specific topics of interest. The success of the AWRA 2009 conference will depend in large measure on the ability of AWRA volunteers to craft an outstanding program and offer participants a chance to experience the vibrant spirit of the Pacific Northwest. If you have questions regarding the conference, please contact Cleve Steward at cleve.steward@amec.com or Tel. (425) 921-4029.  

The following committees have openings for member volunteers. Please contact the Committee Chair for committee descriptions or to volunteer!

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Members are always welcome at AWRA-WA board meetings. Please email the host to RSVP for meeting attendance and receive building entrance directions.