Happy Holidays!
Looking Back…
Shelley Peters, CAE, Executive Director
This last year was a very busy year. We offered 10 learning webinars, we welcomed 39 new member companies, conducted our second virtual annual general meeting, added new design and content changes to the newsletter, continued with advocacy efforts, and began conversations with new and old members by showcasing their companies in our member spotlight series.
In 2021 we added Jason Jackson as our Education Consultant, which compliments Kevin Wong our Technical Consultant to cover the key areas of focus for the CWQA.
If you are currently going through our education program, you should have received an invitation to in person mentor sessions for learners that will start in 2022. Jason will be leading these sessions so bring your questions about the program and your other water challenges. The goal is to gain as many certified water treatment professionals as we can in Canada.
Many of you used your voice and completed the 2021 Member Satisfaction Survey. The summarized results are in this newsletter but to each of you that took the time to complete the survey, I thank you! Your comments are very important to how our Board, staff and committees shape the future of the CWQA.
As we are nearing the end of the year, dues renewals are in full swing. If you renew before the end of December, you will save 2% on your dues. In the new year, your new membership cards, along with new window decals will be sent out.
I would be remiss if I didn’t thank all of the volunteers that help the staff continue to keep the association moving in the right direction. Your Board of Directors, your committee members, and the webinar and article contributors have committed time and effort to bring value to the association and making it stronger.
The world is still dealing with variants of the pandemic, but water treatment professionals, all of you, have risen to the occasion, and added the necessary precautions to your workday, and continued to tackle all of the water challenges.
Our vision is to support and grow the health, sustainability and credibility of the water quality industry in Canada and together we will continue that work.
Happy Holidays to all, please have a safe holiday season, and I look forward to connecting with you in 2022.
Looking Forward…
Rob Woodland, CWQA President
Shelley provided a look back at 2021, and I want to provide a look ahead. Many of you took the time to provide your feedback in the member satisfaction survey, and what stood out for me and the Board when we looked at the results is that we need to continue with education and to beef it up. Your education committee is going to do a full audit of what is offered currently, and where we can enhance it in the new year.
You also indicated that raising consumer awareness is vitally important to showcase the good work that CWQA members do.
Our marketing and communications committee is going to take that task on and come up with some key tactics that will boost the awareness of the CWQA members. As well, the member spotlight feature and social media posts will continue.
Government relations was another important topic to all of you, so our Executive Director – Shelley Peters along with our Technical Advisor – Kevin Wong are going to ramp up the conversations with all federal and provincial governments and continue with strong advocacy efforts to highlight the importance of providing quality water treatment options for all Canadians.
Lastly, I want to wish all of you a very happy and safe holiday season. We aren’t out of the cross-hairs of COVID just yet, but our industry has stayed steadfast in providing quality water for all. Thank you and I look forward to hopefully seeing some of you in person at the 2022 CWQA events.
