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Message from the Executive Director
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Our 60th annual conference has come and gone, and we’re pleased to share some of the highlights of the event. We had over 300 attendees, and overall I think things went very well.
We tried some new things this year, including a drought film documentary. Based on your feedback and survey results, we were happy to learn that many of you greatly enjoyed the documentary as well as other speakers and panels.
Our anniversary celebration featured the awards gala, and our two closing speakers provided a glimpse of what the future holds in store for national politics and local water quality regulation.
A variety of breakout sessions on Wednesday offered delegates choices from Private Sewer Lateral Programs, to Justifying Long-Term Rates for Infrastructure Renewal, to Achieving Success through Vision + Funding, and much more.
This issue of CASA Connects is dedicated entirely to the conference. We’ll be back next week with our usual format. I’d like to thank each and every one of you who attended the conference, as well as all of our guest speakers. Your commitment to staying connected and making advances in wastewater management continues to inspire me.
Sincerely,
Bobbi Larson
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| CASA’s 60th Anniversary Celebration |
Following the breakout sessions and committee meetings on Wednesday, the general conference officially kicked off on Thursday morning with a 60th anniversary breakfast and celebration.
An exceptionally large crowd attended the breakfast celebration; a testament to the value CASA members see in the organization. Attendees enjoyed a photo montage of CASA throughout the years while enjoying a plated breakfast with their peers. A comedian kicked off the celebration with some humorous anecdotes about CASA mixed in with his usual routine.
CASA Communications Manager, Brooke Sobol, and CASA Communications Workgroup Chair, Jeff Reinhardt, added some flair to the awards presentations, Hollywood style. We got some great feedback on this presentation, and will work to make next year’s event even better.
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| The 2015 Achievement Award Winners |
Each year, it’s an honor to recognize organizations that make big impacts in California through our CASA Achievement Awards. The 2015 winners are… ( read more) 
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| Film Documentary Captivates Crowd |
The screening of a documentary film about drought in the west was a highlight of Thursday’s opening session. Filmmaker Steve Nicolaides introduced his film, Eyes on the Sky, and engaged in a question and answer session with CASA conference delegates. The film aims to increase awareness among the general public of the severity and persistence of the drought and to highlight the importance of increasing water recycling and stormwater capture.
Missed the screening? No problem! You can view it on Vimeo or access the film’s Facebook page to find a link.
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| While You Were Lunching.. |
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| Scholarship recipient danny mejia thanks CASA members |
Those attending Thursday’s luncheon enjoyed a presentation of the CASA Education Foundation scholarship awards. The Foundation’s goal is to enhance the future of California’s clean water community by attracting new professionals into the industry.
This year the Foundation awarded three $5,000 scholarships. On-hand to accept one of the awards was scholarship recipient, Danny Mejia, who shared some touching words of gratitude. The Foundation exists because of generous donations from people like you. To make a donation and help develop wastewater leaders of the future, please complete this pledge form or contact Foundation Board Members Jim Graydon, Jeff Moorhouse, or Catherine Smith.
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| Eric Saperstein a crowd favorite |
The always-entertaining and enlightening Eric Sapirstein, CASA’s Federal Legislative Advocate, updated delegates on the important progress that is being made in Washington to advance federal assistance for water recycling in California, a major priority for CASA.
CASA’s State Legislative Advocate, Mike Dillon, gave a heartfelt speech, complimenting CASA on six decades of achievement and sharing his optimistic views on CASA’s future, along with an informative state legislative update. View the 2015 CASA Bill Positions |
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Watershed Management Session a Favorite Amongst Delegates
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In what may be the most well-regarded session of the conference, Thursday also featured an informative and engaging discussion on collaborative watershed management. Read more…
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Introducing CASA’s Board of Directors
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| Former President Dave Williams passes the gavel to Kevin Hardy |
As part of the Association’s annual business meeting, the membership elected four Directors to serve three year terms. Joining eight incumbents on the Board are:
- Timothy Becker, Oro Loma Sanitary District
- Stephen Hogg, City of Fresno
- John (Jack) Hoagland, Rancho California Water District
- Georgean Vonheeder-Leopold, Dublin San Ramon Services District
As provided in the bylaws, the Board of Directors elected officers to serve one year terms:
- President: Kevin Hardy, Encina Wastewater Authority
- Vice President: Jeff Moorhouse, Carpinteria Sanitary District
- Secretary Treasurer: Paul Bushee, Leucadia Wastewater District
Newly elected President Kevin Hardy appointed Steve Swanback of Carollo Engineers to serve a one year term as the Associates Director, replacing David Bachtel of HDR.
The membership also approved the annual Dues Resolution. 2016 dues did not increase over current levels.
During the conference, CASA Vice-President, Kevin Hardy, gave tribute to CASA President, Dave Williams, for his dedication and leadership. In return, Dave honored Kevin with a ceremonial passing of the gavel, as Kevin accepted his new role of President of the CASA Board of Directors.
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Friday’s Closing: Politics, Water, and Laughs
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The conference concluded Friday morning on an entertaining and inspiring note.
In an informative and humorous presentation on the 2016 Presidential Election, National Journal’s Josh Krashaar provided an overview of the factors influencing the Republican and Democratic nomination contests. He highlighted the Trump phenomenon and shared the origins of the public’s frustration with Washington and politics, suggesting that, among other factors, Hurricane Katrina and the Iraq War marked the beginning of a loss of confidence in government. He also provided his thoughts on the evolving challenges for Hillary Clinton in response to continued rumors that Vice President Biden might enter the Democratic race.
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| Friday’s closing session offered many laughs |
Closing speaker Tim Moore delighted the audience with his wit, knowledge, and engaging presentation skills. He celebrated the accomplishments of the wastewater community in California over the last 40 years, comparing the achievements in wastewater treatment to the advancements in space exploration. Mr. Moore illustrated his messages with references to Star Trek, classic cars and key historical events. He acknowledged the many challenges still ahead while expressing optimism that CASA members will continue to meet those challenges through innovation, determination and creativity.
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View the Speaker Presentations and Photos
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Speaker presentations have been added to the event page. |
 Save the dates for these upcoming CASA events.
- Winter Conference: January 20-22, 2016, Palm Springs
- Washington, D.C. Conference: February 22-24, 2016, Washington D.C.
- 61st Annual Conference: August 10-12, Monterey
See our events page for more info.
Hope to see you at our next event!
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Connect with us:   Contact us: (916) 446-0388
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