From the Executive Director 2020 — The Year of Change Howard Baker, MRWA Executive Director
We have seen so many changes this year. Some examples: how we buy groceries, how we see the doctor, how we greet each other, and even how we stand in line (none of which I care for and hope they change back.) But not all change is bad, because through change we adapt and grow. We have all heard the line, “Well, it’s the way we have always done it,” and we all know that is code for, “I don’t want to change.” For the most part we seldom change on our own. Something must happen for better or for worse, and this year it seemed to be for the worse. But within this cloud, there is a silver lining. Like the rest of you, MRWA had to make some changes. The MRWA trainers worked with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Operator Certification Section and Live Online Training was born. The field staff adapted and continued to provide onsite technical assistance and still helped with emergencies. Some systems across the state put up “COVID” barriers which in turn have become an integrated part of their security. And some systems started offering their customers online bill payments. With that, I say some good things have come from the change. The one thing that did not change is the service you provide, day in and day out, to each of your water or wastewater customers. The Board and Councils, Managers, Clerks, Operators and vendors should be proud that you have worked together and kept the water flowing in this year of change. As MRWA’s Executive Director, I thank you.
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