TAUD Receives NRWA's State Association of the Year Award

The Tennessee Association of Utility Districts has been named the 2019 Association of the Year by the National Rural Water Association (NRWA) at the National Water Pro Conference held September 9-11, 2019 at Gaylord Resort & Convention Center in Nashville.

“The State Association of the Year Award goes to the association that projects a team effort in all areas of professional association operations and membership services,” said NRWA Communications & Special Projects Director Carol Booth. “Tennessee was ahead of the pack this year specifically in training and its innovation to diversify its membership. The impressive leadership and teamwork shined through for Tennessee by the creation of the firstever Associate of Science degree programs for Water Treatment Operation and Wastewater Treatment Operation.”

The Associate of Science degree programs, approved by the State Board of Regents, include a semester internship at a public facility and curriculum using the same reference materials required for certification examination. This degree program is currently offered at Pellissippi State Community College.

“Training in our association means a multi-faceted delivery of services and opportunities to our membership, and it also means creating opportunities for the next generation of utility professionals,” said TAUD Executive

Pictured: Members of TAUD's staff and Board of Directors accepting the 2019 State Association of the Year Award (back row l-r): Allen Joslyn, Drexel Heidel, Kevin Gilliam, Bruce Giles, Michael Keeton, Tim Pelham, and Nick Newman; (front row l-r): JW Griffin, TAUD Board President Pat Riley, TAUD Executive Director Bob Freudenthal, NRWA State Director Phillip Combs, Dewayne Culpepper, Tony Wyatt, and Johnny Walker

Director Bob Freudenthal. “The creation of these degree programs will provide opportunities for future utility professionals and personal development of existing staff.”

Also in 2018, TAUD created a new Women in Water initiative focused on expanding the presence of women within the profession. This new networking group is dedicated to women actively engaged in the water and wastewater profession and increases awareness of the myriad of opportunities available to women. It is now being replicated by NRWA and was a featured element of the 2019 Water Pro Conference.

TAUD in 2018 also created the Tennessee Utility Professionals of Tomorrow program to attract the next generation of utility professionals and leaders to the rural water community. Designed for industry professionals between the ages of 25 and 45 or those new to the industry, the program develops and provides mentor opportunities for young professionals seeking education and advancement.

“These two new groups were created by grass-roots support within our existing staff and membership this past year to respond to the need for increased diversity within the utility profession and to attract the next generation of industry workforce,” said Freudenthal. “These programs are indicative of how TAUD and its member utilities are dedicated to making a substantial, positive impact to citizens across Tennessee through their water, wastewater and natural gas services.”