President Message

Greetings, Fellow Members and Operators

by Jim Siddall

Greetings to all my TWUA colleagues and thank you to all who supported me in becoming the 96th President of our great organization. We just finished the 104th Annual School in Corpus Christi. We had good attendance, excellent training programs, productive association meetings, and the best weather in several years. If you get a chance, be sure to thank Russell Hamilton, his staff, and the volunteers for all the work they put in to make a successful school

Our executive director, Russell Hamilton, told the board at our final meeting in Corpus that while membership numbers are holding steady and slightly increasing, attendance at events such as district meetings and regional schools is declining. We must address this problem to sustain our association. However, in trying to determine the cause for the decline and rectify any issues, we found that our organization is not the only one suffering from the phenomenon. Churches, business associations, and many social organizations are also going through the same decline.

During our board meetings, we discussed our past achievements and areas we need to improve. The management committee has identified: The format of and dates of the annual school, association meeting dates, attendance at TWUA in-person events, virtual training, availability of training manuals and TCEQ computer-based training that we want address this year. If you watch the news, you might have seen the predictions of a coming recession. If experience is any indication, one of the first areas cut from budgets during a downturn is memberships and dues. Administrators must cut whatever they think costs too much for its perceived value. It is incumbent on us to demonstrate that the value of our membership offers is worth more than the price charged. One of the first steps to establish this is to explain the benefits of participating in our events. Yes, a significant benefit of our association is the availability and quality of our training programs. TWUA provides both in-person and online TCEQ-approved training and member-only materials.

TWUA provides license renewal training hosted by local districts. From recent changes in the TCEQ rules to new technological tools that will make your job easier, these meetings provide continuing education to help you stay updated on virtually everything happening in the utility world. At most meetings, attendees receive two hours of renewal credit toward both Water and Wastewater licensing maintenance and licensing renewal. Many districts even provide a free meal. With the average annual dues for TWUA and district membership at around $85, a manager would be hard-pressed to find a more cost-effective way to obtain 48 hours of training and 12 meals.

One of the most valuable personal benefits of joining TWUA is the opportunity it likely provides to connect with a mentor or serve as one. Mentorship offers the ability to learn the industry from someone who has been working in it for years. Or you can perpetuate excellence in the water utility industry by sharing your expertise with someone new to the field. These authentic mentoring relationships beat paying money to some unknown and unproven expert any day.

TWUA offers numerous events throughout the year that allow operators to network with their peers, including district events, regional schools, and our annual conference. Many of these conferences are intended as a way for members to connect with local and state leaders within the industry to expand their professional relationships.

Obtaining employment in the utility industry can be challenging, particularly for first timers. Everyone is familiar with the frequent plight of many new workers: “I can’t find a job because I don’t have any experience, but how

can I get experience if I can’t find a job?” Being a member of TWUA can help you get your foot in the door.

Another benefit to membership in TWUA is access to the Texas Water Utilities Journal and other publications that can offer helpful information about the utility industry. Such resources may also provide news about upcoming events, conferences, meetings, and even career opportunities not publicized elsewhere.

Utility operators are often extremely busy and can get stuck in their own little bubbles. Being around other operators with different viewpoints, methods, and experiences exposes you to new ideas, outlooks, and techniques. This can have a very positive effect not only on your personal growth and development but also on your utility’s overall success.

Your career doesn’t have to depend on what is available to you within your utility. Development opportunities from TWUA are intended for personal and professional improvement, even if it doesn’t benefit your immediate employer right away.

Another benefit of membership for operators working on licensing is the availability of review materials that will help prepare them for and, ultimately, pass a licensing exam. Such review materials are offered in partnership with senior operators, so you’re more likely to become adequately prepared.

While training from your desk or home can be flexible and convenient, the value of this method often suffers in quality when compared to in-person meetings. Recent research shows that students learn more and more effectively at in-person training events. Students receiving in-person instruction have fewer distractions, increased concentration, and can receive more direct, personalized learning experiences that keep them from falling behind Many of our district programs are presented by utility experts who provide products and services to our industry. They give this training at no charge. They do this to make contacts and develop relationships with potential customers. We could lose their expertise by transitioning exclusively to online meetings/training.

Since the main reasons members join associations are networking with others in the field (63%), continuing education or certification (37%), and access to specialized or current information (32%), your attendance and participation in TWUA will fulfill all these needs. Membership just makes sense.

In closing, I hope to meet with all of you during the coming year, and please let me know if you have concerns or recommendations to improve TWUA.