The Water and Wastewater Equipment Manufacturers Assn. (WWEMA) 40th Washington Forum, April 23 to 25 in Washington, D.C., will explore the current landscape of the water and wastewater industry and offer manufacturers and their representatives the information and tools they need to remain competitive in today’s environment.
This year’s event poses the question, “Is this the New Norm?” and includes insights into the legislative and regulatory issues as well as the market challenges surrounding that query:
Private Activity Bond Legislation. Keynote speaker Congressman Bill Pascrell Jr. (D-NJ), has been a leading advocate for this legislation, which could result in billions of dollars in water infrastructure investments.
Water Market Outlook. A panel of utility directors and consulting engineers will share their perspectives on today’s “New Norm” and how manufacturers and their reps can help resolve their “pain points.”
SRFs. George Ames and Peter Shanaghan, directors of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA’s) two State Revolving Funds programs, will share the current state of their programs as well as their outlook for future spending.
Municipal Bonds. John Krause, president of the Government Finance Group, will share the outlook of the municipal bond market and its potential effects on water and wastewater projects spending.
Construction. Ken Simonson, chief economist for the Associated General Contractors of America, will examine the economic indicators for construction in general and water projects in particular.
Export Opportunities. Jennifer Prescott, U.S. trade representative in the Executive Office of the President, and Maureen Hinman, trade specialist at the U.S. Commerce Department, will share the latest policies and advancements being undertaken to help promote international trade of environmental products and services.
DoD Procurement. David Asiello, head of the Department of Defense environmental technology programs, will discuss the current challenges facing the DoD and the ins and outs of its procurement process.
Hydraulic Fracturing. Marianne Horinko, president of The Horinko Group, will offer insight into the current political and legal climate surrounding this new energy resource.
EPA Priorities and Initiatives. Directors Randy Hill (Office of Wastewater Management), Peter Grevatt (Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water) and Elizabeth Southerland (Office of Science and Technology), will share their departments’ priorities for 2013 and beyond; and David Hindin, senior advisor in the EPA Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, and Alexandra Dunn, executive director of the Association of Clean Water Administrators, will discuss the development and enforcement of the EPA’s Next Generation Compliance Initiative.
In addition to the educational program, the conference provides numerous opportunities for networking and informal idea-sharing.
Source: WWEMA
