PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

It is amazing how quickly the past few months have gone by. It seems like only a few days ago that I was elected president of FGWA and issued a challenge to everyone in the ground water industry to participate in our Association’s events. One way to participate is to attend our 2007 Annual Convention and Trade Show which will be held May 11 and 12, 2007, at the International Plaza Resort and Spa (formerly known as the Sheraton World Resort).

Like all of the other Directors, I am often asked "what is the Association doing for me." There is a very easy answer to that question, which is: through the participation of a number of FGWA members who serve on the DEP Workgroup Committee, we are actively looking out for the best interests of all water well contractors. A recent example is at the last Workgroup Committee Meeting held in conjunction with our quarterly meeting at the Cocoa Beach Hilton. A number of items were discussed that would have a tremendous impact for all water well contractors. Just a few of the matters discussed included: Update on Proposed Rule Amendments; Removal of the Pesticide Treated Foundation to Well Setback Requirement; Existing Wells and Setbacks for New Stormwater Ponds; and SJRWMD County Delegation Status. There is no doubt in my mind that by working with DEP, HRS, and the five Water Management Districts, we have been able to prevent many unnecessary regulations that would have been a tremendous burden on our industry. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this committee, it is composed of five contractors (one from each District) in addition to the governmental representatives. As I reported before, the ability to meet on a quarterly basis with those who write and administer the regulations that govern our business is a tremendous asset for all water well contractors.

To return to the topic of our 2007 FGWA Convention, we are looking forward to an excellent attendance, informative coursework and an even bigger and better Trade Show. We are offering many incentives to attendees, including give-aways and the poolside party on Friday evening.  As you know, all water well contractor licenses expire July 31, 2007. You can obtain your mandatory 12 CEU credits at our two-day Convention, including 2 CEUs just by attending the Trade Show. The Trade Show will be open on Friday, May 11 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., and on Saturday, May 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Save time and money by pre-registering for the Convention before April 15, and make your hotel reservations by April 10 to take advantage of the FGWA group rate of $99 s/d. For hotel reservations, call 1-800-327-0363 or go to www.internationalplazaresort.com and use group code FGWA.  For a Convention pre-registration form, click here.

I look forward to seeing you at the Convention in May!

Pat Partridge