KRWA Conference 1999

Standing-room only crowds
Cheers and laughter from audiences
Hundreds of hungry folks chowing down at breakfast, lunch and dinner
Packed parking lots

Was it Super Bowl Sunday? Opening day for Star Wars I, "The Phantom Menace"? A Wal-Mart blue-light special sale?

Try again! It was the Kansas Rural Water Association's 32nd Annual Conference & Exhibition held at Century II, Wichita. Attendance totalled 1,937, up five percent from 1998's record. Folks from 25 states joined Kansans for the learning, fellowship and fun.

The theme, "Delivering quality every day" said it all: Water and wastewater professionals do whatever it takes to serve their customers and community.

Once again, the KRWA conference proved it is the Midwest's largest water and wastewater conference. Participants visited 210 exhibitors and chose from seven preconference sessions and 32 regular conference sessions.

Preconferences draw crowds

KRWA started offering preconference workshops at the 1995 conference. Why? To provide in-depth training on complex topics. That first year, about 400 people attended four preconference sessions. Fast forward to 1999: Over 950 participants attended seven preconferences, four of which provided credit towards operator certification or renewal.

The theory of operating and maintaining lift stations was covered in "Operating and maintaining lift stations." Topics covered included understanding and using pump curves, retro-fitting pump systems, types of pump stations and electro-mechanical controls. Speakers Jim Morris and Tom Byrne, Smith & Loveless combined excellent graphics with classroom lecture to make an interestng session.
Overflow crowds attended "Consumer confidence reports." Why? Because the first annual report is to be received by customers between April and October 1999 per mandate of the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1996.
Darrel Plummer, Chief of Permits and Compliance, KDHE, covered topics such as federally required contents and language, compliance dates, and how to prepare the report. (Update: KRWA and KDHE have prepared a template that Kansas water systems can use. KRWA has developed a 'run-time' computer program to help systems print out their water quality data. Contact the KRWA office for more information
"Be a better rural water board member" addressed basics for effective boards. Topics covered planning, preparing for and conducting the monthly meeting (including the agenda and order of business); boardsmanship (e.g., responsibilities, liabilities); personnel management (such as supporting staff, observing employee laws); and day-to-day operations (for example, how much does the board need to know or do?).

Presenters were Dan Crist and Terry Walker, Oklahoma Rural Water Association. Interestingly, Oklahoma law now requires first-time rural water district directors to get formal training.

Not sure how to meet state requirements for chlorination? You should have attended the "Chlorination workshop" preconference. Presenters Greg Taylor, KDHE, and Randy Dye, Advance Chemical Distributors, covered topics such as O&M and troubleshooting of gas and liquid chlorination systems; and maintaining chlorine residuals and the relationship to bacteriological quality.
Remember when development happened only in large systems? Not anymore! KRWA has estimated that about half of Kansas' municipalities and one-third of its RWDs are undergoing development. At the preconference, "Developers: Not just for the big guys!" volume 7 in the Water Board Bible series was launched. Participants received a free copy of Developers, Coming Your Way Fast!

Speaker Ellen G. Miller, Ellen Miller Group, covered topics such as who's in the development game; risks, rates and fees; and getting your board/council on track. The session concluded with a spirited panel discussion by Lois Fulkerson, Leavenworth Consolidated RWD No.1; Richard Porter, El Dorado; and Alan Soetaert, Johnson RWD No. 7.

Who's responsible for paying and collecting taxes in your utility? He/she should have been at "Tax workshop for clerks, bookkeepers and administrators." Participants learned about Kansas tax topics such as sales tax collections and payments; sales tax exemptions; water protection fee; and compensating tax use.

Presenter Linda Bowles, Kansas Department of Revenue, encouraged participants to bring their sales tax forms and questions.

"Optimizing surface water treatment" discussed the pros and cons of three conventional treatment steps (filtration, disinfection, corrosion control) used to maintain the sanitary and esthetic quality of water.

Presenter Robert Spon, R.R. Spon & Associates, covered other topics including free/combined/breakpoint chlorination, pH sensitivity of chlorine disinfection, the accumulation of biological and mineral debris in filter beds, and biological regrowth.

Why attend KRWA's free preconferences? For in-depth training, group discussion and helpful handouts. Don't miss out next year; pre-register early to make sure you get a seat!

Chilling out at Carnival Party

Some people like to party first. Others prefer to eat. At the 1999 Carnival Party, you could have it either way. Some of the1,400 attendees stoked up on pork and beef barbecue, ham, and pasta salad. The Carnival Party, sponsored by KRWA, has continued to grow in popularity from year to year.

No one should have gone away hungry! In the background, the Blue Plate Special Bluegrass Band played down-home tunes.

Let's play!

Hundreds more cruised the party games. Back by popular demand was Human Bowling, the solitary confinement cell that rolls! New attractions included a palm reader and the Sizzler Amusement Ride. Miniature golf, Hi-Stryker, ladder climb, Break'O'Plate and the Money Machine kept participants and onlookers amused.

Thanks for the memories to game sponsors Schwab-Eaton, PA; Ponzer-Youngquist; Layne Western, Pioneer Supplies, Bartlett & West Engineers, Romac Industries, KRWA and its sister agency Kansas Rural Water Finance Authority.

Winners got tickets for door prizes. Kevin McKinney, Westco, was the lucky winner of one 26-inch color television. Gerald Kopp, Shawnee RWD No. 3, won the other one. Twenty others won Wal-Mart certificates.

Hot Tap Rodeo.

The fourth annual pipe tapping contest drew crowds seven-plus deep. They timed performances and cheered their favorite teams.

The tension rose as teams got ready. Teammates checked their own gear as well as the parts provided by KRWA. They reviewed their game plan, especially who was to do what. With "Gentlemen, take your places," these teams swung into action:

Team 1. Don Martin, Hanover; Darrel and Jeff Schlabach, Washington RWD #1

Team 2. John Vaughn, Seneca; Carl Chalfant, McLouth, Charlie Schwindaman, Marysville

Team 3. Brad Efurd, Westmoreland; Gordon Smith, Ozawkie; Greg Duryea, KRWA

Team 4. Bob Hekel, Anthony; James Duvall, Kiowa; Chuck Armantrout, Water Products, Inc.

Team 5. Gary Knight, Lebo; Joe Rowley, Burlingame; Marlin Sharon, Waverly

Team 6. David Bailey, Robert Ramirez and Tom Richards, Post Rock RWD 1

And the winner was . . . Team 1! Members took home three crisp, new $100 bills. The 4-minute barrier was broken. Winning time was 3:53. In 1998, the same team won in 5:03. Is a dynasty in the making?

Opening program brings laughs, tears

KRWA conference-goers need to keep up their strength. That's why dozens of bagels, muffins and donuts vanished before the Opening Session even started on Wednesday, March 31st. Hundreds poured into Concert Hall as tinkling water music played in the background. Waving hands and calls helped friends find those saved seats.

Video hits a home run. As the lights went down, the 1999 KRWA video flashed on screen. Voice-over announcer Dennis Schwartz, a.k.a. KRWA's president, set the stage for "The Little Rural Water Rascals." A takeoff of the "Our Gang" series, budding entrepreneur Free Wheeling decides his two pals and he can make millions selling glasses of water. Mason jars get filled; signs are made and put up.

So why is it that kids and grown-ups keep walking by? Certainly the little rural water rascals look good, from that beanie cap to bow ties to a pretty dress. After many tries, they find the marketing key: "Kansas rural water, so good somebody should bottle it!" From then on, business booms. And the budding entrepreneur celebrates by waggling his ears!

The message for adults? Being dependable isn't good enough, the video concluded. "We need to deliver water as safe as technology can produce it."

Hats off to producer/directors Elmer Ronnebaum and Linda Windler. And many thanks to the amateur child actors who made it all possible: Courtney and Tyler Duryea, daughter and son of KRWA's own Greg (and Lisa) Duryea; Kelsey Sneden; Dylan Shelly; and Kipp and Kyle Cossel.

Getting started.

Following Mike Mayberry's invocation, KRWA president Dennis Schwartz briefly described his activities as Senior Vice President of the National Rural Water Association (NRWA). Due to the efforts of the water industry, said Schwartz, "anyone can travel coast to coast with total confidence." Quality on Tap, initiated by NRWA, is our commitment and our profession, Schwartz stated.

Bob Knight, Mayor of Wichita, addressed the participants, saying it was impossible to overstate their importance in Kansas.

Back by popular demand, the grownup `not-so-little' Rural Water Rascals once again dished up its brand of humor and a few tunes. They addressed that age-old question: What really is under a kilt?

Keynote with attitude.

Dr. Michael Skinner really knows how to hold his audience. From facts to humor to pathos and back again, the crowd was all attention as he discussed "Uncommon sense: The key to management success." Stress is normal; you either gain control or it controls you. Well-adjusted people can build and take responsibility.

In medical terms, change is reorganization. The disorganized person says "If only" and blames others. "Disorganization is catching," Skinner stated. "If one person isn't pulling his weight, others have to clean up after him." Symptoms of disorganization include mental and/or physical exhaustion. Psychological exhaustion:

Stays until you confront it
Actively works against you
Lives out of time, such as worrying about the past or the future

After exhaustion comes collapse, when one thinks only of oneself. Warning signs of stress include losing your sense of humor, irritability, trouble making decisions, boredom, apathy, focus on trivial, having illusions, forgetting, frustration and anger.

Anger itself has warning signs, such as going from one small disease to another. "Beware of people who cannot laugh," Skinner warned. "They will take their stress out on you."

How to cope? Act to alter your life. Start anticipating the future, not fearing it. Diet and get exercise. Set realistic goals. Work on improving interpersonal relations. Forgive others.

Skinner knows what he's talking about. After hearing of his wife's unexpected death, the audience was motionless when Skinner concluded quietly, "You have the power to help yourself." Some tears were observed in the crowd.

Moran hits rural issues

The Wednesday lunch began with KRWA president Dennis Schwartz thanking conference co-sponsors. Addressing the board members, mayors and city council members present. Schwartz asked them to support any employee who is involved in state or national rural water affairs.

The Honorable Jerry Moran, U.S. Congressman from the 1st district, received a standing welcome from the crowd. "This is the largest group I have spoken to in Kansas," he said while surveying the 900+ audience.

What's his job in Washington?

Helping make it possible for us, our children and grandkids to grow up in small town Kansas. Moran briefly outlined six issues affecting rural Kansas.

Low oil, beef and other commodity prices need to improve.
Kansans need to trade with more countries.
It's hard to have viable downtowns.
Counties and towns need to recruit and keep businesses.
If towns lose their doctors, nurses and pharmacies, neither seniors nor young families will stay.
The way to solve problems is local folks deciding to do something.

Moran noted that Kansas' social and economic future depends on water. "All of us working together can make the improvements Kansas needs," he concluded. Congressman Moran was presented with a KRWA baseball cap by KRWA President Dennis Schwartz. "This is perfect for receding hairlines," Moran quipped.

Learning comes first

Food, games, speeches and fellowship are nice, but that's not what brought 1,937 people to Wichita in 1999. It's the learning. From 210 exhibits to seven pre-conference workshops and 32 sessions, conference-goers knew they'd find what's new, what's updated and what's coming.

Exhibits win again.

Tens of thousands of square feet housed the 210 exhibits. The only problem for folks who crowded the 1999 exhibits? Knowing where to start! When in doubt, get a donut or soda. Many munched on a goodie as they strolled the state-of-the-art exhibits.

Random sights:

Close examination of a fire hydrant
Handling a new pump to see if it might work out
Watching a computer software demonstration
Getting a bumper-to-bumper tour of a sewer cleaning machine

When feet got too tired or arms too sore from carrying all the give-aways, tables and chairs beckoned. There's nothing like a refreshing beverage and warm cookie to build up stamina. For added pleasure, mix in old friends and acquaintances who sit down, too.

As of June 1999, 138 exhibitors had already signed up for the blockbuster 2000 conference.

Many thanks to the exhibitors who help make KRWA the Midwest's largest water and wastewater conference. They are one-half of any successful conference. The other half? On-target training sessions.

Late arrivals, beware!

Veteran KRWA conference-goers know the early bird gets a seat. Stairs and elevators were crowded as people hurried to the next "must do" session. Friends and co-workers held chairs for others.

"Consumer confidence reports," mandated by the 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act, was offered as both a half-day preconference and a regular session. Because of an overflow crowd, the preconference session was moved to the Little Theatre and attended by over 375 people. The Thursday session was standing room only.

Nobody could complain that there weren't topics of interest! The 32 sessions included:

"Meter sizing and application"
"Protecting source water through eminent domain"
"Pros and cons of water fluoridation"
"Quality on tap"
"Easements are forever"
"Wholesale contracts that work"
"One-stop financing: A new concept for Kansas"

Who attended? Super-intendents, operators, city clerks, managers, meter readers, office managers, field staff and more found speakers, panels and topics that kept them in the know.

Speakers take time out of busy lives to bring what's new and up-to-date to Wichita. Their efforts year in and year out help conference-goers do a better job. Many thanks to the speakers and moderators who make KRWA's sessions the other half of a successful conference.

Taking care of business

The KRWA annual business meeting was held on Thursday, April 1. Over 117 members sent delegates compared to 112 in 1998. A detailed report showing KRWA is sound financially was presented.

There are 312 cities, 296 rural water districts and 251 associate members of KRWA.

In 1998, 36 water loss surveys saved members $164,833 and 40 operations' reviews saved $23,902. Training set records, with 4,636 in attendance.

Dennis Schwartz received a plaque recognizing his 13 years on the Kansas Water Authority.

Spouses have fun

While their better halves were chasing classroom seats or resting aching feet in the exhibits, 116 spouses enjoyed lighter pursuits.

On Wednesday, the program kicked off with luncheon and program at the Hyatt's Grand Eagle Ballroom. Afterwards, craft demonstrations included "Decorate a cake like a pro" with Edith Delanty. April Dymond discussed creative memories through creating a special scrapbook. Master floral designer Peggy Omo showed participants how to make basic centerpieces.

Need to relax and reduce stress? Then "Play dough isn't play dough anymore" was your topic. Bronna Leach demonstrated making kicky objects from acrylic clay. Janell Johnson of the Society of Decorative Painters discussed, displayed and demonstrated painting on objects. The day concluded with "Weaving wheat straw" by Peggy Willuct.

Thursday's program included "What you need to know about osteoporosis" by Sharon Mallory, RN and Ph.D. Incidentally, Sharon Mallory sees a lot of the KRWA conference as she heads up Events Planning Services. She works with KRWA to create table centerpieces, balloon displays. She's commanderin-chief of all donuts, bagels and muffins at the KRWA conference. Her talents have been appreciated by the KRWA staff since the conference moved to Wichita in 1992.

KRWA's spouse program is an important part of a successful conference. Watch for an even bigger, better program in 2000 as new features and attractions will have just opened in Wichita.

Saving the best

The social in EXPO hall started things off right on Wednesday evening, March 31. Hundreds of participants visited informally with exhibitors and each other. Then the lines started forming for the conference banquet. Over 700 people enjoyed roast beef, herb-baked chicken, broccoli casserole, roasted potatoes and wonderful chocolate layer cake.

Invited speaker Randall Van Dyke, President, National Rural Water Association, was unable to attend due to legislative action in Washington.

Instead, his stand-in, KRWA President and NRWA Senior Vice President Dennis Schwartz made brief remarks complimenting public water and wastewater system officials. He also introduced KRWA's staff.

Was it a high from the excellent chocolate truffle cake? Or did having no banquet speech uplift folks so much? Whatever the reason, an excited, talkative crowd surged into the hallways for the night's finale.

As people flocked into Little Theatre, cool big band jazz greeted them. By starting time, all 660 seats were filled and a few people were seated on side steps. The lights dimmed. Darrel Schlabach, chair of the KRWA Awards Committee, announced the winners (see related article). Each winner received hearty applause.

Rockin' and rollin' with Buddy.

Entertainment began when KRWA General Manager Elmer Ronnebaum introduced Christine Tasheff, Cabaret Old Town's producer. Within minutes, the crowd was transported back to the '50s and'60s with rocker legend Buddy Holly.

As people-sized lollipops lighted up, the audience got the high-octane beat with "Chantilly lace," "Peggy Sue," and "That'll be the day!" Booming rhythm and vibrating chairs let you know this was not your average rural water association conference!

Famous names Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper dropped by for their signature tunes. Recalling Holly's famous Apollo Theater gig in Harlem, glam singer Laverne Baker showed why she was famous. The duet "Slipping and sliding" by Buddy and Laverne stopped the show.

The rowdy crowd really hit its stride at the show's finale. There was dancing in the mosh pit as the cheering crowd swayed to the hot beat. Forty or so lucky people caught t-shirts tossed by cast members; some folks got downright assertive in their efforts to snag one!

The top-rate cast and band was headed by Wichita native John Mueller (Buddy). A life-long Buddy Holly fan and musician, he created and starred in this production. He has given other Buddy performances around the U.S. A much-deserved standing ovation greeted the cast's finale. The verdict? A terrific night at the theater, courtesy of the Kansas Rural Water Association.