KRWA Conference 2000

It's official! KRWA has THE largest state rural water conference in the U.S. Who says so? Randy Van Dyke, President, National Rural Water Association. The official attendance was 2052, up six percent from last year's then-record attendance.

Why was the Kansas Rural Water Association's 33rd Annual Conference & Exhibition so large? Because folks know they'll find learning, fellowship and fun. Starting with the famous opening night Carnival Party & Social through Thursday's luncheon speaker, it's non-stop action. Seven preconferences, 32 regular conference sessions, a two-day Spouse Program and 234 exhibits were just the tip of this iceberg.

Who attends? Operators, managers, board/council members, office managers, city clerks, superintendents, exhibitors, engineers and others who know that this is Midwest's largest water and wastewater conference. They enjoy the informal connections with Kansans and over 220 people from other states. Low fees and many free activities make KRWA's conference a "best buy."

The 2000 theme, "Plans + Service = The Future," scored a home run. The theme paired the new millennium with professionalism, reflecting the fact that folks in this industry do whatever it takes to serve their customers and community.

The motto of these professionals is "365/24" . . . they are on the job 365 days a year, day and night. The 2000 KRWA conference celebrated their commitment, their service and their planning for the future.

2001 conference just around the corner. Now's the time to reserve your hotel for the 2001 conference. Think it's too early? Not so! As of early June, 2000, 175 of the 250 exhibit spaces had already been reserved. Planners expect another record-breaking crowd. The dates: March 27-29, 2001. The place: Century II, Wichita. The draw: Learning, fun and fellowship without having to dress up!

Half- or full-day preconferences have proven a big draw for KRWA. Now in their sixth year, they offer in-depth coverage of important topics. They also encourage participant questions and discussion. In 2000, over 800 participants attended seven preconferences.

Why do so many folks come to Wichita a day early to attend KRWA's preconferences? Because the topics are hot, the speakers know their stuff, and the handouts and/or demonstrations are practical. Attendees for the full-day sessions got a complimentary box lunch. Best yet the preconferences are free of charge. All it takes is pre-registration.

You know it's a whopper party when over 250 people line up before the doors open. This crowd was ready to boogie. They were loud! The decibel count must have equaled some of the lighter heavy metal bands. Safety tip: Don't stand in the way when the Carnival Party doors finally open.

Games galore. In the party room, barkers urged people to ride the fast-flying Sizzler. Other games and amusements included "Crazy dots," throwing a ball in five red spots; six-pin bowling; "Quarterback attack," tossing the football through three holes; the ever-popular "Human bowling ball;" and a putting green for golfers going into withdrawal.

Folks were 12-deep for the "Sports arena baseball throw" that measured a pitch's speed when thrown at a target. The line for the cartoonist was six deep, including couples and kids. Will these treasures go above the fireplace back home? Others were in line for the "money machine" or to have their palms' read.

Hot tapping contest dynasty breaks three-minute barrier! For the third time in four years, the team of Darrell and Jeff Schlabach, Washington RWD 1, and Don Martin, City of Hanover, took first prize. The team won $300 for a record-shattering time of 2:50 minutes with no leaks. They set the old record of 3:53 in 1999.

Over 100 folks in the bleachers and another 150+ at floor level cheered their favorites. Competing teams installed a pressurized 3/4-inch service tap, service line and meter using the least number of supplies.

Shouts included "Turn it, turn it!" and "If it squeaks, it must be tight!" Congratulations to the winner and to the other teams, who placed as follows:

Interested in competing in 2001? Start practicing with your team now and register fast. Only six teams can participate. New in 2001: Prizes for the 2nd and 3rd place winners.

Counting calories. If you didn't get enough to eat at the Carnival Party & Social, you have only yourself to blame! The self-serve buffet lines included BBQ beef and pork, baked beans and pasta salad assured plenty of cholesterol and calories. In the single gesture towards a sensible diet, dessert was ice cream cups. A variety of beverages was also available.

Toe-tapping bluegrass music was played by the Blue Plate Special. Colorful banners hung from the balcony. Candles on tables and balloon bouquets provided an easy-going, informal atmosphere that encouraged relaxed conversation.

But what did the 1500+ attendees talk about? Eavesdropping revealed topics ranging from deer hunting, the cost of housing and the spouse program to unnamed municipalities that have restrictive non-sell policies to neighboring systems.

You know folks needed their caffeine when over 200 stood in line before the Opening Session started on Wednesday. Carnival Party the previous night had taken its toll! Bagels, muffins and other goodies helped revitalize the 700+ who then streamed into the Concert Hall

Videos galore. The Opening Session started with a video from the National Rural Water Association saluting America and all water professionals. A video of the national anthem was followed by the invocation from KRWA board member Carl Carroll.

Then KRWA's own video splashed on the big screen, showing the Association's new office in Seneca, wagon ruts and pictures of pioneers. "Central to the pioneers' plan was water to drink and for livestock," narrator and KRWA President David Mueller stated. KRWA services such as testing, staff trucks with a laptop and cell phone, the seven volumes in the Water Board Bible series and construction were shown. As a mother and child in a swimming pool filled the screen, David said, "This is our future."

Video veterans Linda Windler and Elmer Ronnebaum dreamed up, filmed and produced the 2000 KRWA video, with of course help from KRWA Tech Assistant Steve Richter and David Mueller. They make the industry's best videos. Can Emmy nominations be far behind?

Welcome. Opening remarks by KRWA President David Mueller and by Jim Hess, Director of Century II, welcomed the crowd. Undergraduates from Wichita State University's Music Theater program danced and sang goldie-oldies such as "Hot time in the old town tonight," "Yankee doodle dandy" and "Strike up the band."

Keynote speech. President Mueller introduced keynote speaker Al Schmidt, native of Lehigh, Kansas. The therapeutic motivational humorist talked about "Lettin' go and holdin' on." Schmidt's childhood was familiar to many in the audience. About a quarter held up hands when he asked who remembered weekly baths or water heated on the stove.

To help the crowd release endorphins, 10 victims were herded on stage. They had been recruited earlier by Dennis Schwartz, KRWA Director and, by the way, Executive Vice President of National Rural Water. Wearing cow, hog and other animal noses, they sang a very off-key version of "Old McDonald's farm." Some of the victims were stopped later during the conference for backhand compliments on their singing ability. While balloons were passed out, Schmidt urged attendees to let pressure out regularly, with humor and fun, not in one big, negative explosion. As a finale, yellow balloons filled the air along with audience applause.

Cube steak in mushroom gravy, real mashed potatoes, corn and green beans fortified Wednesday's luncheon-goers; the program began with Randy Van Dyke, NRWA president. Noting that he had tried to attend for the past five or six years, he praised grassroots collaboration. When the19,000 members of the 45 state rural water associations speak, Washington pays attention.

Dr. Ron Hammerschmidt, KDHE Director, said that two of this century's best ideas in public health were (1) swat the fly and (2) ban the common drinking cup.

Where do Kansans get their water today? Only 25 percent have private wells. The state's 130 surface water systems serve about 80% of the population, while 970 ground water systems serve another 10%.

Governor Graves' order to catalog all potential pollution hazards in the Equus beds is identifying agricultural, septic, corner service station and other sources. "Now that you know about it, what will you do with it?" Hammerschmidt asked. He recalled the old adage to never drink downstream from the herd.

What to watch for in the future? Contaminants such as vinyl chloride and octane-booster MTBE (methyl tertiary-butyl ether). While 95-98% of the state's public water supplies are in compliance today, that may drop to 80-85 percent in a few years due to not having enough funding.

All parties, such as KRWA and KDHE, need to work together. KRWA and its members are like Atlas. "You are the heavy hitters in public health," Hammerschmidt concluded.

How to recover from an exhausting day in the exhibits, conference sessions or at the spouse program? By kicking back at Wednesday night's social in the exhibit area. Relaxing with a beverage of choice, hundreds of conference-goers talked with the 234 exhibitors while examining the latest in software, valves, and other tools and services of the trade.

Next came the conference banquet, enjoyed by over 745 people. The menu included roast beef and chicken tetrazzini, roasted potatoes, salads and vegetables. As the diners finished their over-sized serving of the Hyatt's incomparable chocolate cake desserts, KRWA President David Mueller introduced the head table of KRWA's board members and spouses.

The banquet speaker was Rep. Kent Glasscock, R-Manhattan, House Majority Leader. He complimented KRWA and its members on producing quality water. "The wellbeing of economic growth depends on water quality of what you can produce," he said.

Legislative achievements. The audience listened carefully as he listed some achievements concerning water, such as reimbursing RWDs for pipeline relocations on KDOT projects, and the Public Water Supply Loan Fund. He noted that the sales tax has not yet been passed, but the goal is to find a remedy to relieve cities and RWDs of this administrative burden.

Speaking of the House of Representatives, he said it was "remarkably hard" for its 125 members to establish a vision for Kansas. Yet, "at the end of the day, the people of Kansas expect us to lead." Glasscock urged KRWA members to tell their representatives what's needed, communicating to them both in Topeka and when they are home. President Mueller continued that thought, urging the attendees to "accept the challenge and do our part."

Following the banquet, the group adjourned to the Little Theatre for the annual "Best of the Best" awards (see separate article). After the awards, it was time for KRWA's famous entertainment.

Who was Ellie Greenwich? Just one of the most popular song writers of the '60s and '70s. Ellie and her boyfriend/husband wrote the words and music that hit the charts fast and hard. They had the '60s beat that went on and on.

Back by popular demand, the cast from Cabaret Old Town belted out rock classics, crooned love songs and got the SRO crowd on its feet. It was sing-along time for "Going to the chapel and gonna get married." Some cheered the leggy actresses. Others clapped through irresistible tunes such as "Hanky Panky," "Chapel of Love" and "Do Wah Diddy Diddy." Biceps flexed as the loaded red motorcycle gunned its engines in the signature song "Leader of the Pack."

Then came the real highlight: Audience participation. Actress Bonnie sat on Merle Windler's lap as she crooned "Baby, I love you!" Al Hermsen received special attention during "The look of love." And NRWA President Van Dyke got killer eye contact during "I love my baby." Did anyone check their blood pressures afterwards? Was 911 standing by?

The 150-mile-per-hour performance earned a standing ovation with roars for "More, more." Once again, Cabaret Old Town delivered a top-rate performance. Hats off to Christine Tasheff, producer, for a terrific night of top-rate, professional theater. Just one question: How can Cabaret Old Town possibly top its track record in 2001?

Folks learn in many ways at KRWA's conferences. Seven in-depth preconference workshops. Thirty-two conference sessions. 234 exhibits. Countless informal conversations in hallways. Listening to four keynote, luncheon or banquet speakers.

What's the draw? Information on the latest, the newest, the most important, the upcoming, the practical and the proven. It's because KRWA offers so many ways of learning that a record-breaking 2,052 people traveled to Wichita.

Exhibits are essential. It wouldn't be a successful conference without the KRWA exhibitors. In 2000, a sold-out 234 exhibits offered aisles of the latest products, services and information. The worst problem? Figuring out where to start!

Fortunately, there were always donuts, bagels, coffee and other yummy food to reinvigorate participants. Well-placed tables offered respite for the foot-weary and a place to catch up on the news with old friends.

That's where Mike Schmidt, City Councilman of Edgerton, was relaxing. His business is construction, but that hasn't stopped him from attending KRWA's conference for a long time. "It used to be more for rural water people," Schmidt commented. "Now it is so expanded."

From the latest in valves, pipes, software, computers, computer-aided control devices and services, it was all there at the Midwest's largest water and wastewater exposition. Many thanks to the exhibitors are one-half of any successful conference. The other half? On-target training sessions.

2001 exhibits. As of June, 2000, about 175 exhibitors had already signed up for the 250 exhibit areas available at the upcoming 2001 conference.

The KRWA annual business meeting was held on Thursday, March 20. Attendance was about 150, up from the 117 delegates attending in 1999.

They received an update on state and federal legislative issues, namely state sales tax application, boundary disputes and new drinking water regs. Delegates voted to support a resolution to oppose a rezoning of land at Seneca because of adverse impact on KRWA's property which is adjacent.

Delegates learned that the Association is financially very sound and received an update on KRWA's 1999 program activities. Directors re-elected were Carl Carroll and Patricia Shaffer. (For more information on KRWA's 1999 program, see related article in this issue.)

Hats off to KRWA for arranging a preview look at Wichita's new science center, Exploration Place. Over 100 spouses touched a 20-foot tall mist, climbed into a flight simulator to fly over the city and went through a Kansas cave.

The two-day spouse program included a genealogy talk on tracing your roots by Marcia Stenholm of the Wichita Public Library. Frances Rogers-Seidl, RN, MN, spoke about strokes, their prevention and the latest treatment. There was just one problem with the 2000 spouse program: Their better halves couldn't attend! Alert to conference planners: You may have a hookey problem in future years.

Rushing to get a seat! Early birds get worms and fast sprinters get seats. With eight concurrent sessions, the stairways and elevators were always jammed before each new round.

Hundreds of operators, superintendents, city clerks, managers, meter readers, office managers, field staff and more found speakers, panels and topics that kept them in the know. Exhibits are one half of a successful conference; knowledgeable speakers are the other half. Thanks to the experts who took time out of busy schedules to share their knowledge and even have some fun.

Get ready for 2001. Now's the time to get your Wichita hotel reservation. With 70 percent of the exhibits already reserved nine months in advance, it'll be a blockbuster. Do ask for KRWA's conference rate.