2006 Conference

Colorado Water Quality Convention September 22 - 24, 2006

It was Friday September 22, 2006, in beautiful Estes Park, Colorado. The Colorado Water Quality Association and the Rocky Mountain Water Quality Conference is under way. People were scurrying about trying to get settled into their hotel rooms and ready for the events of the day. This was no easy task, simply because the whole town of Estes Park is bustling with sight seers to watch the Elk run through the town and surrounding area. No place is safe from the huge bulls gathering their harems - not church lawns, private yards and of course golf courses.

At noon, on Friday, there was testing for “Certified Water Specialist” (I - VI), “Certified Sales Representative” or “Certified Installer”. At this session, there were twelve brave souls willing to fry their brains to come up with the correct answers. These tests are no easy task and “KUDOS” to those who are committed enough educate themselves in water chemistry, installation of equipment, proper sales procedures and last but not least, ETHICS.

The toughest chore of our convention started at one o'clock at the "Estes Park Golf Club". I hate to admit that we get a few of us that will fly across several states just to try to pound a little white ball into submission. The weather was cold and windy this year, with several people bowing out, there were sixteen that persevered, it was worth it! The game was "Best Ball" and our winners were:

• Kendall Smith, representing EAI West
• Phil Hoffman, representing Pure Water Solution, Inc.
• Jack Lewis representing Pure Water Solutions, Inc.
• Eric Smith, representing Culligan of Brighton, Co.

I hear the same complaint every year, "we had to shoo the Elk off of the green so that we could putt", just terrible!

We wish to thank our sponsors for this years Golf Tournament:

• Quality Wholesale Supply, Englewood, CO,
• ResinTech, Inc., West Coast Office

Friday evening the trade show got under way with eighteen exhibitors, there was a good variety from insurance to pumps and finance to pre treatment. We also had a nice buffet dinner brought in to appease the horde; this worked well, most everything one could need in one big room. We wish to thank those vendors, who without them, the conference would not have been possible.

• Dewco Pumps & Equipment, Rick Wray
• U S Resin, Lynda Thomson
• Kinetico, John Rickert
• Clear Water Tech., John Dittberner
• Clear Rinse Systems, Donna Puterbaugh
• Wood Brothers Industries, Russ Kraft
• Aqua Finance, Andrea Sweeney, Kerianne Steger
• Water Conditioning & Purification Magazine, John Miller
• Hague Quality H2O, Bud Tinker
• Best Environmental, Alec Yavich
• American Finco, Derek Hunter
• Quality Wholesale Supply, Brad Kooi
• Harrington Industrial Plastics, Daryl McCormick
• EAI West, Kendall Smith
• Colorado Water Wizard, Jeff Truesdall
• CoWest Insurance, Laurie Lewis, Joel Walker
• Precision Instrument Products, Susan Kernan,
• Watts/Alamo Industrial, Adam Nelson

On Saturday, September 23rd we had several excellent speakers.

Mr. John Dittberner of Clear Water Tech started out with a great discussion, "Oversight of Ozone Markets".

"You mean you can't pay me now?" This very informative talk was presented by Jeffrey W. Ludwig, Attorney at Law.

Mr. Rick Wray from Dewco Pumps & Equipment spoke about "Chemical Applications & Sizing Equipment", which answered many questions.

Mr. Russ Kraft of Wood Brothers Ind. reminded us of the importance of "Sizing of Commercial Equipment". This was Russ' first time at the lectern and he led a lively discussion. We wish to say, great job!

"DI Sizing & Application" was the topic for Mr. Dean Lewis representing Pure Water Solutions, Inc. We thank Dean for stepping in at the last minute to round out our schedule.

We closed with an "Open Session" for questions, comments and feedback.

NOTE: For the Attendee's that are certified with the WQA, this complete session was worth six hours of "Seat Time" which translates to 0.6 CEU's.

Saturday evening, approximately eighteen of us went to Hunters Chop House for a very good diner, lively conversation and great company. We get together every year at a local restaurant to top off our convention; by the way, all are welcome to attend this yearly ritual.

Sunday morning most attendees were on their way home or the next meeting, but not the board of directors, we were still working. The board meeting was conducted around a breakfast table and I believe that much was accomplished.

Larry L. Lewis, CWS-III

President, CWQA 2006/07