American Concrete Display

Matthew Gerety—JETCC 6/22/09

On April 29th and 30th, the Joint Environmental Training Coordinating Committee (JETCC) sponsored the 2009 North Country Convention at the Presque Isle Inn and Convention Center. The Maine Wastewater Control Association (MWWCA) was a co-sponsor for the event. The North Country Convention is a complement to the two annual Maine Wastewater conventions that take place in Maine’s more southern regions. It continues to advance cohesion and growth in Maine’s wastewater industry while providing educational opportunities for wastewater professionals in northern Maine.

This year’s event was well-attended and a great success: the 116 participants consisted of 22 vendor representatives and a multitude of instructors who volunteered their time and expertise. Assisting in various capacities, volunteers representing the MWWCA and the JETCC board of directors were also very helpful in making things flow smoothly. Participants were drawn to the event from all over the state of Maine, and some even from Massachusetts and New Hampshire. In addition to educational events, this two-day trade show featured manufacturer’s representatives displaying wares and services pertinent to the water and wastewater industries. 19 different training sessions were offered, allowing participants to achieve up to 12 hours of continuing education toward their water or wastewater licenses. Beginning with a DEP issues briefing, topics included lab and process control practices, asset management, community collaboration, energy conservation and emerging technologies.

Kicked off with an opening address from Presque Isle town manager Tom Stevens, the convention also included luncheon addresses by Bernard Ayotte, an Aroostook County Representative of the Maine State Legislature and Tom Wiley, president of the Maine Wastewater Control Association (MWWCA). Representative Ayotte discussed the challenging balance between industry growth and environmental protection, and illustrated this relationship with his own hand-made wooden balance. In his address Tom Wiley of the MWWCA spoke to attendees about recent activities and achievements of association committees and benefits of membership. His address was important because although much of the association’s work takes place “downstate,” its successes can benefit and serve as a model to meet the needs of operators in northern Maine as well.

Commissioners Award

At the end of his address, Representative Ayotte presented an award from DEP Commissioner David Littell to two members of the Northern Maine DEP staff, Bill Sheehan and Sean Bernard. This award recognized their commitment to the water pollution control industry as well as protection of Maine’s natural resources. Joe Bourgoin was also honored with a past service award for his eight years of dedicated service on the JETCC board of directors. In addition, Mark Soucy of the Fort Kent Water and Wastewater Departments was presented with the NEWEA Maine Operator of the Year Award in recognition of his and his colleagues’ work during the serious flooding events in northern Maine in 2008

Mark Soucy Award

All in all the event was a great unifier for Maine’s wastewater and pollution control community, and provided a wealth of networking and educational opportunities. The convention was appreciated by wastewater operators, instructors and exhibitors alike.