The Water and Wastewater Equipment Manufacturers Assn. Inc. (WWEMA), a 501C(6) non-profit national trade association, looks to help its members by providing them with services to promote their businesses and advocating their interests to policymakers. WWEMA also aims to alter the paradigm of treating water issues by segment or region to one that leverages the water industry into one integrated system of water management.
WWEMA’s goal is to help its members understand the legislative and regulatory environment, inform members of relevant issues, advocate members’ position to appropriate stakeholders and influence decisions and outcomes affecting members’ businesses.
WWEMA keeps its members informed of relevant issues through several publications and events. The WWEMA bi-monthly newsletter, Washington Analysis, covers recent international developments, legislative and regulatory initiatives and industry trends. The Washington Forum provides information from federal policymakers on future laws and regulations and international trade activities that affect demand for members’ products and services.
The Annual Meeting (for members only) investigates business trends and market opportunities in the water and wastewater industry for both municipal and industrial applications, and helps to facilitate networking among member companies. At the annual Presidents Council, participants discuss critical issues on the minds of senior executives. The Global Competitiveness Committee also provides member companies with an opportunity to share best practices and pursue export business.
“For my company to maintain and improve its opportunities in the industry, I need intelligence which tells me where the industry and markets are headed,” said Russ Komline, president, Komline-Sanderson. “WWEMA provides this critical insight.”
WWEMA’s Legislative/Regulatory Committee constantly works to develop proactive legislative and regulatory agenda items to tackle current issues in the water and wastewater industries. WWEMA will sometimes partner with other associations (such as the American Water Works Assn., Water Environment Federation and Water Quality Assn.) to strengthen its message to Congress. This does not preclude WWEMA from working with other organizations to send a clear and concise message to Congress on issues facing the industry.
WWEMA’s growing membership has allowed it to offer opportunities to manufacturers, representatives and distributors, offering insight into industry challenges and helping members get their equipment into the marketplace.
“I have found great benefit in the networking opportunities with WWEMA members,” said Newton White, P.E., president/owner, Instrument & Supply Inc. “Many of our principal manufacturers are WWEMA members, 17 of which participated in the April 2010 Washington Forum. These representatives usually consist of the president or the general manager, vice president of sales, marketing manager or regional manager. These are exactly the people I like to talk to in the relaxed atmosphere of WWEMA functions.”
For more information, please visit www.wwema.org.
