· Agenda · Hotel & Registration Information ·
· Online Registration · Hard-Copy Registration ·
· Destination Atlanta ·

2009 Winter Conference
Controlling Chaos: Managing Capital Costs in an
Uncertain Economic Environment

February 3 - 6, 2009, Westin Buckhead Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia

Dear Clean Water Colleague:

I look forward to seeing you in Atlanta as we gather to explore the elements of the recent economic downturn and highlight where there may be new opportunities for municipalities.  Mark your calendar, and make your plans now to attend NACWA’s 2009 Winter Conference, Controlling Chaos: Managing Capital Costs in an Uncertain Economic Environment, February 3-6, 2009 at the Westin Buckhead Atlanta.

The recent financial crisis has affected every sector of the U.S. economy and the municipal wastewater community is no exception.  Even before the crisis, rapidly rising capital costs were posing challenges for clean water agencies.  With the cost of borrowing money now on the rise, the value of municipal bonds in flux, and the price of insurance for large projects skyrocketing, clean water agency resources will be stretched even further.  Regardless of how the current economic situation is resolved, utilities will continue to look for ways to do more with less.

Speakers to Highlight Solutions and Silver Linings

Several presentations during NACWA’s 2009 Winter Conference will highlight where new and creative approaches have enabled utilities to trim costs while achieving the same clean water goals.  Featured among those discussions will be the important role of municipal credit rating agencies and the implications of the recent developments in the municipal credit markets for clean water agencies seeking to borrow money.  We will also explore how many utilities are saving millions in capital costs through better risk allocation and more effective management of their design and construction contracts.

Join Us in Recognizing Excellence in Management

On Wednesday evening, join us at an awards ceremony and reception honoring the 2008 Excellence in Management Recognition Program award honorees.  This program, now in its fourth year, honors member agencies that have implemented and sustained successful programs that address the wide range of management challenges faced by public clean water utilities in today’s competitive environment.  Our 2008 awardees are a distinguished group of agencies whose management initiatives have moved beyond “everyday” best practices to exemplify a truly effectively managed utility.

NACWA’s Committees to Discuss a Wide Range of Issues

Also, make plans to attend NACWA’s standing committee meetings. NACWA’s committees keep attendees abreast of, and involved in, current and emerging legislative, legal, regulatory and management issues. I strongly encourage you to participate in these meetings.

The conference has a lot to offer all of us.  I look forward to seeing you at NACWA’s 2009 Winter Conference in Atlanta!

Marian A. Orfeo, NACWA President
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, MA