Jan. 21, 2003 -- The Awwa Research Foundation (AwwaRF) has been selected for the 2003 Advance America Honor Roll, a national awards competition sponsored by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), in Washington, D.C.
AwwaRF received the award for its Vulnerability Assessment Training Workshops.
The prestigious Associations Advance America Awards program, now in its 13th year, recognizes associations that propel America forward through innovative projects in education, business and social innovative, knowledge creation, community service and other areas.
In response to the events of 9/11, AwwaRF mobilized a nation-wide training program for water utility personnel on conducting vulnerability assessments. Based on the Risk Assessment Methodology for Water Utilities (RAM-Wsm) developed for AwwaRF by Sandia National Laboratories and with funding from EPA, AwwaRF offered eight three-day workshops.
From December 2001 through March 2002, 280 individuals from 134 utilities and other organizations received training. Participants represented water utilities serving approximately 50% of the US population. Training continues and is being offered by 64 trainers licensed through Sandia National Laboratories.
"Awwa Research Foundation's program truly embodies the spirit of the Associations Advance America campaign," remarked ASAE President Michael S. Olson, CAE. "It is an honor and an inspiration to showcase this activity as an example of the many contributions associations are making to advance American society."
The Awwa Research Foundation is a member-supported, international, nonprofit organization that sponsors research to enable water utilities, public health agencies, and other professionals to provide safe and affordable drinking water to consumers. More information on the Awwa Research Foundation is available on http://www.awwarf.com.
