ACWA recognizes water agency general manager

INDIAN WELLS, CA, Nov. 28, 2007 -- The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) today presented its second annual Emissary Award to Gary Arant, general manager, Valley Center Municipal Water District. The award recognizes individuals for remarkable contributions to California water by supporting and advancing ACWA's goals.

"ACWA's Emissary Award is a fitting tribute to the members who guide this Association as it carries out its important mission," ACWA President Randy Fiorini said. "Gary's involvement and leadership on water issues has pushed ACWA to new heights."

Arant, whose commitment and contributions to ACWA span 28 years, has chaired ACWA's Local Government and Communications committees and has sat on ACWA's Board of Directors for the past eight years. Highlights of his service to the water community include:
• Drafting 'Guidelines for Conduct' as part of ACWA's ethics task force.
• Chairing the Communications Committee and publishing "Open and Accessible: A Public Guide to Communication and Transparency."
• Developing ACWA's grassroots outreach program.
• Helping to guide ACWA's 2005 policy documents "No Time to Waste: A Blueprint for California Water."
• Assisting the production of ACWA's "California's Water," PBS television series.

Arant was nominated for the Emissary Award by the ACWA's Region 10 board of directors.

ACWA is a statewide association of public agencies whose 450 members are responsible for about 90% of the water delivered in California.

###