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Strategic plan

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Introduction

To ensure that the New Jersey Section (the Section) of the American Water Works Association (AWWANJ) successfully meets the challenges facing the public water supply profession, the needs of its members, and works effectively with the American Water Works Association (AWWA), this Strategic Plan has been developed to shape the future of the Section. The Plan takes a broad view of the direction to be taken by the Section and does not attempt to provide a detailed list of specific activities or costs. Such details will be addressed on an annual basis during the budgeting and committee goal setting processes of the Section.

This Strategic Plan is a statement of the Section’s objectives and priorities. As such, it is to be integrated into all of the activities of the Section and its committees. The Plan is meant to be a dynamic tool, continually changing and improving, to reflect the changing landscape of the drinking water industry and the needs of AWWANJ members. The Plan will be reviewed annually by the Strategic Planning Committee, updated as necessary to reflect any changes in those objectives and priorities, and approved by the AWWANJ Board of Trustees.

This Strategic Plan has been developed to be consistent with the Strategic Plan of the AWWA.

Mission Statement

The New Jersey Section of the American Water Works Association is dedicated to the promotion of public health and welfare in the provision of drinking water of unquestionable quality and sufficient quantity. AWWANJ must be proactive, passionate and effective in advancing the technology, science, management and government policies relative to the stewardship of water, and be the recognized resource for information and guidance for local and state government and the general public.

Vision

AWWA NJ is, and will continue to be, the authoritative resource in New Jersey dedicated to the safe and adequate supply and delivery of drinking water.

Values - Our values are:

  1. Supply of Safe Water, both in Quality and Quantity, for the Public.
    We are committed to protecting public health and safety through the provision of safe water, in adequate quantities, for the public.
  2. Consumer Confidence and Satisfaction.
    We are committed to achieving consumer confidence and satisfaction through ongoing public involvement in planning, policy development, regulatory, quantity, and quality issues regarding drinking water.
  3. Honesty, Transparency, and Integrity.
    We promote honesty, transparency and integrity in all actions of our leadership and members.
  4. Commitment to Sustainability.
    Recognizing that water is the basic element of life, AWWANJ is dedicated to helping ensure that this vital resource is managed for the greatest good of people and the environment, and that all segments of society have a voice in this process.
  5. Continuous Quality Improvement.
    We are committed to the highest standards of service, product, and operation to meet or exceed internal and external customers’ expectations through continuous review and improvement.
  6. Diversity.
    We are dedicated to expanding the diversity of our membership and leadership to achieve our vision. We provide a forum for today’s water industry professionals, encompassing a wide spectrum of backgrounds and expertise.
  7. Trust and Teamwork.
     We help each other, openly share information, and solve problems in a spirit of cooperation and fellowship.

Statement of Strategic Plan Purpose

  1. The Section recognizes the need to have clear and well-established long-term objectives to provide continuity and guidance to its leadership, committees and membership.
  2. This Plan has been developed to guide Section activities in addressing the challenges faced by the public water supply profession in New Jersey, and to be compatible with the American Water Works Association on national priorities.

Summary of Objectives

The following objectives form the framework for planning AWWANJ’s activities. The overall objectives of AWWANJ are summarized as follows:

  1. Communications - Promote the Section as the authority in New Jersey on water quantity, quality and other drinking water matters; and inform the public about water quantity, quality and other drinking water issues.
  2. Conferences - Develop programs and associated activities which are structured to promote the professionalism, technical expertise and networking of Section members while promoting public awareness of the water works industry in New Jersey.
  3. Education - Provide all Section members with educational and professional development activities.
  4. Section Leadership and Management - Perpetuate, improve and enhance the leadership and management of the Section. Oversee the annual nomination of Trustee(s) and Vice Chair.
  5. Section Operations - Maintain and perpetuate a program for the nomination of Director as well as develop and maintain an awards program that recognizes the professional accomplishments of the Section and the water works industry.
  6. Section Services - Retain and increase active membership and collect, manage and disseminate information about the organization.
  7. Strategy - Guide the Section to develop, maintain and implement the Strategic Plan.
  8. Legislation & Regulation - Impact legislative, regulatory and policy issues at state and federal levels of government through Section members and with coalitions of other State water and environmental organizations.
  9. Outreach - Achieve broad-based participation in both the water profession and Section activities, and increase active membership and participation.

Specific goals and tasks for each of these areas are described in the remainder of this Plan. The AWWANJ Committee organizational chart is provided at the end of the Plan.

A. Communications

Statement of Overall Objective

Promote the Section as the authority on water quality, quantity and other drinking water matters in New Jersey, and inform the public about water quality and other drinking water issues.

Goals:

  1. Increase public awareness of the Section, its goals and objectives, and establish/maintain the Section as the authority on water quality and other drinking water matters in New Jersey.
  2. Listen to members/consumers and focus their input toward Section actions. Encourage public involvement.
  3. Facilitate informing, educating and preparing the public to understand and accept the importance of water utility services and the financial and rate impact of providing a safe and adequate supply of drinking water.
  4. Inform all New Jersey water utilities, especially small systems (in conjunction with the Small Systems and Operators Committee), about AWWANJ, its services, and its benefits to utilities.
  5. Assist water utilities in obtaining information for various topics related to water.
  6. Expand Section services to include enhancement of customer service activities and information.

Priority Tasks (listed by committee):

Public Information Committee

  1. Continue to build relationships with public interest groups (e.g., New Jersey Health Officers, Public Water Association of New Jersey, etc.) and mass media in the State.
  2. Develop a marketing plan with the help of AWWA to brand AWWANJ as the recognized resource in the state on issues pertaining to water.
  3. Develop a method to obtain information on public perception of the drinking water industry within the State as a basis for proceeding with more long-term objectives regarding education of the public.
  4. Enhance the public image of water utilities in the State by pooling utility resources to fund mass media exposure.
  5. Utilize resources from AWWA for customer information publications.
  6. Develop a Section speaker’s bureau to provide speakers for various civic, student and environmental groups around the State.
  7. Develop a plan for Drinking Water Week and coordinate AWWANJ activities.
  8. Promote dialogue with, and exhibits at, other professional organizations such as League of Municipalities, Conference of Mayors, and New Jersey Water Environment Association.
  9. Evaluate the value of a separate (not Pipeline) periodic publication targeted for external entities (e.g., mayors, legislators, non- member utilities and service providers) to provide information and enhance the image of the Section.
  10. Investigate ways to use social media to enhance Section communications (i.e. facebook, video conferencing, internet, etc).

Publications (subcommittee)

  1. Produce a quality, informative Section Newsletter at least three (3) times per year, with regular input from the Section leadership and committees.
  2. In conjunction with the Section Manager, solicit information to populate Section website and help format website presentation.
  3. Maintain posting of the Newsletter on the Section website.
  4. As directed by the Board of Trustees, generate special publications/presentations to promote AWWANJ.
  5. Working with the Board of Trustees, oversee the publication of an educational and training program calendar in established publications.
  6. Evaluate reduction in publication costs with use of electronic delivery.

B. Conferences

Statement of Objective

Develop programs and associated activities which are structured to promote the professionalism, technical expertise and networking of Section members while promoting public awareness of the water works industry in New Jersey.

Goals:

  1. Increase attendance of Section members at the Annual and Fall Conferences.
  2. Expand the value and usefulness of Conference activities for membership including technical and educational resources.
  3. Expand participation of non-association members (Boards, Councils, and City Officials) in Conference activities.
  4. Enhance the public image of the Section and the water works industry through a comprehensive and coordinated program of recognition efforts, for both individuals and organizations that significantly advance or contribute to the goals and mission of the water works industry in New Jersey.

Conference Committee

  1. Coordinate the efforts of the Technical Program Committee, Manufacturers and Associates Committee and Conference Registration Committee to produce quality educational Conferences, which also promote networking of association members twice per year.
  2. Coordinate local arrangements (social, recreational, etc.), as required, to successfully implement the Conference programs.
  3. Develop (in conjunction with the Conference Registration Committee) a profile of Conference attendees and develop programs to address their needs. Develop strategies to encourage Conference attendance among member groups with lower participation rates, especially operators and small systems. Implement a system to better understand the interests of attendees and user feedback on sessions.
  4. As directed by the Board of Trustees, explore holding joint meetings with other AWWA Sections to enhance Conference value.
  5. Seek input to expand Conference activities to include more recreational and social events for membership.
  6. Assist Section Leadership in planning, procuring and facilitating activities at the Annual Conference.
  7. Develop demonstrations (safety, maintenance, etc.) or “hands-on” competitions to enhance members’ knowledge and participation at Conferences.

Technical Program (subcommittee)

  1. Maintain the technical program quality and relevance to ensure the offering of Continuing Education Units (coordinated through the Education and Professional Development Committee) for session attendance.
  2. Interface with other Section committees, especially the Education Research, and Professional Development Committee, to encourage their participation and input when developing Conference agendas.
  3. Strive for continuous improvement of Section Conferences, promote frequent and constructive feedback on Conference content and activities.

Conference Registration (subcommittee)

  1. Manage all registration and payment activities associated with the Fall and Annual Conferences.
  2. Work with the Manufacturers and Associates Committee to assist with exhibitor registration materials and to enhance vendor participation in the Annual Conference.

Manufacturers and Associates Committee (subcommittee)

  1. Develop an advertising plan; provide input to fee schedule and Conference agenda to ensure optimal participation by vendors.
  2. Develop demonstrations to enhance attendees’ knowledge and increase vendor participation at Conferences.
  3. Assist Conference Registration Committee in contacting, organizing and strategizing vendor participation at the Annual and Fall Conferences.

C. Education

Statement of Objective

Provide Section members with educational and professional development activities for the improvement of all aspects of the water utility industry.

Goals:

  1. Develop informational and approved programs that will enhance the knowledge and professional development of Section members.
  2. Monitor, disseminate, and contribute to information on new technology, trends and other common issues affecting the water supply industry.
  3. Promote work place, public and employee safety and regulatory and environmental compliance.
  4. Assist Section members with independent study educational materials and networking opportunities.
  5. Support the coordination and preparation of a calendar of all educational and professional development activities with the Section’s master calendar, which is maintained by the Board.

Priority Tasks (listed by committee):

Education and Professional Development Committee

  1. Oversee, coordinate, and implement educational and training programs in the Section
  2. Regularly solicit input from Section members on educational and training needs as a basis for developing seminars, workshops and other educational and training programs.
  3. Solicit input and assistance from all Section committees and other agencies in developing program topics and agendas.
  4. Work with other educational groups and organizations in the State to make use of all available resources for education and training including the use of joint seminars and activities.
  5. Manage the Section’s Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) and Training Contact Hours (TCHs) program. Maintain the Section’s continuing education policy in order to improve the effectiveness of all education and training programs developed by the Section.
  6. Work to obtain and support available funding for Section training programs from NJDEP and other sources.
  7. Identify and/or develop independent study and webcast education programs for the water industry.
  8. Continue to develop seminars on non-traditional topics (such as rate structure, customer service, laboratory issues, etc.)
  9. Consider the use of paid speakers for appropriate topics.
  10. Interact with AWWA and other organizations to establish a utility management program targeted at utility personnel who wish to develop management skills (e.g. NJAES/OCPE, Universities, AWWA.org/Leadership Center, AWWA Management Institute).
  11. Investigate CEU reciprocity program for operators' and PE licensing between NJ, NY and PA.
  12. Assist and support the development of strategies and mechanisms to coordinate Training Contact Hours and disseminate data to DEP.
  13. Maintain approval from the NY and State Education Dept for Professional Engineer Continuing Education units and pursue similar approval for NJ PE program.

Research and Technology Transfer Committee

  1. Establish liaisons with other national and State associations, foundations, academia and regulators for the exchange of information and project ideas.
  2. Disseminate pertinent research information to Section members through the Section Newsletter, and by providing input to the Annual Conference Committee.
  3. Provide research ideas and other input to the NJDEP Science and Research Group and the AWWA Research Foundation.
  4. Develop a program to encourage New Jersey water utilities and universities to conduct research.
  5. Coordinate with the Student Affairs Committee to encourage more New Jersey colleges to perform water research. Potentially match student researchers with water systems to help address operating problems.
  6. Provide input to the Education and Professional Development Committee for seminars/workshops on water quality, treatment, research and other technology issues.
  7. Develop a mechanism to solicit research needs of the Section and its membership.
  8. Conduct annual seminars to promote technology transfer including joint seminars with NJ WEA and others as appropriate.

Operational Risk Committee

  1. Keep abreast of key areas affecting health, safety, security and environmental issues.
  2. Provide input to the Conference Committee for a safety program at the AWWANJ Annual Conference.
  3. Provide safety articles to all Section Newsletter issues.
  4. Populate the Section website with information on safety practices, regulation and enforcement.
  5. Provide input to the Education and Professional Development Committee on developing or coordinating training classes that are required for annual recertification (such as confined spaces); and develop a list of other safety courses including where and when they are being offered.
  6. Study workers’ compensation claims in the State, and other indicators, to see how the water industry compares with other industries. Disseminate this information to members for their use.
  7. Provide seminars on health and safety issues, utilizing expertise from various industries.
  8. Monitor various water sector security agency reports, regulations and programs and disseminate information to members.
  9. In conjunction with the Education and Professional Development Committee develop training programs to help utilities comply with various regulations regarding security best practices.

D. Section Leadership and Management

Statement of Objectives

Perpetuate, improve and enhance the leadership and management of the Section and increase active membership. Oversee the annual nomination of Trustee(s) and Vice Chair.

Goals:

  1. Provide resources and guidance for interaction and coordination among the various Section committees.
  2. Oversee annual review and revision of Strategic Plan.
  3. Encourage staffing AWWA & AWWARF councils and committees with Section members.
  4. Maintain the fiscal integrity of the Section.
  5. Use information technology to effectively manage and disseminate information.
  6. Increase membership number, diversity and participation.

Priority Tasks (listed by committee):

Board of Trustees

  1. Update, keep current, and implement the Section Operations Guide (SOG).
  2. Provide active liaison involvement in committee functions.
  3. Update criteria for committee member and committee chair selection.
  4. Provide training for committee chairs and Trustees (Regional Meetings and other support from AWWA could be used as resources to accomplish this task).
  5. Establish the duties and monitor the performance of the Section Manager annually.
  6. Establish a procedure to identify, solicit and nominate AWWANJ members for AWWA council, division and committee positions.
  7. Periodically review the Section’s bylaws and update them as necessary.
  8. Provide resources and support for continuance and improvement of the Section website.
  9. Evaluate the Annual Conference to ensure that the Conference locations, expenses and programs are aimed at optimizing attendance and benefits.
  10. Determine appropriate level of financial support from AWWANJ for AWWA sponsored organizations (Water for People, Research Foundation, etc.).
  11. Manage CEU records.
  12. Review the overall financial status of the Section to ensure its long-range financial health.
  13. Review the needs and status of cash reserve funds for the effective operation of the Section.
  14. Evaluate alternative revenue sources (including outside program funding and fundraising activities) for use by the Section in performing its mission.
  15. Lead initiative to develop a more inclusive organization that encourages diversity of race, gender, age, background and professions.
  16. Oversee the member and financial databases.
  17. Officers Nominating Committee shall nominate the Vice Chair from the list of eligible Section Trustees and Secretary Treasurers.

Audit Committee

  1. Annually review the financial transactions, accounting records, and financial database of the Section and report findings to the Board of Trustees.
  2. Identify the need for and coordinate of the efforts of an outside audit.

E. Section Operations

Statement of Objectives

Maintain an awards program that recognizes the professional accomplishments of the Section and the water works industry.

Goals:

  1. Successfully perform the Director nomination.
  2. Enhance the public image of the Section and the water works industry through a comprehensive and coordinated program of recognition efforts, for both individuals and organizations that significantly advance or contribute to the goals and mission of the water works industry in New Jersey.

Director Nominating Committee

Coordinate nomination of AWWA NJ’s Director with AWWA.

Hal Florence Meritorious Operator’s Award

Coordinate nomination of Hal Florence Meritorious Operator’s Award.

Recognition/Awards Committee

  1. Recognize the contributions of individuals or organizations outside of the water works industry. Examples: mayor, legislators, League of Women Voters.
  2. Utilize effective recognition techniques to attract reputable public speakers to Section functions.
  3. Seek to motivate volunteerism through the use of specific recognition measures. This includes continuance of existing awards (speakers, Board of Trustees, Fuller, operators, service, safety, posters, etc) and the need to recognize committee chairpersons and committee members.
  4. Formulate a mechanism, through coordination with the various Section committees, to identify achievements of individual members, companies, organizations and contributing non-members and then develop a means to recognize the subject achievement. Maintain criteria for each award and historical database of past recipients.
  5. Review recognition and award opportunities that are available outside AWWANJ for use in recognizing Section members. Prepare recommendations to the Board of Trustees for these awards. This includes AWWA, and other organizations within New Jersey.
  6. Promote use of AWWA awards that encourage diversity.

F. Section Services

Statement of Objectives

Retain and increase active membership and collect, manage and disseminate information about the organization.

Goals:

  1. Use information technology to effectively manage and disseminate information.
  2. Increase membership number, diversity and participation.

Information Technology Committee

  1. Develop a Section Information Technology Master Plan to evaluate the Section’s use of and need for new information technology.
  2. Develop website enhancements and related website links (e.g. Water for People) in support of the above.
  3. Provide technical assistance for database management.
  4. Provide direction to implement recommendations from the Master Plan.

Membership Services Committee (includes diversity, young professional and social programs)

  1. Continue a membership marketing campaign.
  2. Assist the Section staff in keeping electronic membership roster and profile that is up to date.
  3. Encourage increased individual, utility and service provider membership.
  4. Develop and implement a program to retain existing members.
  5. Plan and organize special social activities for the membership for the purpose of promoting greater camaraderie within the Section.
  6. Develop, update and disseminate an information package for new members.
  7. Support diverse leadership by striving to have the Section membership mirror the diversity of the water industry workforce in New Jersey. Develop a plan to attract people of all races, genders, ages, geographic locations, occupations (utilities, consultants, manufacturers, distributors, and regulators) and positions in organizational structures within the water business to the Section.
  8. Develop networking opportunities and events for Young Professionals (Section members and non-members).
  9. Evaluate and recommend opportunities to provide non-traditional benefits/services to membership as an incentive to increase and retain members (e.g. retirement and financial planning, health club discounts, insurance).
  10. Develop a membership goal, which considers AWWA goals and workforce demographics.
  11. Continue the lunch and learn program.


Retired Professional’s Committee

  1. Produce annual installments of the Living History Project
  2. Develop a program to encourage and foster fellowship among the retired members.
  3. Develop annual event for retired members.
  4. Contribute a column for each edition of Pipeline.
  5. Work with other Section Committees to advance and enhance each of their programs.

 

G. Strategy

Statement of Objectives

Guide the Section with the nomination of Trustees and develop and maintain the Strategic Plan.

Goals:

Provide annual review and revision, and five year re-write of the Strategic Plan.

Strategic Planning Committee

  1. Annually update the Strategic Plan.
  2. Regularly evaluate functions and activities of committees.
  3. Every five years, thoroughly evaluate administrative review procedures for the Strategic Plan.

Board of Trustee Nomination Committee

Nominate Section members for Board of Trustee positions.

H. Legislation and Regulation

Statement of Objective

Impact legislative, regulatory, and policy issues at state and federal levels of government with the assistance of Section members and coalitions of other State water and environmental organizations.

Goals:

  1. Develop and implement a successful program for monitoring and influencing legislation and regulations in the State that impact water utility systems, their environment and their customers.
  2. Develop a plan for effectively and efficiently communicating with the Section membership on legislative and regulatory matters.

Priority Tasks:

Water Utility Council

  1. Develop a coalition with other organizations in the State (e.g. Conference of Mayors) to collectively influence the legislative and regulatory process as it pertains to the water utility industry.
  2. Effectively manage the outsourcing support services required for legislative and regulatory activities and manage the consultant to bring value to AWWANJ and its membership.
  3. Maintain a diverse membership on the Council to include water utilities, consultants, manufacturers, etc.
  4. Work closely with the NJDEP on matters of concern to the water industry.
  5. Provide input to AWWA on Federal legislation.
  6. Develop an effective plan for regularly communicating with Section members.

Fuller Award Committee

Identify potential candidates and select recipient of Fuller Award

I. Outreach

Statement of Objectives

Achieve broad-based participation in both the water profession and Section activities.

Goals:

  1. Develop and implement programs and resource materials that assist small water systems.
  2. Develop and promote programs that expand the awareness of the water industry to all educational levels and that attract qualified people into the water profession.
  3. Provide an avenue for members to participate in outreach and service related activities.

Priority Tasks (listed by committee):

Small Systems and Operators Committee

  1. Work with the Education and Professional Development Committee and Membership Committee to provide seminars annually for small water systems directed at operators and at management and operations.
  2. Develop and disseminate resource materials to assist small water systems.
  3. Continue to work with the New Jersey Water Association and the NJDEP to provide assistance to small water systems.
  4. Continue to provide support in a variety of formats to the non-transient, non-community water systems.
  5. Promote AWWANJ among small water systems.
  6. Promote operators outreach activities (e.g. Top Ops).

Student Affairs Committee

  1. Develop a plan to support existing student chapters and to establish new student chapters at New Jersey colleges. Be the resource and ambassador for students to the water works industry.
  2. Continue to develop programs to promote the water industry to college students. Include road shows to discuss hot topics in the industry.
  3. Expand awareness of the water industry to the elementary and high school levels. Seek to develop and maintain alliances with the NJ Educational Association and other New Jersey educational organizations.
  4. Continue and expand the internship and student job placement programs. Encourage students to pursue internships with companies within the Section.
  5. Administer the AWWANJ Drinking Water Careers Scholarship.
  6. Work with the Research and Technology Transfer Committee to encourage more colleges to do water research in New Jersey.
  7. Continue and expand the student poster presentation and award at the Section meeting.

Water for People Committee

  1. Undertake fundraising activities to support the initiatives of the national Water for People organization.
  2. Provide a conduit to get Section members involved with Water for People.
  3. Provide a conduit to get college students involved with Water For People and the New Jersey Section of AWWA.
  4. Encourage the Section to select, connect with and fund specific Water for People regions.
  5. Encourage the Public Information Committee to issue a press release to inform the New Jersey general public of the charitable contributions of the AWWANJ section in third world countries.
  6. Raise awareness within AWWANJ and the general public for the needs for drinking water sanitation and hygiene in the developing parts of the world.