Greetings National Association of Wastewater Technicians members! I’m honored to be your new executive director and look forward to working with your great organization. As I write this, we are busy transitioning management responsibilities and planning for 2013-14. I encourage you to contact us if there is anything we can do for you, or just to introduce yourself.

The Center for Association Resources offers management services that bring together experience and innovation, infrastructure, technology and talented specialists skilled in all aspects of maintaining and growing volunteer organizations. We have a rich history of successfully managing and working with a diverse set of client organizations representing a variety of industries including trade associations and professional societies in health care, legal, professional services and science. We offer client organizations significant expertise and understanding regarding the unique challenges and requirements of the industries they serve.

The Center’s staff is well prepared to address your immediate and future goals. We are located in Schaumburg, Ill., and also have offices in Washington, D.C.

Below you’ll find a few highlights that represent our firm’s capabilities. I’d also like to introduce you to Michele Anderson, executive administrator, who will be your main contact along with additional staff dedicated to NAWT. We have engaged with your leaders for the transition process and we will continue to do so over the coming months.

• Our executive management team pride themselves on their creativity, personalization, responsiveness and professionalism. We work to ensure that our customized solutions are achieving goals, driving growth and building sustained competitiveness. The Center brings over 25 years of association management experience with a particular emphasis in governance, membership development and government relations. We will be developing strategies to grow and enhance your organization.

• We bring hands-on, in-house financial expertise that includes budget analysis and development, operational metrics, ratio analysis and investment portfolio assistance.

• We bring years of experience in marketing and social media to NAWT and will be suggesting and implementing several changes to the existing website, which will continue to enhance and optimize the overall member experience.

• One of our core strengths is in project management, with particular emphasis in the area of conducting and managing significant research efforts. This would be very relevant in determining member needs and satisfaction, and in identifying growth opportunities.

• Our director of communications and research has over 30 years of marketing experience in developing brand messaging and marketing campaigns designed to build recognition for NAWT and to grow the organization to meet the needs of the future. One of the overall goals of the Center will be to align all communications to be consistent, measurable and effective.

•  We also have many years of experience in managing certification and accreditation.

An organization is only as strong as its leaders. NAWT has been fortunate to have strong leaders who have built NAWT into the organization it is today. It is also important to focus on developing the next generation of leaders to serve on committees and as directors. This is your organization – I urge you to be a part of it by volunteering your time and getting involved.

We look forward to a successful transition and to supporting all NAWT leaders and members in bringing this organization to the next level of growth and performance.