Strategic Plan


Adopted by the Board of Directors on November 17, 2005
THE MICHIGAN WATER ENVIRONMENT ASSOCIATION’S
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES FOR 2005-2006


Strategic Initiative #1: MWEA will offer CECs for training programs and educational seminars. We will offer voluntary certification and re-certification where not offered by MDEQ.


1.1 Offer voluntary certification for programs not currently offered by MDEQ and obtain MDEQ “credit” for such certifications.

1.2 Work to integrate all MWEA training sessions, seminars, and programs to meet MDEQ Certification recognition and CEC requirements.

1.3 Offer targeted training courses, where otherwise not available, that meet certification recognition requirements for both MDEQ & MWEA. Expand On-Line training opportunities.

1.4 The certification/education committee will work with the training coordinator to provide program development and administration for all MWEA sponsored certification-training activities.


Strategic Initiative #2: MWEA will provide and improve services for its members.

2.1 Provide an Annual Conference with substantive technical content, fellowship and networking opportunities.

2.2 Develop and improve use of E-Mail and other Internet opportunities to better disseminate technical, scientific and general communications information.

2.3 Develop, maintain and make available to members, “member contact” tools. These may include member lists, facility lists, superintendent lists, target audience lists and the means to access these lists.

2.4 Continue to identify, publicize and promote member services and benefits.


Strategic Initiative #3: MWEA will become active in the development of new regulations and legislation.

3.1 Develop and implement a process to notify the membership of issues of an urgent nature, such as legislative issues.

3.2 Develop and implement a process to provide technical testimony on important legislative and regulatory issues dealing with the water environment.

3.3 Develop and implement a process to adopt position statements on major issues and to communicate those positions to appropriate legislators, county & local elected officials, and regulators.

3.4 Develop and implement a process for effectively supporting or opposing critical legislation.


Strategic Initiative #4: MWEA will provide opportunities for the professional development of our members and for the timely and effective exchange of information (committees, newsletters, seminars, annual conference, website, local sections, etc.).

4.1 Each committee will develop a mission statement and review committee goals annually.

4.2 Continue to provide leadership training for committee chairs and prospective committee chairs.

4.3 Encourage participation on our MWEA committees.

4.4 Foster relationships and communications with employers to demonstrate the value of MWEA participation.

4.5 Create specific mentoring opportunities for committee members, committee chairs, and the board of directors, focused on preparing members for leadership roles in MWEA.


Strategic Initiative #5: MWEA will develop mutually beneficial partnerships with other organizations.

5.1 Continue and enhance current efforts, such as Joint-Expo, Legislative Initiatives and MDEQ Workshops. Seek out opportunities to participate with other groups in joint training, workshops and seminars that focus attention on our mission.

5.2 Commit to formalize relationships at the state level with potential partners with common interests.

5.3 Continue arrangements with Michigan Section of AWWA to conduct a Joint Conference in 2010. Future joint conferences shall be considered.

5.4 Develop working relationships with the Michigan Township Association (MTA) and the Michigan Municipal League (MML) that include providing technical programs at their conferences and other meetings.

5.5 Continue and enhance current efforts with National Biosolids Partnership (NBP) for developing Environmental Management Systems for Biosolids programs.

5.6 Continue and enhance current efforts with California Water Environment Association (CWEA) for improving and expanding the Technical Certification Program.


Strategic Initiative #6: MWEA will increase and retain members.

6.1 Utilize the committee structure as a means of promoting membership in MWEA.

6.2 Membership promotion shall be a part of all MWEA activities.

6.3 Develop a campaign to attract new members. Consider these possibilities:
• Focus a campaign on new member recruitment within MDEQ. Identify other “target” organizations for membership recruitment and MWEA participation.
• Develop and maintain a written membership manual, which focuses on “new-member” recruitment “current-member” retention programs.
• Identify and add new value-added “member” services, such as discounts on insurance.
• Adopt an aggressive “student chapter” and “student member” campaign which sets a goal of a student chapter representing each Michigan post high school institution.
• Consider the services of a “marketing advisor” to coordinate membership program activities.

6.4 Broaden membership promotion to those involved in all facets of the water environment, such as watershed management, storm water management, and groundwater protection.


Strategic Initiative #7: MWEA will promote participation in Local Sections.

7.1 Continue support for and rebuilding of individual Local Sections by focusing on the revitalization of inactive sections.

7.2 Continue to develop and exchange ideas on technical programs and events that stimulate Local Section interests and participation

7.3 Continue the support for and promotion of at least three Regional Meetings each year, which shall include one in the U.P.


Strategic Initiative #8: MWEA will promote a strong public outreach campaign.

8.1 Continue to distribute the Water Source Books as resources allow.

8.2 Continue to plan and promote Water Quality Awareness week activities.

8.3 Continue to work with the Michigan Section AWWA on youth education initiatives.

8.4 Promote the value and importance of “clean water”/”wastewater” technology to the residents of the State of Michigan. Expand the use of the term “clean water” in lieu of “wastewater” wherever appropriate. Explore other opportunities to improve the image of “wastewater” treatment.

8.5 Support the Stockholm Junior Water Prize program by encouraging MWEA members to locally promote SJWP and participate in competition judging.

8.6 Develop a “public relations” committee that showcases member awards, members on the move, facility successes, and promotes a higher level of public awareness of the issues, challenges and regulations related to water quality.

8.7 Improve the Association’s Display Booth, Audio-Video Presentations, and develop news releases and other public information materials. Explore utilizing a public image/relations person to assist.

8.8 Promote watershed, storm water, and groundwater protection education to the public.

8.9 Encourage members to participate in local water festivals or fairs.

8.10 Consider these additional possibilities:
• a statewide “teacher’s day”
• county and State fair booths
• exhibits at trade shows
• “adopt-a-school” program.


Strategic Initiative #9: Increase our website presence.

9.1 Continually update the high quality and diversity of our MWEA Website.

9.2 Encourage committees to post their activities on the website in a timely manner for all members to view.

9.3 Encourage the use of electronic communications systems by the membership.


Strategic Initiative #10: Review MWEA Staff and Facility Needs.

10.1 Conduct annual staffing, facilities, and equipment audits to determine needs to meet the challenges of attaining the MWEA Mission.

10.2 Evaluate staff roles and responsibilities to meet the Association’s future needs.


Strategic Initiative #11: Firmly establish the Committee / Board of Directors relationship.

11.1 Committees shall prepare a written “Annual Report” to the Board of Directors to be presented in summary form at the annual Committee Chair Retreat. The report shall highlight the committee’s activities during the past 12 months and an outlook for the upcoming 12 month period.

11.2 The President shall assign Board members to act as liaison to MWEA Committees. The liaison is the contact and tie directly to the Board. Liaisons are charged with providing any necessary assistance to the committee that may ensure the committee’s success. Liaisons shall attend not fewer than two of their assigned committee meetings during the course of the year.

11.3 Committees are directed to utilize their liaison as necessary to communicate to the Board, comply with organizational policy and shall especially keep them informed of committee activities and /or meetings.

11.4 Liaison reports shall be provided a prominent position on the Board of Directors meeting agendas to reinforce the importance of committee activities to the mission of the association.


A primary focus of these strategic initiatives is the empowerment to action of our individual committees. The Strategic Initiatives focus on the utilization of the committee framework as the primary means of serving our membership. The MWEA Board of Directors shall continue to provide support and the necessary resources for committee activities and is committed to strengthening our relationships with and joining other groups in maintaining and enhancing Michigan’s Water Environment.