Joint Announcement – WEF and AWWA Agreement of Intent

Discussions about enhanced collaboration and cooperation between WEF and AWWA have occurred on and off for a number of years. They are driven by a desire to deliver better service and value to our members as both organizations respond to significant changes in the water industry and among our members.

Recently, both organizations signed an Agreement of Intent that establishes an Exploratory Committee to examine potential models for enhanced collaboration and partnership.

The Exploratory Committee is comprised of leaders from both organizations and will examine potential models for enhanced collaboration and partnership ranging from efficiencies in some combined business practices and member services to full integration of the two organizations.

WEF and AWWA remain committed to the spirit of our 2011 joint resolution “to support and lead as necessary an effort to develop a cohesive voice for the water community by encouraging collaboration between our members, coordinating programs and services, and developing consensus on major water policy issues.”

We will continue to work together to best serve our members and the broader water industry and will keep you apprised as our exploration of enhanced partnership continues.

FAQs - WEF/AWWA Agreement of Intent

1. What is the purpose of the Agreement of Intent?

AWWA and WEF have agreed to work together to examine potential models for enhanced collaboration and partnership to better serve our members. An Exploratory Committee comprised of members from both organizations will examine options ranging from efficiencies in some combined business practices and member services to full integration of the two organizations.

The Agreement of Intent signed by AWWA and WEF is a continuation of the spirit of a 2011 joint resolution by both organizations to develop a cohesive voice for the water community by “encouraging collaboration between our members, coordinating programs and services and developing consensus on major water policy issues.”

2. What is the motivation for doing this?

Discussions about enhanced collaboration and cooperation between AWWA and WEF have occurred on and off for years and are driven by a desire to deliver better service and value to our members. Some of the driving factors of these discussions include:

• Providing quality and value. AWWA and WEF are committed to providing the highest quality and highest value products and services to members and the water sector. We recognize the potential to better meet these needs in the future through closer collaboration and partnership.

• A changed economy. AWWA and WEF recognize that water professionals and members of both organizations are challenged with economic pressures, time constraints, new complexities in the water industry, changes in how their organizations conduct business, and other issues that affect their participation in, expectations of, and relationship with AWWA and WEF.

• Our collaboration history. AWWA and WEF already successfully cooperate, collaborate, and partner in a variety of ways in their field organizations and their national offices.

3. What is the potential value to members?

The Exploratory Committee will examine areas where AWWA and WEF can effectively collaborate to deliver better value and service to our members. This could include increasing programmatic and operational efficiencies, enhancing member services and providing a stronger, unified voice on issues of importance to our members.

4. Is this the beginning of a merger?

It is far too early in the process to know what outcome to expect. The Exploratory Committee will examine potential models for full integration of both organizations along with other collaboration options. We will keep our members apprised as our exploration continues.

5. When do you expect to make a decision?

The Exploratory Committee is authorized for a one-year period that can be extended with agreement from both organizations. Recommendations by the Exploratory Committee are subject to approval by each organization’s Board, and we will keep our members apprised as our exploration of enhanced partnership continues.

6. What is the impact of this agreement on WEF MAs and AWWA Sections?

It is far too early in the process to know what outcome to expect. The Exploratory Committee will examine potential models for full integration of both organizations along with other collaboration options. We will keep our members apprised as our exploration continues.