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The Year 2004 was amazing for AMTA and its members. The year can be summed up in a single phrase: “Working Together.”
We started off 2004 with a bang by hosting a terrific regional workshop in Seattle, WA focused on “Water Resource Management: Membrane Applications and Reuse” with 116 in attendance. A second workshop was held in the spring in Columbus, OH focused on Membrane Technology for Drinking Water Applications” with 60 attendees. Next came our Biennial Conference in San Antonio, Texas, with 335 attendees and a keynote address by the Texas Governor Rick Perry, a desalination advocate. In the fall, AMTA joined forces with the Southeast Desalting Association to hold a joint workshop on “Membranes: Florida’s Conventional Water Treatment” in Duck Key, Florida. Even with the hurricanes of 2004 and a last-minute date change, this workshop drew 100 attendees.
As I am sure you remember, 2004 ended with a terrible tragedy, the Asian Tsunami that struck on December 26th. None of us will ever forget the destruction we witnessed and the almost unimaginable loss of life that occurred that day. The aftermath of the Tsunami, however, was a true testament to AMTA’s members and their kindness and generosity. As the greatest relief effort in history got underway, AMTA members responded with offers of equipment, supplies, expertise and monetary contributions as it became clear that fresh water was a serious concern.
As we look ahead to the rest of 2005 and beyond, we look forward to more opportunities to work together to serve our fellow man by advancing the use of membrane technology to provide clean, pure water.
Bob Yamada, President
American Membrane Technology Association