OUR STORY

How We Evolved

The Southeast Florida Chapter of A&WMA was created in the mid-1990s to serve Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Martin Counties.  Founding Members included employees from CH2M Hill, Florida Power & Light, Pratt-Whitney, the Sugarcane Cooperative, the Palm Beach County Department of Health and the Broward County Department of Environmental Protection and Growth.

What We Are Today

Chapter membership includes representatives from industry, academics, regulatory agencies, and environmental and health consultants and trainers. The Chapter is led by a Board of Directors including a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Chair, Activities Chair, Immediate Past Chair and four At-Large Directors who all serve for a two-year term.  For most of its history, the Chapter has had a member serving on the Section Board.

Chapter events include in person conferences (partial or full day), webinars and field tours.  Social networking activities are often incorporated into or will follow an event.   Topics can be anything that is of general interest to A&WMA members.   Topics are generally presented by Chapter members, industries and other local entities along with regulatory agencies.   Also included are National A&WMA Environmental Webinars facilitated by chapter member organizations. All events are open to anyone in the four-county area with fees of $10 for A&WMA Members and $15 for non-members.

Chapter events are typically conducted at member facilities throughout the Chapter area.  Boca Raton and Deerfield Beach are preferred because of their central location.  Still, because our four-county area is so large and congested, it is difficult to have much representation from Miami-Dade environmental personnel.  Our goal is to have an event about every two months.  Virtual conferencing allowed the chapter to continue events throughout the COVID19 Pandemic.  In the future, virtual conferencing will provide an additional scheduling option when it is difficult for members to travel, e.g. post hurricane and holiday seasons.

Suggestions for the activities come from the members of the organization.  In addition, surveys of our members have been conducted occasionally to determine the types of activities and subjects; the locations, the day of week and time of day; and refreshments/food.  Based on feedback from our members, the activities are typically conducted mid-week from 3:00 to 5:00 pm.