the strength of one drop. - association of boards of...

Association of Boards of Certification

2010 Annual Report

A D V A N C I N G W A T E RQ U A L I T Y & I N T E G R I T Y

The STRENGTH of one drop.

Association of Boards of Certification2

• Promotecertificationasameansof protectingpublichealthandtheenvironment• Advancethequalityandintegrityof environmentalcertificationprograms• Defineandmaintaininternationallyrecognizedqualificationsforcertification• Promoteuniformityof standardsandpracticesincertification• Facilitatethetransferof certificationbetweencertifyingauthorities• Assistnewlycreatedauthoritiesinestablishinginitialpoliciesandprocedures• Improveandstrengthencertificationlaws

Introduction .........................................................................................3

PresidentialVision ..............................................................................4

OurCommitment ...............................................................................6

OurGreatestStrength ........................................................................ 8

OurDetermination ...........................................................................10

OurBiggestAsset .............................................................................12

MemberRecognition ........................................................................14

OurHallmark .....................................................................................15

StrengtheningOurService ..............................................................16

OurPromise ......................................................................................18

CEO’sMessage ..................................................................................20

ABCBoardof Directors .................................................................22

V&ECommitteeChairs&ABCStaff ..........................................24

ABCMembers ...................................................................................25

O U R M I S S I O NABC is a member driven organization dedicated to protecting public health and the environment by advancing the quality and integrity of environmental

certification programs.

{ T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S

{ O U R O B J E C T I V E S

Copyright2011.Associationof Boardsof Certification.AllRightsReserved.

32010AnnualReport

ONE drop can have an impact.

The water drop is a symbol of life. Overour almost40yearhistory theAssociation

of Boardsof Certification’slookhasconstantlyevolved,yetthefamiliarbluedrophas

alwaysbeen the steadfast symbolof theAssociation’s resolve to support and improve

the programs certifying those serving on the front lines of public health and protection.ABC

membersandvolunteerscontinuetodemonstratethatthewaterdropnotonlyrepresentswhowe

areandwherewe’vebeen,butmostimportantly,wherewe’reheaded.Nearly100programsstrong,

spanningacrosstheUnitedStates,Canada,CaribbeanandFarEast,thebroadreachandinnovative

thinkingof ABCmembershasmadefora lasting impact.ABCisacoalitionof individualsand

entitieswhoseideasandpassionfortheirprofessioncontinuetoleavetheirmarkonABCandthe

communitiesitserves.

ThisAnnualReportcelebratesthesuccessesof ABCmembersandvolunteersandoffersapreview

of freshvision.Nearlyfourdecadesago,ABC’sfounderssoughttofillavoidintheindustrywith

theestablishmentof anorganizationwhichwouldbringcertificationprogramstogether.Theyknew

whatmanyof today’sABCleaderssoeasilyunderstandandemulatedailyintheirprofessionsand

rolesatABC.Successdoesnotcomeeasy,butisachievedthroughhardwork,dedicationandatrue

desiretoserveagreatergood.

In2010,ABC’sBoardof Directors,membershipandvolunteersdemonstratedthatthelegacyleft

fromourhumblebeginningshasnotbeenforgotten.Itcontinuestodriveourworkandemboldens

oureffortstorealizethosevisionarydreamsareasrelevanttodayastheywerethen.Asyouread

thefollowingpages,youareinvitedtojoinusonourjourneytoservethosewhoprotectourpublic

health.

S T R E N G T H E N I N G O U R M E M B E R P R O G R A M S – One drop at a time.

ONE drop can have an impact.

S T R E N G T H E N I N G O U R M E M B E R P R O G R A M SS T R E N G T H E N I N G O U R M E M B E R P R O G R A M SS T R E N G T H E N I N G O U R M E M B E R P R O G R A M SS T R E N G T H E N I N G O U R M E M B E R P R O G R A M S


P R E S I D E N T ’ S M E S S A G EJ O H N S O L V I E , P R E S I D E N TAs2010drawstoaclose,Iamgratefulfortheunswervingdedicationof somanywhomakeABCtheworldclassorganizationitistoday.Thisyear’sBoardof Directorsrepresentthefinestgroupof professionalsIhaveeverhadthepleasureof servingwith.ABC’sstaff andnew industrypartners representbroadanddiverseexpertise, andarecommitted tomeetingtheever-changingneedsof ourmembers.OurcommitteechairsandsubjectmatterexpertsspanNorthAmericaandabroad,mergingtheirexceptionalknowledgeandskillstomakeABC’sstandardizedcertificationexamsunparalleledinthefieldof environmentalcertification.

2010representedthemostexpansivechangestoABCsinceitsinceptionin1972.Amajorgovernanceandorganizationalrestructuringwasimplemented,whichABC’smembershipoverwhelmingly approved in 2008. It significantly reduced the size of the Board of Directors,freeingtheboarduptogovernmoreefficientlyandfocusonstrategicinitiatives.It also established three advisory councils (Certification, Leadership, and Validation &Examination)toensurethatmemberneedsarecomprehensivelyaddressedateverylevel.

ABC’sprimaryfocusthisyearwasraisingitspsychometricbartomaintainstridewithtoday’sdemandingstandards.ThisresultedinestablishingasymbioticindustrypartnershipwithProfessionalTesting,Inc.forpsychometricoversightof ABC’sexamdevelopmentprocess.For our members, it means significantly enhancing the integrity and legal defensibilityof ABC’sstandardizedexams.TheBoardof Directors isalsopursuingvalidationof itsenhancedexampsychometricsthroughANSI/ISO17024accreditation.

Theyeariscomingtoanendwithawide-rangingfocusonmemberservices,nottheleastof whichispreparationstorolloutaContinuingEducationReviewProgram.Theprogramwillevaluatetrainingcoursesagainstasetof pre-establishedtrainingcriteria,whichwillbeofferedtoourmemberprogramsatnocharge.

Greatthingsareinstoreforourmembersin2011andIlookforwardtopassingthegaveltoABC’s2011PresidentJennyChambers.

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P R E S I D E N T - E L E C T ’ S M E S S A G EJ E N N Y C H A M B E R S , P R E S I D E N T - E L E C T

Over the years, I have had the privilege to get to knowmany of you andwitnessfirsthandthededicationof ABC’smembers,Boardof Directors,volunteersandstaff.Thatisoneof themanyreasonsitisanhonortobeservingasyour2011President.

For ABC, 2011 brings new and enhanced services for ourmembers ranging fromenhanced, legally-defensible, psychometrically sound standardized exams to theimplementationof aContinuingEducationReviewProgram.Inaddition,we’llreviewouraccomplishmentsandfocusonstrategicplanningeffortsasweheadintothefuturewithabalancedbudgetandalignedinitiatives.

Thispast year,manyof ourprogramshave facedhardships andfinancial strugglesand inresponsefoundways tomaximizeourresourcesandalign themwithcarefulplanningonwhat the futuremayhold.ABC’s focushasbeennodifferentandasastrongmembershiporganization,ouraimistoprovidethebestservicesandresourcestoassistyouwithyourmission!

IamhonoredandprivilegedtoserveasyourPresident.AspecialthankyoutoJohnSolvieandotherpastleadersfortheirmentorshipandguidanceasIstepintothisroleatoneof themostexcitingtimesinABC’shistory.Onbehalf of theBoardof Directors,wethankyouforyourmembership!

ONE powerful drop.


This past year ABC, a not-for-profit organization, experienced some of the most expansive changes since its inception in 1972. Drivenbymembers, theBoardof Directorssetout tocontinuestrengthening theservicesof anorganizationthathasalwaysprideditself onbeingthebest.Tappingintothecollectivetechnicalexpertiseof itsmembersandvolunteersandforminginvaluablepartnerships,ABCpoised itself tosignificantlyenhance thepsychometricsof its testingserviceandimplementseveralnewinitiativestobetterserveourmembers.

Long recognized as the industry leader for advancing environmental certification programs, ABC’sTestingServiceunderwentacomprehensivethird-partyauditwhichwastheimpetusfortheAssociation’syear-longdedicationonexaminationdevelopment and psychometrics.A review of the audit resulted in a partnershipwithProfessionalTesting,Inc.andtheirteamof professionalpsychometricians.

With the area of examination development constantly changing, ABC’s Board of Directorsrecognizedthatstayingabreastof thelatestdevelopmentsthroughacompletereview of the program and establishment of partnerships with experts was essential.ABC’srelationshipwithProfessionalTestinghasaugmentedABCstaff withateamof professionalpsychometricianswhoareabletofocusonthepsychometricsof theexamswhileexpandingtheroleof ABC’sBoardof Directors,CouncilsandCommitteestoservetheprogramneedsof ourmembersandclients.

high standardsABC has a history of striving to make the best better. In 2010, we continued our tradition of

raising our standards and deepening our commitment to service.

O U R C O M M I T M E N T :

72010AnnualReport

In 2010 Professional Testing psychometricians assisted ABC’s Validation & Examination Committees and ABC testing staff with the following activities:• Re-organizationof ItemBanks• Developmentanddistributionof Water,Distribution,Wastewater,CollectionJobTaskAnalysissurveys

• Developmentof examblueprintsbasedonrevalidationsurveydata• Reviewof examblueprintswithV&ECommitteeMembers

In 2011, Testing Service Development Plan activities include:• JanuaryexamdevelopmentanditemreviewforV&ECommitteeMembers–overviewof industrybestpracticesfortestdevelopment,discussionof JTAprocess,validityandreliability

• AssistingV&ECommitteeswithreviewingexamformsandverifyitems’reclassificationstorevisedblueprints

• Identifyneedsinitembankinventoryandconductitemwritingworkshops

ONE drop makes a big splash.

A B C ’ S V O L U N T E E R V & E C O M M I T T E E M E M B E R S

R E P R E S E N T T H E H E A R T & S O U L O F W H A T W E D O .

In 2010 Professional Testing psychometricians assisted ABC’s Validation


ABC members& volunteers

With each step forward, we look to the par tnership of those serving the Association and industry with

their expertise, talent and ideas.

O U R G R E A T E S T S T R E N G T H :

With each step forward, we look to the par tnership of those serving the Association and industry with their expertise, talent and ideas.

Several tiny water drops joining together can have a big impact. Throughout 2010, our members, volunteers

and staff joined together to form a wave of enrichment for the Association. Our industry partnerships combined with active member participation have signifcantly strengthened ABC’s base.

In June, the Board of Directors approved a targeted testingdevelopment plan that begins with revalidation of the fourcore certification programs (water, distribution, wastewater

and collection) toANSI standards, and again calls onourValidation&Examinationcommitteestoperformthetechnicalaspectsof therevalidation.OurWater,Wastewater,CollectionandDistributionValidation& Examination Committees developed thetechnical aspects of the Job Task Analysis,conductedinlate2010,andwereaskedtojoinABC inJanuary for thefirstpsychometricmeetingsof thenewyear to review the

data.

Keeping our members informedof thecriticalityof thisprocessisessential. Electronic newsletters,websiteannouncements,mailingsand phone calls assisted incommunicating the message of theimportanceof focusonABC’s

examdevelopment.ON

E D

RO

P

REGULATORY:• Navajo Nation Utility

Operators Certification Program

• Prince Edward Island

VOLUNTARY:• Rocky Mountain Water

Environment Association

PROVISIONAL:• Bimose Tribal Council

ASSOCIATE:• CEU Plan• H2O in Motion• Practical Applications• Klenzoid, Inc.• Lake City Community

College• Alabama Rural

Water Association• GateWay

Community College

{ 2 0 1 0 N E W M E M B E R S

92010AnnualReport

2010 ABC Membership98Regulatory&VoluntaryProgramMembers1ProvisionalMember16AssociateMembers2SpecialMembers(AWWA&WEF)

The Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency say they first sought ABC membership when laying groundwork to implement their certification program. “The track record that ABC has established was a big push for us,” said Merle Chischilly, Senior Environmental Specialist. “We looked at other programs and how they handled testing and certification. ABC has a well-established track record which benefits the Navajo Nation in terms of service and expertise in certification programs, and for the operator as well, who can show their credentials are from a well-established program with nationwide representation,” he said.

Chischilly says through their membership the Window Rock, Arizona program is planning to utilize ABC’s Testing Services to administer certification in the areas of water, distribution and wastewater within the Navajo Nation jurisdiction which covers the northeastern portion of Arizona, including the northwest portion of New Mexico and southeast portion of Utah.

“We are looking forward to offering our first certification exams in 2011. ABC is a critical resource as we move forward in implementing our certification program.”

{ N A V A J O N A T I O N U T I L I T Y O P E R A T O R S C E R T I F I C A T I O N P R O G R A M

members + volunteers =

2010 ABC Membership981162

Above: Attendees gather at the 23rd ABC Annual Conference, ABC’s largest networking event.


quality serviceIt’s an honor to serve. A not-for-profit, ABC is and has always been here for environmental cer tification programs. We’re dedicated to remaining an invaluable resource for our members while offering

industry leading services.

O U R D E T E R M I N A T I O N :

ABC was created and exists solely as a resource for environmental certification programs, and does so from the bottom up as a member-driven organization.

EarlyorganizationfoundersestablishedABCbecausetheywantedtoraisethebar,andin2010wesoughttodojustthatbyputtingintoplacemeasuresthatwillassistinseekingaccreditationof severalcertificationprograms.

Withnewpartnershipsestablished,ABCisactivelypursuingaccreditationbytheAmericanNationalStandardsInstitute(ANSI)andpreparingtoobtaintheANSI/ISO/IEC17024,the international accreditation standard for professional certifications. Doing so willsignificantlyenhancethequalityandlegaldefensibilityof ABC’scertificationexaminationsforourmembersandtestingclients.

Toprovide thehighest levelof service forourmembers,ABCwillundergoadetailedevaluationandworktoimprovemanyfacetsof ourTestingServiceoverthenext2years.Ultimately,achievingANSIaccreditationwillgivememberprogramstheconfidencethattheydeserve.ABCisholdingitself tothehigheststandards implemented in every facet of itstestingsevice.In2010,ABCstaff workedcloselywith Validation & Examination committeesand Professional Testing and began laying thegroundwork foranANSI review.ThenewJobTask Analysis surveys served as some of thebeginningcomponentsof thatwork.

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For almost 40 years, ABC has served as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing its mission by providing services integral to environmental certification program operations. Ten years into the start of the organization, ABC started a Testing Service at the request of its membership and pioneered the development of nationally recognized environmental certification examinations. Throughout ABC’s history in developing examinations, ABC remains an industry leader in environmental certification.

{ A B C E X A M I N A T I O N D E V E L O P M E N T

ConductJob TaskAnalysis

Create Test Speci�cations

Developinitial pool of

items

Reviewthe items

Field testthe items

Assemble test forms

Conductstandardsetting

Administer the Exam

Conduct the item analysis

BACK TO THE BASICS: In2010,ABCintensifieditsfocusonthemanyphasesof examinationdevelopment.

Association of Boards of Certification12 Association of Boards of Certification

Annual ConferenceWithalmost110attendeespresent,ABC’s23rdAnnualConferenceheldJanuary26-29,2010inJacksonville,Florida,celebratedtheenvironmentalcertificationindustry.CitingexamplesfromtheWalkertonInquiry,Dr.SteveHrudey,ProfessorEmeritus:Universityof Alberta,presented the keynote address duringthe opening conference session andchallengedregulatorsof thevitalroletoday’s certifiers play in protectingpublichealth.

The conference theme, “Certifyingthe Future” was an appropriate fitfor the 10 sessions, 30 speakers andABC award recipients and volunteershonored for their role in moving theindustryforward.

Membership AchievementsInitially developed in 2007, ABC’s currentstrategic plan has served as a tool for theBoard and members to set and achievegoals and objectives, many of which have been successfully completed thanks tostrongdedicationfromABC’smembersandvolunteers.DuringaJunemeeting,theStrategicPlanningCommitteereviewedtheplan,celebratedAssociationaccomplishments,focusedoninitiativesyettofulfillanddiscussedmajorlearnings.Toppingthelonglistof itemscompletedwereincreasedmembershipandfocusonmission.

diverse membershipAs an Association representing environmental cer tification programs

internationally, we’re able to facilitate important connections for our member programs. As a voice for environmental cer tification, ABC provides

opportunities to collaborate and exchange ideas that improve our industry.

O U R B I G G E S T A S S E T :

Above: Attendees gather at the 23rd ABC Annual Conference in Jacksonville, Florida. Conference attendees discuss certification topics during a breakout session.

132010AnnualReport

Strategic Thinking in 2011Althoughprogresshasbeensignificant,there’salwaysmorethatABCcandotomeettheeverincreasingneedsof ABCmemberprograms.InApril2011,ABC’sStrategicPlanningCommitteewilldevelopanewplantofullyengageABC’smembersastheBoardof Directors,CouncilsandCommitteescontinueworkingtoadvancewaterqualitythroughcertification.

Connecting with MembersContinuingtoshareABC’sinitiativeswithourmemberstookcenterstagein2010.Throughouttheyear,ABCBoardmembersandstaff membersconducted10membervisits,spokeatfiveindustryconferencesandworkshopsandreachedouttoallof itsmemberprogramsthroughnumerousphonecalls,e-mailsandmailings.

Best Practices DevelopmentForthepastfewyearsABChasbeenleadinganefforttodevelopaBestPracticesdocumentwhichwillservetoassistprogramswithcriteriaforperformingexternalreviewsof certificationprogramsasrequiredundertheSafeDrinkingWaterAct.In2010surveysoncertificationprogramtopicswerecompletedbymembership.TheCertificationCommitteecontinuedplansfordevelopmentbeginningwithaJanuary2011roundtabletogathercertificationprogramfeedback.TheeffortswillcontinueforthenextseveralyearsandincludefacilitatedstakeholdermeetingsineachEPAregioncrucialforthedevelopmentof adocumentaccuratelyreflectingwhat’shappeninginU.S.certificationprograms.

“I have enjoyed my involvement with ABC over the years because I haven’t had to learn by trial and error, but by networking with other programs. I’ve heard what has worked for them and then I can apply those things to my program.

Since I began working for the State of Utah as the Operator Certification Commission Executive Secretary 13 years ago, we have implemented computerized exams, wallet sized certification ID cards, operator recognition pins for operators having 15 years or more experience, CEU access from the internet, web based payment (exams, renewals, reinstatements and reciprocity), updated study guides, more exam dates and currently online testing). Our program hasn’t sat still over the past 13 years and a lot of it is thanks to our ABC involvement.”

{ U T A H D E P A R T M E N T O F E N V I R O N M E N T A L Q U A L I T YKim Dyches, State of Utah


ABC recognized those making a difference in professional certification with the 2010 ABC Awards presented at the 23rd Annual Conference in Jacksonville, Florida:

M E M B E R R E C O G N I T I O N

Harris F. Seidel Lifetime Achievement AwardMargaretDoss,ColumbiaCountyWaterworks,Georgia

Robert C. McAnespie Outstanding Certification Officer AwardJennyChambers,MontanaDepartmentof EnvironmentalQuality

Certification Program AwardNewBrunswickDepartmentof Environment

P R E S I D E N T I A L R E C O G N I T I O NJohn Solvie,Cityof LasVegas,EnvironmentalDivision;LasVegas,NevadaJess Jones, OperatorTrainingCommitteeof OhioKim Dyches,UtahDEQ,Divisionof DrinkingWater;SaltLakeCity,UtahJames Holeva, NewEnglandWaterWorksAssociation

Above: Margaret Doss & Harris Seidel pictured following the presentation of the 2010 Harris F. Seidel Lifetime Achievement Award.

In 2010, ABC’s Board of Directors voted to honor the memory of longtime ABC volunteer, Jess Jones by establishing the “Jess Jones Excellence in Service Award” in remembrance of his numerous years of service and dedication to the Association and industry.

152010AnnualReport

innovationProgress does not come without change, infrastructure

and organization. While 2010 represented uncharted ter ritory, it set us on a path to continue enhancing the

mission that brought ABC together.

O U R H A L L M A R K :

Governance RestructuringThe 2008 passage of a member vote to restructurethe Board of Directors was implemented in January2010. Smaller in size, theBoardof Directors are ableto respondmore quickly and efficientlywhichprovedtobe increasingly important throughouttheyear.Thissignificantreorganizationof theBoardwasalandmarkeventfortheAssociation.

Member ServicesRepresenting a major addition to ABC’s memberservices, the development of ABC’s ContinuingEducation Review program was completed and betatestingbeganinwinter2010.Overtheyears,onemessageoncontinuingeducationhad resonated loudandclearfrom our members: conducting critical and crediblecoursereviewsislaborintensiveandrequirestimeandresources that many operator certification programsdon’thaveattheirdisposal.TheContinuingEducationReviewCommitteeutilizedfeedbackfrommemberstodesigntheservicewhichoffersdistanceeducationcoursereviewresultstoallABCprogrammembers.Memberswillbeinvitedtopreviewtheserviceatthe2011ABCAnnualConferenceinPhoenix-Scottsdale,Arizona.

9 V&E Committees (Water, Distribution, Wastewater, Collection, Biosolids, Cross-Connection, Industrial Waste, Laboratory, Plant Maintenance)

VALIDATION & EXAMINATIONCOUNCIL

• Certification Committee • Continuing Education Review

Committee• Reciprocity Committee • Trainers Committee

C E R T I F I C A T I O N COUNCIL

• Board of Directors• Certification Council• V&E Council• Chairs & Senior Staff

L E A D E R S H I P COUNCIL


ONE dynamic drop.

Computer-Based Testing In 2010, ABC’s computer-based testing partner,Applied Measurement Professionals (AMP) introduceda new verification systemdesigned to further improveexamination security. Available at no cost to CBTclients,theAMPBiometricVerificationSystemfeaturecapturesandstoresadigital imageof thecandidatesfingerprint at their testing station during the pre-examinationprocess.In2010,ABCsawtwotestingclientsmovetothecomputer-basedtestingoption.

EPA Tribal Certification Program TheUnitedStatesEnvironmentalProtectionAgencyenteredintoacontractwithABCtotestandevaluatepreviously uncertified operators from the nation’s tribal regions. This program will validatethat the tribal regions are suppliedwith certifiedwaterprofessionals, continuing to raise theprofessionalwateroperatorbarinthenameof publichealth.

S T R E N G T H E N I N G O U R S E R V I C E

partner,introducedimprove

Above: The AMP Biometric Verification System is an option made available to CBT clients at no additional charge.

172010AnnualReport

Richard Sarver, Washington Department of Health

“ABC membership allows our program to use ABC’s exams and services, provides an avenue for networking and an opportunity to help develop national standards and polices.”

{ W A S H I N G T O N W A T E R W O R K S O P E R A T O R C E R T I F I C A T I O N P R O G R A M

Office Relocation to Ankeny, IowaAfterspendingnearly40yearsinAmes,ABCannouncedanofficemovetotheDesMoinesmetroareathattookplaceinSeptembertoprovidemorespaceforanexpandingstaff andabettersettingtoservemembers.InOctober,foundingmemberHarrisSeidel,staff andAnkenyChambermem-bersparticipated inaribboncuttingceremonycelebratingtheofficialopeningof thenewofficespace.

Above: Ankeny Chamber members, ABC staff and Harris Seidel gather for a ribbon cutting ceremony held in October.

“We value ABC’s commitment to providing quality exams and services. Switching from paper-based to computer-based testing significantly reduced our agency’s administrative costs while dramatically improving service to the public water systems and operators we regulate.”


financial integrityAt ABC, financial stewardship is of the utmost importance. Revenue

generated from Testing Services, membership dues, and the ABC Certification Program is directly used to enhance the certification

services and programs developed for our member programs.

O U R P R O M I S E :

FY2010 BALANCE SHEETCashandcashequivalents 155,825Investments,atmarketvalue 652,911

Accountsreceivable 110,680Unbilledrevenue 4,652

Prepaidexpenses 10,194Furnitureandequipment 173,912

Accumulateddepreciation (105,517)

TOTAL ASSETS $ 1,002,657

LIABILITIESAccountspayable 50,027Deferredrevenue 50,951Accruedemployeecompensation&payrolltaxes

44,682

UNRESTRICTED NET ASSETS

856,997

TOTAL LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS $ 1,002,657

ASSET DISTRIBUTION AT END OF YEAR FY2010

192010AnnualReport

Lists: 2010 ABC Board of Directors2010 ABC Committee Chairs 2010 Member List

REVENUE AND SUPPORTMemberdues 136,975Services 1,057,956 Conference 44,430Royaltiesandpublications 6,604Investmentincome,dividends&unrealizedgainlessmgmtfees 43,952Insurancerecoveryproceeds 61,549

Total revenue and support $1,351,466

EXPENSES

Salariesandwages 525,995PersonnelCosts 163,902ProfessionalServices 264,648ITServices 40,657 Conference 45,484Meetings&Travel 102,779TestingServiceImprovement 22,302Printing 53,504Rent,Utilities&Repair 42,268Office&ComputerSupplies 26,926Mailing 12,583Insurance 6,593

Depreciation 18,769UncategorizedExpenses 10,657

Total expenses $1,337,067

Netincrease(decrease)inunrestrictednetassets 14,399

Unrestricted Net Assets - End of Year $856,997

INCOME DISTRIBUTION FY2010

FY2010 REVENUE & EXPENSES


C E O ’ S M E S S A G EWater….it starts with one drop, one incredible molecule that is the life force of the world we live in. Ithas thepower todestroy;aforcetomovemountainsandmostof allisthefoundationforlife.Yet,we,collectively,haveatendencytotakeitforgrantedandunderestimateitspowerinoureverydaylives.

Thispastyearourmembershaveexperiencedunforeseenchallengesinthedeliveryof theirrespectiveoperatorcertificationprograms.Budgetshortfalls,

increasingoversightandconstantpressuretodomorewithlessarejustafewof thehurdlesovercomedailybyourmembers.Thesearebarriersthatmustbeconqueredif ourmembers are going to continue succeeding inkeeping the front lines of our public health systemsintact.

Likewater,themembers,volunteersandstaff of ABCare an indelible force for change. Their unwaveringdedicationhasinspiredustostrengthenourresolvetofulfillABC’smissionof servicetooperatorcertificationprogramsandtheoperatorstheyserve.ABChasneverwaveredinitseffortsof makingcertainthoseindividualswhoareonthefrontlinesof ourpublichealthsystemsarequalifiedprofessionalsupholdingthehighestethicalandprofessionalstandards.

In2010ABCestablishedarenewedstrategicfocus.Afteryearsof growth

{ P A U L D . B I S H O P CHIEFEXECUTIVEOFFICER

ONE drop is all it takes.

212010AnnualReport

and establishmentof newprograms and initiatives itwas time to getback to thebasics. Forcertificationthismeansensuringthatourexamservicesandcertificationprogramcontinuetobesecondtonone.AssuchweaskedhowABC,avolunteer-basedassociation,couldbestprovidetheseservicestoitsmembers.AndhowcouldABCaddthegreatestvaluetostateandprovincialcertificationprograms?

AftercarefuldeliberationtheBoardundertooktwoparalleltransformations.Atanorganizationallevel,boththeBoardandABCwererestructuredtoensuregreaterresponsivenesstoourmembers.Thistransformationwascompletedin2010.

ThesecondtransformationwasashiftinthewayABCdevelopsandmaintainsexamsfortheirmembers.Thisshiftwasinitiatedbyathoroughreviewof existingpracticesbyindependentexperts.Basedonthisreview,ABChasestablishednewprocessestoensureourexamsarerecognizedasmeetingindustrycertificationstandards.Thistransformation,whilestartedin2010,willcontinueforseveralyearsthroughtheworkof theV&Ecommittees.

Ourgoalistonotonlyprovidememberswiththebestexamspossible,butwiththebeststrategicadvice in the development of their own certification programs. Tomake this transformationa success, ABC, as a highly-focused not-for-profit association, needed to leverage the bestpsychometricexpertiseavailable.Thiswasaccomplishedthroughapartnershipwithoneof NorthAmerica’sindustryleadersinexamsandcertification.

Withfinancialstewardshipof theutmostimportance,revenuegeneratedfromTestingServices,membershipdues,andtheABCCertificationProgramisdirectlyusedtoenhancethecertificationservicesandprogramsdevelopedforourmemberprograms.Thisisevidentinourpartnershipsandcontinueddevelopmentof ourTestingServices.

Theyearof 2010wasfilledwithindustrychallengesthatwillcontinuetotesttheresolveof ourmembersandvolunteersinthemonthsandyearsahead.Together,however,wecreateauniquepartnershipthatwillendurethesetoughtimesandensurethefutureof ourpublichealthsystemsandtheprofessionalismof thoseweentrusttoguardit.Wethankyouforyourcontinuedserviceanddedicationtotheprofession.

ONE drop is all it takes.

Association of Boards of Certification22 Association of Boards of Certification22

PRESIDENTJohn Solvie, Cityof LasVegas,EnvironmentalDivision:LasVegas,NV

VICE-PRESIDENTHarrison “Chip” Mackey, NewHampshireDES,DWGB:Concord,NH

PRESIDENT-ELECTJenny Chambers, MontanaDEQ:Helena,MT

IMMEDIATE PAST-PRESIDENTRobert “Bob” Hoyt, WorcesterWaterTreatmentPlant:Holden,MA

CERTIFICATION COUNCIL DIRECTORLaurie Sharp, IowaDept./NaturalResources:DesMoines,IA

AT-LARGE DIVISION DIRECTORBrian Gildner, OntarioMinistryof theEnvironment:Toronto,ON,Canada

WASTEWATER DIVISION DIRECTORBill Hyslop, EnvironmentalOperatorsCertificationProgram:Burnaby,BCCanada

COLLECTION DIVISION DIRECTORChris Wisniewski, OklahomaDEQ:OklahomaCity,OK

WATER TREATMENT DIVISION DIRECTORKim Dyches, UtahDEQ,Divisionof DrinkingWater:SaltLakeCity,UT

V&E COUNCIL DIRECTORMargaret Doss, ColumbiaCountyWaterworks:Augusta,GA

{ 2 0 1 0 A B C B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S

232010AnnualReport

AWWA REPRESENTATIVEChuck Van Der Kolk, ZeelandBoardof PublicWorks:Zeeland,MI

WEF REPRESENTATIVEDavid Flowers, NaturalWaterSolutions,LLC:Cedarburg,WI

V&E COUNCIL DIRECTORBrian Thorburn, EPCORWater:QualicumBeach,BC,Canada

EX-OFFICIOPaul Bishop, ABC CEO

AWARDSRobert “Bob” Hoyt, Worcester Water TreatmentPlant:Holden,MA

BYLAWS/POLICIES & PROCEDURESHarrison “Chip” Mackey, NewHampshireDES,DWGB:Concord,N.H.

CONFERENCEJenny Chambers, MontanaDEQ:Helena,MT

COMMUNICATIONS Brian Gildner, OntarioMinistryof theEnvironment:Toronto,ON,Canada

FINANCEBrent Herring,UnitedWater/NarragansettBayComm.:Providence,R.I.

MEMBERSHIPBill Hyslop,EnvironmentalOperatorsCertificationProgram:Burnaby,BC,Canada

NOMINATINGRobert “Bob” Hoyt, Worcester Water TreatmentPlant:Holden,MA

STRATEGIC PLANNING Kim Dyches,UtahDEQ,Divisionof DrinkingWater:SaltLakeCity,UT

B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S C O M M I T T E E C H A I R S

C E R T I F I C A T I O N C O U N C I L C O M M I T T E E C H A I R S

CERTIFICATIONLaurie Sharp,IowaDepartmentof NaturalResources:DesMoines,IA

CONTINUING EDUCATION REVIEWChris Wisniewski,OklahomaDEQ:OklahomaCity,OK

RECIPROCITYDerek Chambers, CNMI-DEQ;Saipan,NorthernMarianaIslands

TRAINERSGerald Samuel, OpertechConsulting:St.Albert,AB,Canada


BIOSOLIDSBill Toffey, EffluentialSynergiesLLC;Philadelphia,PA

COLLECTIONLonn Rasmussen,CottonwoodImprovementDistrict:Sandy,UT

DISTRIBUTION Ray Olson, UtilitiesOperationsManager,Townof CastleRock:CastleRock,CO

INDUSTRIAL WASTE TREATMENTGayle Lammers, URSWashingtonDivision:CommerceCity,CO

LABORATORY Pam Schweitzer, ComplianceManager,EnvironmentalManagementCorporation:O’Fallon,MOPLANT MAINTENANCE TECHNOLOGIST

Margaret Doss, ColumbiaCountyWaterworks:Augusta,GA WASTEWATER TREATMENT

John “Jack” Vanderland, VirginiaBoardforWaterworksandWastewaterWorksOperator:RutherGlen,VA

WATER TREATMENTBrian Thorburn, EPCORWater:QualicumBeach,BC,Canada

CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROLMike Patten,GreenRiverCommunityCollege;Auburn,WA

A B C S T A F FADMINISTRATIVECHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERPaul D. [email protected]

FINANCE DIRECTORWilliam [email protected]

OFFICE & VOLUNTEER COORDINATORLorrie [email protected]

COMMUNICATION & MEMBER SERVICESDIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & EXTERNAL RELATIONSJodi [email protected]

COMMUNICATIONS & MEMBERSHIPCOORDINATORSheena [email protected]

SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT CONSULTANTMargaret [email protected]

TESTING & CERTIFICATION SERVICESPROJECT MANAGERMegan M. L. [email protected]

EXAM DEVELOPMENT COORDINATORAnn [email protected]

TESTING & CERTIFICATION COORDINATORKandace [email protected]

TESTING COORDINATORAmanda [email protected]

TESTING COORDINATORBeth [email protected]

{ 2 0 1 0 VALIDATION & EXAMINATION COUNCIL COMMITTEE CHAIRS

252010AnnualReport

1. AlabamaWater&WastewaterOperatorCertificationProgram(WT,Dist,WWT,Coll)

2. AlaskaDepartmentof EnvironmentalConservation,Divisionof Water(WT,Dist,WWT,Coll)

3. AlbertaEnvironment(WT,Dist,VSWS,WWT,Coll,SWWS,SolW-Landfill/Compost)

4. ArizonaOperatorCertificationProgram(WT,Dist,WWT,Coll)

5. ArkansasDrinkingWaterAdvisoryandOperatorsLicensingCommittee(WT,Dist,VSWS)

6. ArkansasWastewaterLicensingCommittee(WWT,SWWS,BIW,PCIW)

7. AtlanticCanadaWater&WastewaterVoluntaryCertificationProgram(WT,Dist,WWT,Coll)

8. BritishColumbiaEnvironmentalOperatorsCertificationProgram(WT,Dist,VSWS,WWT,Coll,SWWS,BIW)

9. CaliforniaWaterTreatmentOperatorCertification(WT,Dist)

10. CaliforniaStateWaterResourcesControlBoard(WWT)11. California/NevadaSectionAWWACertification

Program(Dist,WLA,CCC,BPAT,WaterConservation)12. CaliforniaWaterEnvironmentAssociation(Coll,PCIW,

WWLA,BLA,Insp,Main)13. CaribbeanWater&SewerageAssociation(WT,Dist,

VSWS,WWT,Coll,WLA,WWLA)14. CentralStatesWaterEnvironmentAssociation(Main)15. ColoradoWaterandWastewaterFacilityOperators

CertificationBoard(WT,Dist,VSWS,WWT,Coll,SWWS,BIW,PCIW)

16. ConnecticutDepartmentof PublicHealth-DrinkingWaterSection(CCC,BPAT)

17.ConnecticutDepartmentof PublicHealth-DrinkingWaterSection-CC(WT,Dist,VSWS)

18. ConnecticutDepartmentof EnvironmentalProtection-MunicipalFacilitiesSection-WastewaterTreatmentOperatorCertification(WWT)

19.ConnecticutDepartmentof EnvironmentalProtection-MunicipalFacilitiesSection-LaboratoryAnalystCertification(WWLA)

20. DelawareOfficeof DrinkingWater(WT,Dist,VSWS)21. DelawareBoardof CertificationforWastewater

Operators(WWT,SWWS)22. FloridaDepartmentof EnvironmentalProtection

Water/WastewaterOperatorCertificationProgram(WT,WWT,Dist)

23. FloridaSectionAWWA(BPAT)24. GeorgiaStateBoardof ExaminersforCertification

of Water&WastewaterTreatmentPlantOperators&LaboratoryAnalysts(WT,Dist,VSWS,WWT,Coll,SWWS,PCIW,WLA,WWLA)

25. GeorgiaAssociationof WaterProfessionals(BPAT)26. GuamEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(WT,Dist,

WWT,Coll)27.HawaiiBoardof Certificationof PublicWaterSystem

Operators(WT,Dist)28. HawaiiBoardof Certificationof OperatingPersonnel

inWastewaterTreatmentFacilities(WWT)

29. IdahoBureauof OccupationalLicenses(WT,Dist,VSWS,WWT,Coll,WWLA,BPAT,BLA)

30. IndianaDepartmentof EnvironmentalManagement(WT,Dist,VSWS)

31. IndianaWaterEnvironmentAssociation(Coll)32. InterTribalCouncilof Arizona,Inc.(WT,Dist,WWT,

Coll,SWWS,WLA,WWLA)33. IowaOperatorCertificationProgram(WT,Dist,VSWS,

WWT)34. IowaWaterEnvironmentAssociation(Coll)35. KansasWaterEnvironmentAssociationVoluntary

CertificationProgram(Dist,Coll,BIW,PCIW,WLA,WWLA,BLA,Main)

36. KentuckyBoardof Certificationof WaterTreatment&DistributionSystemOperators(WT,Dist)

37.KentuckyBoardof Certificationof WastewaterSystemOperators(WWT)

38. KentuckyWaterandWastewaterOperatorsAssociation,Inc.(WLA,WWLA)

39.MaineBoardof Licensureof WaterTreatmentPlantOperators(WT,Dist,VSWS)

40. MaineWastewaterOperatorCertificationProgram(WWT)

41. ManitobaConservation(WT,Dist,VSWS,WWT,Coll,SWWS)

42. MarylandStateBoardof WaterworksandWasteSystemsOperators(WT,Dist,VSWS,WWT,Coll,BIW,PCIW)

43. MassachusettsBoardof Certificationof Operatorsof DrinkingWaterSupplyFacilities(WT,Dist,VSWS)

44. MassachusettsStateBoardof Certificationof Operatorsof WastewaterTreatmentFacilities(WWT,PCIW)

45. MinnesotaDepartmentof Health(WT,Dist)46. MississippiDepartmentof Health(WT,Dist,BPAT)47.MississippiDepartmentof EnvironmentalQuality

(WWT,Coll)48. MissouriDepartmentof NaturalResources(WT,

Dist,WWT,CAFO-ConcentratedAnimalFeedingOperations,WasteManagement)

49.MontanaWaterandWastewaterOperators’AdvisoryCouncil(WT,Dist,VSWS,WWT,SWWS)

50. NationalEnvironmental,Safety&HealthTrainingAssociation(WT,Dist,WWT,Coll)

51. NationalTribalEnvironmentalCouncil(WT,Dist,VSWS)

52. NativeAmericanWaterAssociation(WT,Dist,VSWS,WWT,Coll,WLA,WWLA)

53. NavajoNationUtilityOperatorsCertificationProgram54. NebraskaWastewaterTreatmentPlantOperator

CertificationProgram(WWT,SWWS,PCIW)55. NevadaWaterEnvironmentAssociation(WWT,Coll,

BIW,PCIW,WWLA,IndustrialWasteInspector,Main)56. NewEnglandWaterWorksAssociation(CCC,BPAT)57.NewHampshireDepartmentof Environmental

Services(WT,Dist,VSWS)58. NewJerseyWaterSupplyandWastewaterOperators

Boardof Examiners(WT,Dist,VSWS,WWT,Coll,BIW)

{ 2 0 1 0 A B C M E M B E R S


59.NewMexicoUtilityOperatorsCertificationProgram(WT,Dist,VSWS,WWT,Coll,SWWS,WWLA)

60. NewMexicoEnvironmentalFinanceCenter(WT,Dist,[EPARegion6Tribaloperatorcertification],WWT)

61. NewYorkStateDepartmentof Health(WT,Dist,VSWS,CCC,BPAT)

62. NewYorkQualificationsof Operatorsof WastewaterPlants(WWT)

63. NewYorkWaterEnvironmentAssociation,Inc.(Coll)64. NewYorkBackflowPreventionDeviceTester

Certification(CCC,BPAT)65. NorthCarolinaWaterPollutionControlSystem

OperatorsCertificationCommission(WWT,Coll,PCIW,BLA-SurfaceIrrigation,Animal)

66. NorthCarolinaAWWA&WEA(WWLA)67.NovaScotiaWaterandWastewaterOperator

CertificationProgram(WT,Dist,VSWS,WWT,Coll)68. Commonwealthof theNorthernMarianaIslands(WT,

Dist,WWT)69.Governmentof NorthwestTerritories(WT,Dist,

VSWS,WWT,Coll)70.OhioEPA-CertificationUnit(WT,Dist,VSWS,WWT,

Coll,SWWS)71.OhioWaterEnvironmentAssociation(PCIW,WWLA,

BIW)72.OklahomaDepartmentof EnvironmentalQuality(WT,

Dist,WWT,Coll,WLA,WWLA)73.OntarioWaterandWastewaterOperatorLicensing

Program(WT,Dist,VSWS,WLA,WWT,Coll)74.OregonWaterOperatorCertificationProgram(WT,

Dist,VSWS)75.OregonDepartmentof EnvironmentalQuality(WWT,

Coll)76.PennsylvaniaStateBoardforCertificationof Water

andWastewaterSystemsOperators(WT,Dist,VSWS,WWT,Coll)

77.PrinceEdwardIsland(WT,Dist,VSWS,WWT,Coll)78.RhodeIslandDrinkingWaterOperatorCertification

Board(WT,Dist,VSWS)79.RockyMountainWaterEnvironmentAssociation(BLA)80. SaskatchewanOperatorCertificationProgram(WT,

Dist,VSWS,WWT,Coll,SWWS)81. SingaporePublicUtilitiesBoard(WT,WWT,Coll)82. SouthCarolinaEnvironmentalCertificationBoard(WT,

Dist,WWT,PCIW,WellDriller,BottledWater)83. SouthDakotaOperatorCertificationProgram(WT,

Dist,VSWS,WWT,Coll,SWWS)84. TennesseeWater&WastewaterOperatorCertification

Board(WT,Dist,VSWS,WWT,Coll,SWWS)85. TexasWaterUtilitiesAssociation/LaboratoryAnalysts

Section(TWUALaboratoryAnalyst)86. U.S.ArmyCorpsof Engineers-BaltimoreDistrict

(WT)87.UtahWaterOperatorCertificationCommission(WT,

Dist,VSWS,CCC,BPAT,BasicTreatmentOperator)88. UtahWastewaterOperatorCertificationProgram

(WWT,Coll,SWWS)89.VermontWaterSupplyDivision(WT,Dist,VSWS)90.VermontWastewaterFacilityOperatorCertification

Program(WWT,IndustrialPaper,IndustrialMetals,IndustrialDairy)

91.VirginiaBoardforWaterworksandWastewaterWorks

Operators(WT,Dist,VSWS,WWT)92.WashingtonWaterWorksOperatorCertification

Program(WT,Dist,VSWS,CCC,BPAT)93.WashingtonWastewaterOperatorCertificationProgram

(WWT)94.WashingtonLandfillandIncineratorOperator

CertificationProgram(SolW-SolidWasteIncinerator)95.WaterQualityAssociation(VSWS)96.WestVirginiaOfficeof EnvironmentalHealthServices

-WT(WT,Dist,VSWS,BPAT,CCC)97.WestVirginiaOfficeof EnvironmentalHealthServices

-WWT(WWT,Coll)98.WyomingDepartmentof EnvironmentalQuality,Water

QualityDivision(WT,Dist,VSWS,WWT,Coll)

PROVISIONAL MEMBERS99.BimoseTribalCouncil

SPECIAL MEMBERS

100. AmericanWaterWorksAssociation101. WaterEnvironmentFederation

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

Educational Institutions102. CaliforniaStateUniversity,Sacramento103. GeorgiaWater&WastewaterInstitute104. GreenRiverCommunityCollege105. FloridaGatewayCollege106. TechnicalLearningCollege107.GateWayCommunityCollege

Companies/Firms108. SkillWorks,Inc.109. PracticalApplications,Inc.110. Klenzoid,Inc.

Environmental Trainers & Consultants111. AlabamaRuralWaterAssociation112. eTrainOnline,Inc.-waterhelp.org113. OperatorTrainingCommitteeof Ohio,Inc.114. CEUPlan115. H2OinMotion

Professional Associations116. NationalRuralWaterAssociation117.WyomingAssociationof RuralWaterSystems

2805 SW Snyder Blvd., Suite 535, Ankeny, Iowa 50023 • Phone: (515) 232-3623 • Fax: (515) [email protected] • www.abccert.org

Advancing Water Quality & Integrity

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