Service Excellence Awards

Who is the Best in the Business?

GMWEA believes our water quality workers deserve recognition for their knowledge, skills, and dedication -- too often under-appreciated by the public they serve. Our annual awards in 10 categories honor individuals, facilities, and companies nominated by their peers for their exceptional achievements. The award ceremony ordinarily takes place at Spring Meeting in May; in 2020, due to COVID-19 concerns, formal presentation had to be canceled. Instead, winners throughout the state got their plaques and sincere appreciation delivered personally by GMWEA board members!

Award Categories

Michael J. Garofano Water Operator of the Year Award for outstanding performance in system maintenance, protecting public health, and achievement beyond normal responsibilities.
Operator Excellence – Wastewater for outstanding performance in system maintenance, protecting public health, and achievement beyond normal responsibilities.
Facility Excellence – Water for outstanding facilities exceeding system operation requirements. Recognition is for the entire Facility and staff.
Facility Excellence – Wastewater for outstanding facilities exceeding system operation requirements. Recognition is for the entire Facility and staff.
Andrew D. Fish Laboratory Excellence for outstanding activity in laboratory performance at work, community service, education, committee participation, or other outstanding contribution.
Outstanding Industrial – Operator for a significant accomplishment in operation, problem solving, crisis management, training, or understanding of industrial wastewater issues.
Outstanding Industrial – Facility for demonstrated commitment to clean water and pollution prevention, including implementation of water or wastewater treatment changes to address problems common to similar industries.
Bob Wood Young Professionals Award for achievements of a young professional operator, engineer, or academic student who has achieved notable contributions to the water environment, water or wastewater operations, and /or to GMWEA. (Nominee must be 30 or under).
Stormwater Award (Individual or Organization) for outstanding performance in stormwater management and/or education, and significant contribution to the stormwater field.

Elizabeth A. Walker Meritorious Service Award for exceptional contributions to the water quality field and/or to GMWEA.

New England Water Environment Association Awards

Alfred E. Peloquin Award for high level of interest, ability and performance in wastewater operations (nominate an individual)*

Operator of the Year Award for contributions to excellence in wastewater facility and system operations (nominate an individual)*

2020 WINNERS!

GMWEA's Awards Committee had its hands full this year, with an exceptionally well-qualified field of candidates. Thanks and congratulations are due to the following individuals, facilities, and companies for their achievements in 2019!

To view all winners since 1997, click the button at the bottom of the page.

Michael Garofono Water Operator Excellence: Vilas Gentes, wholesale maintenance technician, Champlain Water District

Operator Excellence, Wastewater:

(two winners!):

Peter Laramie, chief operator, Fair Haven WWTF
and
Robert Wheeler, chief operator, Bellows Falls & Saxtons River WWTF

Facility Excellence Award, Wastewater:
City of Newport WWTF

Facility Excellence Award, Water:
Randolph Center Water System

Andrew D. Fish Laboratory Excellence Award: Endyne Laboratory Services, Inc.

Bob Wood Young Professional Award: Cody Grimm, water/wastewater operator, Simon Operation Services, Inc.

Stormwater Award (Individual): Dave Wheeler, stormwater project manager, City of South Burlington

Elizabeth Walker Meritorious Service Award: Liz Royer, executive director, Vermont Rural Water Association

GMWEA President's Award:Daniel Hecht, executive director, GMWEA

Winners History