Trent Bowles was awarded the 2007 WEASC Golden Man Hole Cover Award. This award is recognizes the promotion of professionalism in Sewer Collection Systems in Operations, Management, Design, Education, Training, Certification or Management and Planning. Trent, a Travelers Rest resident, began working at Western Carolina in 1998 is the Pump Station Supervisor. He holds an “A” certification level and is a Certified Journeyman Electrician. He has helped develop several in-house programs that allow Western Carolina to train its current employees to conduct upgrades to the systems.

Don Milner was presented with the William D. Hatfield Award, given by the Water Environment Federation Member Association to wastewater treatment plant operators for outstanding performance and professionalism. The award was given in recognition for his work at the Lower Reedy plant as foreman for eight years. Don, a Mauldin resident, is now the Industrial Pretreatment Program Inspector and has been with WCRSA since 1989.

Ann Simms was inducted into the WEASC South Carolina Chapter of the 5S Society. Members are chosen for their contributions of outstanding measure to their organizations. Ann, a Greenville resident, is a Laboratory Manager and has been with WCRSA since 1990. In 2006, she received the Crystal Crucible award and in 2000 she was awarded the Water Environment Federation’s Analyst of the Year award.

Samantha Bartow was inducted into the WEASC South Carolina Chapter of the 5S Society. Members are chosen for their contributions of outstanding measure to their organizations. Samantha was presented with the Noel M. Hurley Membership Award for her outstanding achievements for recruiting new members in 2006. Aside from performing her duties as the Administrative Assistant of Western Carolina’s Collection Systems Department, Samantha has served as a member of the Water Environment Federation’s National Automation and Information Technology Committee, and has held the office of WEASC’s State Information Technology Chair. Currently, she is the District Treasurer of the Blue Ridge Foothills District. She also maintains the WEASC website and served as the moderator and presenter at a recent WEASC conference.

Greg Page was named the Maintenance Person of the Year at the Blue Ridge Foothills District Awards from the Water Environment Association of South Carolina (WEASC). Page currently serves as the Electronic/Electrician Instrumental Technician for Western Carolina. This award is presented annually for excellent achievement in the maintenance of a water, wastewater, collection or distribution system in South Carolina. Upon receiving this award, Page is eligible for the WEASC award at the state level.

John Barry was named the Wastewater Operator of the Year at the Blue Ridge Foothills District Awards from the Water Environment Association of South Carolina (WEASC). Barry has served as Western Carolina’s Environmental Systems Operator II for the past four years. This award is presented annually to a wastewater plant operator for excellent achievement in the direct operation of a wastewater system. It recognizes Barry’s commitment and dedication to the operation of a wastewater plant as well as the protection of the environment. Upon receiving this award, Barry is eligible for the WEASC award at the state level.

Perry Ashmore was presented the Hatfield Laboratory Analyst Award at the state level for his outstanding service. With over 30 years of experience at Western Carolina, Ashmore has completed various tasks ranging from operational duties to managing multiple treatment facilities within the Authority. In August 2003, Perry began managing the Pelham WWTP, which is currently the largest municipal upgrade in South Carolina history. His daily management style leads the staff to actively take part in the current upgrade. This will ultimately help them to learn the process and operational modifications for a smooth transition in the upgrading of the plants.