Rural Water - Quarter 1, 2008 - (Page 62)

This ‘Faucett’ Always Seemed to Be Running for NRWA BY ROB JOHNSON, NRWA CEO FROM THE CEO Ernie continually preached that without electricity, water, wastewater and fire protection in rural America, rural development would not happen. He spent a lifetime working in each of those areas to benefit Arkansas. Editor’s note: This is the second in a series of articles by NRWA CEO Rob Johnson about the men and women who have been the founders, creators, “movers and shakers” of NRWA from the beginning. Without them, Rural Water – nationwide – would not be the catalyst or the influential voice of rural America that we have become. You have heard of people who are bigger than life – this man is one of them. He is the only person to be NRWA’s Man of the Year more than once! His last name is a symbol of our industry, yet everyone knows him by his first name. When you shake hands with him, you notice that his hand literally engulfs yours, yet he is known for his big heart. His governor at the time, a future president of our nation, used to frequent his office. He chaired his state highway commission as comfortably as he chaired his state rural water association. Ernest Faucett was the sixth president of NRWA and served from 19901992. He worked as vice president of the Arkansas Rural Electric Association, and much of his career focused on rural economic development. Ernie continually preached that without electricity, water, wastewater and fire protection in rural America, rural development would not happen. He spent a lifetime working in each of those areas to benefit Arkansas. In October, I attended the Arkansas Rural Water Association’s 30th anniversar y celebration, which honored the men and women who have led that organization over the years. Ernie was one of the founders and continues to sit on the board. It was a wonderful tribute to those volunteers who gave so much so that our industry would be better. Ernie also attended the first NRWA conference and t hen went back to Arkansas and created his association. He was elected to the NRWA board and ser ved there until last year. At NRWA, Ernie served in every elected office. He is remembered for bringing political relationships to our organization when we had very few. I fondly remember him walking into his U.S. senator’s office, hearing her say his name in a loud voice, then running up and hugging him. That’s not the kind of response most of us get from our senators. Ernie is a man of faith and is very active in his church, teaching Sunday School classes a nd ser v i ng wherever needed. He always speaks lovingly of his wife, son, daughter and grandchildren. Ernie is a man who taught me much about politics and working in associations. When you spend time with him, you always feel special. He is a special man whom I hold in the highest regard. Ernie is the biggest faucet I know, and rural America is better because of him! m 62 • First Quarter 2008

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Rural Water - Quarter 1, 2008

Rural Water - Quarter 1, 2008 Contents From the President Afterburn: Nexters' Impact in the Workplace Retirement Will Have to Wait From Sewage, Added Water for Drinking Rural Water and the Farm Bill Fiduciary Responsibility: It's All About Trust Water Industry Supports International Rural Water Association Regulatory Update The Rural Water Washington Rally in April Throwing My Loop A Precious Thing Called Water Index to Advertisers Advertisers.com From the CEO

Rural Water - Quarter 1, 2008

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