Irrigation Show 2008: Get Smart

ANAHEIM, Calif. – Following the theme of the popular TV show – “Get Smart” – to spread its message of smart irrigation, the Irrigation Association (IA) made some big announcements at this year’s Irrigation Show.

“Just as Maxwell Smart fights chaos, we must spread the word on the value that irrigation provides, keeping the world safe for sufficient irrigation,” explained Doug York, IA president and president of Ewing Irrigation. “But we need to be smart and have savvy agents and a master plan.”
 
To kick off its master plan, the IA introduced a new logo with a new slogan, “Smart Practices. Sustainable Solutions,” one that York says better represents its mission, which is to promote efficient irrigation and ensure water is available for irrigation for future generations.
 
The IA also shared some of its strategic initiatives and 2008 accomplishments. These include:

• Adopting a new water stewardship policy.
• Hosting the first congressional Water Caucus briefing in Washington, D.C.
• Launching an online Legistlative Action Center in June led by the IA’s government affairs director Andy Smith to raise industry credibility and showcase the IA’s value.
• Promoting irrigation careers to attract talent, today and in the future.
• Meeting with 30 elected officials and decision makers with the USDA and U.S. EPA during a Legislative Fly-In to discuss water issues.
• Extending collaborative efforts with related associations.
• Updating educational manuals used by the industry for classroom training and self-study.
• Delivering new tools to help IA-certified individuals market their professional certifications.
• Beginning research that will help accredit IA certifications.
• Submitting the first Smart Water Application Technologies testing protocol for smart controllers to the EPA for its consideration in the WaterSense product labeling program.