History:  began in 1992 with the Award going to:
Joe B. Allen, Jim Box, Bill Callegari, Bill Corsbie, Myrtle Cruz, Gary Nathanson, and Julien Reeves.

The Visions Award has been given to many individuals in the industry over the past 29 years.  The award is given to those who have made significant contributions to the AWBD, to its members directly, and toward improving the entire water/wastewater industry.  There have been years when the award was not given out and most years where one or more people have received the award.

The Board of Directors of the AWBD has always taken suggestions from the Executive Director, AWBD Board Members, and consultants to the AWBD.  The Board President/Executive Director have collected the suggestions and presented them to the BOD at a meeting for discussion.  The board then votes on a candidate(s) and the award is presented at the Annual AWBD Conference in the summer. The award is usually a surprise to the recipient, however, every effort is made to ensure that person will be there for the presentation at the conference.  

The criteria for this award as follows:

• Have demonstrated that they  have made significant contributions to the AWBD, to its members directly, and to the entire water community.
  • Increased the awareness of good works and contributions by these Special Districts.
  • Improved the efficiencies of Special Districts through improved processes and procedures.
  • Represented the industry as an important and vital entity for the community.
  • Demonstrated collaboration with outside entities to create projects, improve efficiencies or promote accomplishments of Special Districts.
  • Made great personal sacrifice of time/talents to AWBD and the industry for overall good works and contributions.
• Have not received the award in the past.
• Not a member of the current AWBD Board of Directors.