Since the World Health Organization announced a global public health emergency on January 30 of this year, daily life as everyone knew it has been turned upside down, and in the beginning practically ceased.

Despite hardships faced in local communities due to the COVID-19 pandemic, AVEK has persevered through one of the most difficult times in its history, partly because of an able-bodied and skilled staff guided by top management, and partly by a forward-thinking Board of Directors.

Together that team sets its sights on one major goal – meeting customer demands with high quality, reliable water supplies.

With that in mind, the seven-member Board of Directors remotely continue their public meetings on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month with the presence of essential staffers via Zoom, a leader in video conferencing and telecommunications.

Board members and the public can attend those meetings either through their computer or mobile device screens or over a phone system. AVEK’s first Zoom board meeting occurred on March 31, with Board Secretary/Treasurer Holly Hughes hosting the session, the same as she did during traditional board meetings. That initial session served as a learning curve, while all participants became familiar with the process.

Now, virtual meetings have become second-nature to the directors, staff members, corporate counsel and the public with the help of technology.

Board President Shelley Sorsabal calls the meetings to order at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays. It’s business as usual, without any disruptions.

As is said in the entertainment arena, “the show must go on.”

That also applies to the water supply industry; let it flow.