Two Alliance employees in the Bowling Green, Mo. area have recently been recognized at industry events. Local System Manager Terry Merritt and Division Manager Bob Ross each received awards.

Merritt was awarded the Operator’s Meritorious Service Award at the American Water Works Association (AWWA) Missouri Section conference this month. Merritt is responsible for overseeing the full-time operation and maintenance of the city’s water, wastewater, and public works functions for the City of Bowling Green.

Under his leadership, the City’s facility has met and exceeded compliance standards and undergone significant improvements in partnership with City officials. Merritt has also hosted educational tours for area schoolchildren and presented sessions about careers in water and wastewater to area vo-tech and university students. The award recognizes his achievements in the areas of compliance, maintenance consistency, process development, special training efforts and public awareness of water and wastewater operations.

Merritt is a member of local Elks organization and serves on the board of the Mark Twain Regional Council Governments. Merritt and his wife, Cathy, have made the Bowling Green area their home since 1998. They have two children, Julie and Jill.

Ross received the Missouri Water Environment Association’s Collection Systems Award in March. The award, given for significant contributions to the field of wastewater collection systems, also awards Ross membership in the exclusive Golden Manhole Society of the MWEA. Ross works for Alliance as a division manager and is responsible for overseeing operations of numerous client sites throughout Missouri and Iowa, including the City of Bowling Green.

Ross has nearly 30 years of experience in public works, water and wastewater operations. He is especially committed to supporting the safety and education goals of his division management and support staff. He and Merritt are both members of professional associations including the Water Environment Association, Missouri Rural Water Association, Missouri Water and Wastewater Conference and American Water Works Association.

Headquartered in Columbia, Mo., Alliance Water Resources is a leading provider of professional operations and maintenance services for community water and wastewater systems in the Midwest.

Since its founding almost 25 years ago, Alliance has won nationwide recognition as an industry pioneer, an innovator, a business and financial problem solver, and a technology leader with a unique understanding of the needs of local communities.