Neptune's Position on AWWA's EfficientUtilities (EU)
May 9, 2002
TO OUR VALUED CUSTOMERS,
The purpose of this letter is to explain to you the reason for Neptune’s absence from this year’s AWWA National Conference and Exhibition.
Despite negative feedback from a wide group of its membership, AWWA and ENI-Net have jointly developed an e-procurement site called EfficientUtilities (EU). Various industry groups, including Neptune, have taken strong positions against this initiative based on the fundamental objections discussed below.
AWWA does not have a mandate from its membership to enter into this for-profit venture. AWWA is an international nonprofit scientific and educational society dedicated to the improvement of drinking water quality and supply.
EfficientUtilities will have a significant negative impact on Neptune’s ability to provide quality, personal service to our customers. Customer relationships have been a fundamental value upon which Neptune has built its business for 110 years. We have developed a comprehensive, well-trained sales channel for the purpose of providing personal service to our customers. EU will negatively impact the ability of suppliers to provide high quality support to their customers.
Because AWWA has chosen to ignore the concerns of its membership, Neptune has made a conscious decision to withdraw from exhibiting at this year’s convention.
Our customers are of primary importance to us and we will continue to look for ways to support you. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us at 1-800-633-8754 or visit our website at www.neptunetg.com.
Sincerely,
Charles C. DiLaura
President and CEO