Alex Duffine, vice president of sales at Duff Supply Co., received a Next Gen Award from the Water Quality Association, at the trade group’s annual Convention & Expo

The award is given to individuals the WQA believes are making an impact at the early stage of their careers went to Alex Duffine of the Duff Company, Norristown, Pa.

Duffine joined the family-run business in 2012 after practicing law. Duffine is responsible for business development, including revamping the sales department to include international sales and diversifying the company's product lines.

Duffine is very active in the water treatment industry. In addition the WQA, he is a member of the Eastern Water Quality Association, the Association of Water Technologies Young Professionals Group and the New Jersey Ground Water Association.

In other award news, the 2018 Hall of Fame award went to Don D. Vaughan of Clack Corp. Vaughan, of Windsor, Wis., has been in the water treatment industry since 1977, starting as a junior engineer and moving up to vice president of research and development.

WQA’s Lifetime Member Award went to Frank Briagano, PhD., of West Haven, Conn. Brigano is vice president, senior research fellow at Marmon Water Inc., responsible for identifying and acquiring new technologies. He is a past WQA director and a past recipient of the WQA Award of Merit.

The new WQA Excellence Award went to Amway Corp. of Ada, Mich. in the Manufacturer-Supplier category, and to Professional Water Systems, Inc., of Ridgefield, Conn., in the Dealer Category. Amway was recognized for its Power of 5 Campaign to improve the nutrition, health and wellness of children and families around the world. Professional Water systems was honored for its work with legislators and regulators on restrictions for water softeners’ discharge to septic systems.

Lori Jansen of the Minnesota Water Quality Association was honored with the Ray Cross award, which recognizes members who display a pioneer spirit and have made a notable difference in the water treatment industry.

Michael J. McGowan of McGowan Water Conditioning, Mankato, Minn., was presented with the Regents award for significant contributions at the state or local level on issues affecting the industry.

WQA’s Honorary Membership Award for meritorious research, education or exemplary service went to Marc Edwards of Virginia Tech. The WQA Award of Merit for exceptional service to the water improvement industry was given to Mark J. Brotman of Kinetico Inc., Newbury, Ohio, and the Key Award, which recognizes a member for demonstrating the highest qualities of leadership as well as civic and community activities was presented to Michael J. Urbans of Urbans Aqua of Lima, Pa.