99th Annual MN AWWA Conference: Local Establishment Toolkit

Join Us in a SOCIAL TOAST to the

99th Annual Minnesota AWWA Conference!

STEP ONE: CONNECT WITH US!

Follow/connect with the Minnesota AWWA.  Please Note:  To create true/real activity, you

 MUST do more than follow…..  Please create a pose, like, share, comment, tweet, retweet, etc.

Social Media	Page Name	Link
Facebook	Minnesota AWWA	http://on.fb.me/1WF5ZaQ
Facebook Event Page	Minnesota AWWA Annual Conference	http://on.fb.me/1NA7qDq
Twitter	Minnesota AWWA	http://bit.ly/1JfWO6p
LinkedIn Group	Minnesota AWWA Events	http://bit.ly/1TTx6jo

STEP TWO: GET ACTIVE!

Shout out to attendees and vendors! Create activity! The more the merrier!

FACEBOOK 

Join the Facebook Event page to share updates, posts, special offers, promotions for dinner specials, tag vendors/conference attendees and please share your excitement. Use @ in your posts to tag the @Minnesota AWWA Facebook Page

                  Attached graphics for use:

S     Welcome @MinnesotaAWWA Members!      (add member specials)

S     No water, No beer. @Minnesota AWWA                                                                  

S     @Minnesota AWWA FREE water for all attendees!                                                

TWITTER      

Use the official Minnesota AWWA conference hashtag #MNAWWA to share promotions and specials.

S     Welcome @MinnesotaAWWA Members!                                                                 

S     @MinnesotaAWWA! We’ll have a reason to hydrate.  #NoWaterNoBeer    

S     @MinnesotaAWWA! Stop in for…..               (add member specials)          

STEP THREE: HELP US HELP YOU!

Want assistance?  We can help! Please share any materials you create nathan@daytamarketing.com; we will be glad to advertise and share your excitement!

2015 Minnesota AWWA Annual Conference Blog

http://bit.ly/1NuRORD

99th Annual MN AWWA Conference: Attendee Toolkit

Join Us in a SOCIAL TOAST to the

99th Annual Minnesota AWWA Conference!

STEP ONE: CONNECT!

Go to social sites to follow/connect with the Minnesota AWWA for conference updates. 

Please Note:  Social media policies have changed. To create true/real activity, you MUST do more than follow…..  Please create a post, like, share, comment, tweet, retweet, etc.

Social Media	Page Name	Link
Facebook	Minnesota AWWA	http://on.fb.me/1WF5ZaQ
Facebook Event Page	Minnesota AWWA Annual Conference	http://on.fb.me/1NA7qDq
Twitter	Minnesota AWWA	http://bit.ly/1JfWO6p
LinkedIn Group	Minnesota AWWA Events	http://bit.ly/1TTx6jo

STEP TWO: GET ACTIVE!

Let’s create activity!

FACEBOOK

Join the Facebook Event page referenced above. Please share your updates, posts and your excitement. We will be sharing vendor updates and offers from local establishments.

REMEMBER: Use @ in your posts to tag the @Minnesota AWWA Facebook Page.

TWITTER

The official Minnesota AWWA conference hashtag is #MNAWWA.  Use it to share updates and stay current during the conference and WIN PRIZES. We plan to conduct a Social Toast LIVE Twitter Contest during the conference.  There will also be special offers from local establishment throughout the conference.

LINKEDIN GROUP

Are you presenting, participating in a competition event and/or exhibiting? Join Minnesota AWWA Events and share your story and create discussion.

STEP THREE: HELP US HELP YOU!

We’ve created materials for you to share. Any materials you create, please send them to us at nathan@daytamarketing.com. We will help advertise and share your excitement! 

2015 Minnesota AWWA Annual Conference Blog

http://bit.ly/1NuRORD

Avoiding Dehydration In Summer Months

The summer months are a time to get outside and get active; sports, festivals, afternoons at the beach- you name it. During these outings, we need to remember to stay hydrated.  Water is the most important, and often times the most forgotten nutrient during the hot summer months. Make sure to stay hydrated in the summer heat this year with some of these helpful tips.

Drink, Drink, Drink

If you are planning to be outside for long periods of time, it is important to drink water before, during and after any activity. Also, if you’re planning to be outside and doing physical activity for more than an hour in the heat, make sure to grab a sports drink that contains electrolytes to consume during or after your workout. This will replenish your body and keep you hydrated and cool.

Avoid Alcohol

If you know in advance that you are going to be out in the heat, make sure to avoid alcohol the night before your outing. Being in the heat for long periods of time while consuming alcohol actually causes you to lose more of your body's fluid.  However, if you do plan to consume alcohol outdoors, try to give yourself plenty of time in the shade so you can avoid being overly dehydrated and overheated. For every alcoholic beverage you consume, have a non-alcoholic one to follow.

Eat the right foods

Fruits and veggies contain tons of water that can keep you hydrated. Things such as berries, watermelon, grapes and carrots are great to eat throughout the day to keep you hydrated.  These food items are also great for grilling, picnics or any outdoor get-togethers.

Avoid energy drinks

Some people think that energy drinks are a great way to stay hydrated because of the energy and fruit juice they contain, however this is completely wrong.  When you are in the summer heat, do your best to avoid these sugary drinks, as they can actually be counterproductive to hydration. Instead try a fruit infused water to keep you refreshed, while also making your taste buds happy!

Staying hydrated during the summer is something many people forget to do.With all the   Although it is one of the most important things to do to keep our bodies hydrated and healthy.  Make sure to avoid dehydration and heat-related illness by following these helpful tips and keeping yourself hydrated whenever necessary.   

Summer Lake Fun in Minnesota

Summertime in Minnesota means time spent out on the lake. Minnesota is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, (perhaps because 11,842 doesn't have the same ring to it) which means there are endless water activities for you and your friends and family to take part in this summer. Take a look at some of our favorite bodies of water to see which one you should visit this summer!

For those of you who look forward to bass fishing in the summer, Rainy Lake may be just the spot for you.  Rainy Lake is located in International Falls and is a great lake to fish on while taking in the surrounding nature.  Wake up early & enjoy the sun rise as you head out to find the catch of the day. As the saying goes, the early bird gets the worm!

Many who enjoy outdoor water activities such as canoing, kayaking and paddle boarding should make sure to visit the Lake of the Isles.  This lake is located in Minneapolis, MN close to Cedar Lake and Lake Calhoun.  Also, while you are out canoing make sure to take a look at the amazing houses located on the lake! This location is perfect for those who want to enjoy some lake fun without as much of a crowd that some surrounding lakes typically have.

A great lake for swimming and pontoon party fun is Lake Pokegama.  This beautiful spot is located in Pine City, MN.  Lake Pokegama is a perfect place to take the family this summer to enjoy a nice swim, especially since it has a sand bar located right in the center!  For the party-goers, this spot is perfect since there are many places to dock the pontoon & enjoy a few cocktails.

Another great summer spot is Gull Lake, located in Brainerd, MN. This lake is perfect for those who enjoy more of a social scene in the summer time. There are many places to swim, and also pull your boat up to for some great food and drinks. A must-see destination off of Gull Lake is Zorbaz. This bar & restaurant is a hit among tourists and locals.

For some who don’t wish to travel far for some lake fun this summer, we have the perfect spot- take advantage of Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis!  This lake offers so many activities such as kayak and canoe rental, a beach for the bums, and their famous concession stand.  Whether you’re coming for cheese curds, ice cold beer, or even a chilled glass of wine, they’ve got you covered.

These are just a few of the over 10,000 lakes you can take advantage of this summer!  Pick which one fits your personality best and enjoy the water in the summer sun.  

Caffeine Awareness: Why you should be drinking more water

Every March, the United States celebrates Caffeine Awareness Month - 31 days devoted to learning about the addictive nature of caffeine. And though the month of March is over, the repercussions of excessive caffeine use is still a topic of conversation for coffee addicts and soda fanatics alike.

Water, of course, goes hand-in-hand with caffeine consumption. According to the Centers for Disease and Control, 43% of adults admitted to drinking no more than three cups of water a day - at least five cups of water less than what is considered the average necessary for healthy living. In comparison, The FDA recently reported that more than 97 percent of teenagers and adults drink caffeinated beverages.

While some caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, tea, and soft drinks, contain water, their effects on the body are not as healthy as one might hope. The International Journal of Obesity has reported that drinking sugary beverages laced with caffeine have greatly contributed to the obesity epidemic of the western world. Coffee and tea have the potential to stain teeth, while energy drinks and sodas erode tooth enamel, which causes tooth decay. Heart health is also a factor, as well: The American Psychosomatic Society has found that caffeine has a tendency of raising most people’s blood pressure.

So is all caffeine bad? No, says the Washington Post. Research has shown that higher caffeine intake is associated with a significantly lower risk of Parkinson’s disease, as well as a 20% decrease in the likelihood of developing depression. But none of these benefits outweigh the positives of proper water consumption.

Don’t believe us? We’ve put together a list of six reasons to drink more water, with the help of WebMD and Greatist.

1: Water helps maintain the balance of body fluids.

The human body consists of nearly 60% water. When you ingest water, your brain recognizes it, and will either alert you to excrete it or hold onto it for later.

2: Water can help you with weight loss.

Generally speaking, replacing your habitual lunch soda with water can help conquer your weight-loss goals. Water is a non-caloric beverage, meaning it has no excess calories, and as it regulates your body, it can help control your weight. Plus, studies have shown that people who drink water before a meal lose weight faster than those who don’t.

3: Water energizes your muscles.

Muscle fatigue is an issue that can plague many people, especially athletes who become dehydrated while exercising. Cells that are not fluidly balanced have trouble working as hard as they need to, making it strenuous and sometimes even painful to finish a workout.

4: Water keeps your skin looking youthful.

Dehydration has a tendency of making skin look dry and wrinkled, causing you to look older or less fit than you may actually be. If you are properly hydrated, your skin looks much more evenly toned.

5: Water helps your kidneys.

A body with a well-balanced fluid intake has little to no difficulty transporting waste products in and out of cells correctly. But if your kidneys, which cleanse and rid the body of toxins, aren’t properly hydrated, these toxins can well up in your bloodstream.

6: Water keeps you alert.

Water, a refreshing and mood-boosting option, keeps you focused. Dehydration, including dehydration from coffee consumption, has a tendency of impairing attention span, memory, and motor skills.

So there you have it! Kick the caffeinated habit a little bit and indulge in more water. For more fun water facts, follow us on Twitter, and tweet at us with why you love drinking water.

Winter Weekend Getaways in Minnesota

By mid-February, most Minnesotan’s crave a vacation. After a snow event and frigid temps that normally follow, we all get locked  indoors for months without end. A get away from the stress of work (think frozen or broken water lines) and everyday life is sometimes just what we need. When a plane ticket to the Caribbean is not in the cards, what should you do instead?

The answer to that question is simple: take a Minnesota vacation! Below, we’ve listed 6 of our favorite places to visit on a quiet weekend in the dead of winter. These getaway spots are easy, accessible, and fun!

6. Minnesota State Parks

Minnehaha Falls is a natural winter wonderland. Sawdust_media, Flickr

Aside from lakes, Minnesota is full of state parks, each of which has something unique to offer its visitors -- no matter the season! In the wintertime, there are more than two dozen parks that offer heated cabin rentals, making it easy to explore and enjoy your favorite natural habitat no matter the temperature.

Bonus: Many state parks offer classes or events that help individuals and families learn new wintertime activities, including but not limited to ice fishing, snowshoeing, and winter birdwatching. 

Adventurers are welcome to explore Ely. Chad Hennell, Flickr

5. Grand Ely Lodge in Ely, MN

 Always a favorite in the summertime, Ely is a Minnesotan spot made for the avid type. In the wintertime, however, the options are even more endless. Downtown Ely houses many options for dining or shopping, while the great outdoor terrain offers ice fishing, snowmobiling, and cross country skiing options.

Bonus: The Grand Ely Lodge has fish house rentals available on Shagawa Lake, which sits near miles of groomed snowmobile trails. Score!

 

4. Canal Park or Spirit Mountain in Duluth, MN

Duluth, MN, is a winter haven. Canal Park, located right on Lake Superior, offers the best of dining, downtown shopping, and historic sightseeing all in one compact location. It’s the perfect destination for people who want a winter getaway but don’t necessarily want to hit the slopes.

Spirit Mtn. offers some of the best MN slopes. MarLeah Cole, Flickr

However, many Minnesotans love strapping on the skis in midst of freshly powdered hills, and there’s no better place to visit than Spirit Mountain in West Duluth. Affordable deals on skiing and snowboarding are offered by both the resort and nearby hotels, making it a great option for vacationers on a budget.

Bonus: Snowshoeing the Superior Hiking Trail, one of the most beautiful trails in Duluth, is free! Depending on the time of your stay, it is also a treat to watch the John Beargrease Sled-Dog Marathon with the kids.

Chilly family fun! Bearskin Lodge, Flickr

3. Bearskin Lodge in Gunflint Trail, MN Bearskin Lodge is an absolute winter wonderland, with something for everyone hidden somewhere in its depths. Snowshoeing is available through the woods and along Bearskin Lake on groomed trails, making it an ideal location for beginners and experts alike. Broomball, ice skating on the lake, dog sledding, skiing, and snowmobiling are also available!

Bonus: 1.5 km of Bearskin Lodge’s trails are lighted, so if you head over to Gunflint Trail, we strongly recommend trying your hand (or foot) at night skiing.

2. Thumper Pond Resort in Ottertail, MN

Thumper Pond offers fun for the whole family, indoors or out. Thumperpond.com

Craving some open water instead of the frozen stuff this winter? Head to Thumper Pond Resort. Boasting a 12,000 square foot indoor waterpark, the venue is rustically themed and equipped to leave each family member having fun no matter their age. Activities included in the waterpark include slides, geysers, pools, lazy rivers and a multi-capacity whirlpool.

Bonus: Want the best of both worlds? To get your outside fix, utilize the more than 500-miles of snowmobile-friendly trails in the area. If riding’s not your style, cross country skiing and ice fishing at also available.

1. Lutsen Mountains in Lutsen, MN

Voted one of the top spots to downhill ski in our great state, the North Shore’s Lutsen Mountains are a must-see for anyone craving a bit of extreme outdoor activity. Inside its four hills and 1,000 acres, Lutsen offers 92 runs on some of the highest slopes in the region. Despite its extreme statistics, the area is also known for its family-friendly activities, lakeside dining room, and pool-sauna experiences.

Bonus: Want to take the region’s only gondola ride? It’s offered here exclusively. 

Beautiful slopes and intense terrain collide at Lutsen. John Warren, Flickr

 

We know we missed at least one? Comment below and let us know your favorite Minnesotan places to stay and enjoy the winter season. The opportunities are endless the beautiful state of Minnesota!