International Bottled Water Association | NEWS RELEASE | November 8, 2024
Alexandria, VA – The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) announced this week that Pat McVay is this year’s recipient of the prestigious title Plant Manager of the Year for 2024.
Mr. McVay, who works for Hall’s Culligan Water at plant in Joplin, MO, has been a valued IBWA member since 1997, earning his Certified Plant Operator certification in 2001. He was awarded the title during the association’s award ceremony, held as part of the 2024 IBWA Annual Business Conference in Chicago, November 4-7.
“Pat began his water journey at 18 as an installer helper at Culligan of Carlsbad, California. Rising through various roles to plant manager, he served the dealership for a decade before taking his expertise nationwide and even to the Fiji Islands,” said IBWA Convention Committee Co-Chair Joe Bell.
“Since then, he has shared his expertise generously, mentoring colleagues toward certification and preparing his team for future leadership. Known for his commitment, Pat has helped numerous businesses achieve IBWA certification and developed robust food safety plans.”
“At Culligan of Joplin, his impact is remarkable. Overseeing water processing for seven dealerships, Pat consistently upholds the highest quality standards, achieving IBWA’s Excellence in Manufacturing status. In 2023, he received a perfect NSF score and multiple zero-deduction audits, underscoring his dedication to quality and safety.
“Culligan leadership agrees that this award for Pat is long overdue.”
IBWA has been recognizing the efforts of bottled water industry professionals since 1963. As ambassadors of the bottled water industry, plant managers ensure, on a daily basis, that bottled water is safe, healthy hydration. The IBWA Plant Manager of the Year award recognizes their hard work and dedication to their companies and the bottled water industry.
# # #
Media Contact:
Jill Culora
703-647-4609
[email protected]
The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) is the authoritative source of information about all types of bottled waters, including spring, mineral, purified, artesian, and sparkling. Founded in 1958, IBWA’s membership includes U.S. and international bottlers, distributors and suppliers. IBWA is committed to working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates bottled water as a packaged food product, to set comprehensive and stringent standards for safe, high-quality bottled water products.
In addition to FDA regulations, IBWA member bottlers must adhere to the IBWA Bottled Water Code of Practice, which mandates additional standards and practices that in some cases are more stringent than federal and state regulations. A key feature of the IBWA Bottled Water Code of Practice is a mandatory annual plant inspection by an independent, third-party organization.
