Award for Excellent Water Policy named in honor of Adam Putnam, given to Rep. Bobby Payne

TAMPA, Fla. – During the Associated Industries of Florida’s 13th Annual Water Forum, the Adam Putnam Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellent Water Policy was presented to Rep. Bobby Payne, R-Palatka, in Tampa this week.

The award was named after Adam Putnam, a former Florida congressman, and Florida agriculture commissioner from 2011-2019

“Whether as a dedicated public servant or business leader, Adam Putnam has spent much of his life working to protect Florida’s water resources,” Associated Industries of Florida CEO Brewster Bevis said.

“Naming this award in his honor is a small recognition of his passion for water and unmatched commitment to advancing good water policy that was long overdue,” he said.

Bevis said he could think of no one more deserving to receive the award than Payne.

“During his time in the Florida House, he championed a comprehensive water policy package, as well as important investments in water quality, and has served as a leader making certain the Legislature is focused on these important water resource issues,” he said.

Putnam also spoke during the award ceremony, emphasizing the importance that water has on many Florida industries, including agriculture, tourism, hospitality and real estate.

“This is the foundation of our state, who we are and who we can become, and that’s why I’m so proud to have my name associated with this Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Water Policy,” Putnam said.

He also complimented Payne as someone who “appreciates our valuable natural resources” and the role they play in a “successful business community.”

“I’m truly honored to receive the Adam Putnam Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Water Policy from AIF,” Payne said. “Adam has long been a powerful and passionate advocate for smart water policy in Florida and I am proud to play a role in continuing that important work.”

“Water is Florida’s most valuable natural resource, and we must remain committed to protecting it and improving water quality throughout the state, not only for today, but for future generations,” he said.

The water forum, first started in 2010, provides a venue for members of the Associated Industries of Florida to “interact and with policy experts and legislators on key water and environmental policy,” the group said in a press release.