ing sessions at Congress that address these specific issues. Here are just a few examples: •
Blueprint Planning – Sustainable Transportation Practices
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An Innovative Green Solution for Urban Street Renewal
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Shades of Green: Calculating Your Community’s Sustainable Return on Investment
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Sustainable Infrastructure Master Plans: A New Approach to Meet Our Common Challenges
So, I’m definitely going to Congress this year and I hope you’ll join me. But, don’t just take my word for it. Here are some comments from public works professionals about their inspirational Congress experience: “Congress provides the opportunity to gain valuable information on many different topics; the massive equipment show allows you to experience the latest technology in our field. Additionally, the speaker sessions are great and will ‘recharge your batteries’ for when you return to work with some newly discovered insight you found while attending Congress.” – Jason Calbert, Assistant Administrator Public Works, Street Division, Newport News, Virginia “With public works representatives from around the world in attendance, APWA’s Congress presented me with a clear view of the profession’s ‘big picture.’ I made professional contacts and learned innovative techniques I wouldn’t have otherwise.” – Eric Hotton, Program Coordinator, Palm Bay, Florida “Last year was my first year attending the APWA Congress. Cost of plane ticket: $200-$300; cost of registration: $560; cost of hotel: $750; cost of the first-rate programs, one-onone interaction with fellow attendees, and making new national/international contacts for life: priceless!” – Wendy Springborn-Pitman, MBA, Engineering Services Administrator, City of Tempe, Arizona “Attending Congress provides attendees with an opportunity unlike any other—you are able to attend a wide variety of education sessions and stay current on the latest trends and technologies. In addition, attendees have the ability to meet with vendors and manufacturers and obtain data on products and services in a very informal setting. Finally, attendees are able to renew old acquaintances with colleagues they haven’t seen since the last Congress.” – Scott Brandmeier, P.E., Esq., Director of Public Works, Village of Fox Point, Wisconsin “The APWA Congress is a great opportunity to sit in on the national committee meetings and learn about the in-depth work that APWA does for public works. The national committees meet at every Congress to discuss the priorities and plans for the upcoming year. Taking advantage of the opportunity to listen in on these meetings will give you ideas 4
APWA Reporter
June 2009
on how you can get involved. The APWA Congress is a great educational and networking opportunity for those in the public works field.” – Rebecca Bilderback, P.E., Civil Engineer III, Municipal Services, City of Olathe, Kansas Well, I have to agree with Jason, Eric, Wendy, Scott and Rebecca that Congress is an outstanding professional development experience. Even though there is a cost associated with attending, I think Wendy put it best when she said the experience is “priceless!” If you need more information about Congress, www.apwa. net/congress has everything you need to know. The dates are September 13-16, 2009. Please join me for the Best Show in Public Works!
Staff Appreciation Day at APWA Headquarters On April 22, the staff in the Kansas City office enjoyed a Staff Appreciation Day where we were honored for “our commitment and dedication to APWA and our members.” Some intentional (and in some cases, unintentional) humor kept things fun and amusing during the celebration. Ann Daniels, Director of Credentialing, wrote the following poem and read it to the staff (“with apologies to poet Joyce Kilmer,” as Ann said). Ode to APWA Staff I think that I shall never see A group of people so lively. Each one determined to do best All those things piled upon their desk. Whether Congress, books, or Snow, Everyone’s work is sure to show. Finance to Meetings to Chapter Relations, IT, Professional Development, all little nations That work with Credentialing, HR, and Exec. To make things happen with respect. I’ve worked and known a lot of people, But seldom have I met the equal Of the caring, devoted, men and women Who make up the staff, with each one driven To be the best and do the best in every waking hour To keep APWA strong and full of power. Silly rhymes don’t mean a lot But the sentiment is what I hope you got. It matters not how great or small, We’re happy you’re here, one and all.