In addition, I would like to thank all the Committees for their hard work finding ways to promote and educate our group as well as mentoring the future of our industry. And none of this would not be possible without the hard work and dedication from our Executive Directors, Mohammed and Amy Haque.

Keeping up pace, we have many great events to choose from this year:

• First out of the gate will be a CSWEA Webinar on June 10 about Process Intensification in Water Resource Recovery Facilities.

• Next is the Central States Section Exchange (CSX) at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells, WI on July 18th – 19th. This event brings members together to share and discuss ideas for strengthening the Association. All are welcome to bring your innovative ideas and openly discuss their possibilities for the future.
• The Stormwater and Collection System Conference will be held on July 31st at the NIU-Naperville campus. This high quality event provides technical education, networking opportunities and collection system Operator Training.

Speaking of operators, the Operations Committee continues its excellent training regimen with monthly scheduled Operator Training webinars.  These webinars further operator knowledge, help prepare for that next certification or get in CEUs.

Also, the Biosolids, Energy, and Environmental Resource Committee (affectionately nick-named BEER Committee) will be planning its next annual seminar for November 2024.

These events are just a few of the many to come.  After first of the year will be the Governmental Affairs and Laboratory/Pre-Treatment Seminars.

Watch the CSWEA website for upcoming events from all of the committees. If you are interested in getting involved and don’t know where to start, reach out to myself and or one of the committees that sounds interesting.  I can speak from personal experience that it will be a welcoming environment and will open up opportunities to showcase your talents to help the Section. You will also find lifelong friends and colleagues to help you throughout your career along the way. Networking is an invaluable tool and helps to make us all stronger.

I am looking forward to seeing everyone out there this year at one of the many meetings, events, or social gatherings!

Keep Up the Pace!

Christopher Buckley PE, BCEE