Message from the Chair

Why Human Connection Will Always Drive Our Industry Forward

By Tom Romza

In late August, I had the privilege of hosting my first meeting as Illinois Section Chair, a moment that reminded me how vital human connection is in our work. While the agenda was filled with committee updates and technical anecdotes, the real energy was in the side conversations, shared laughs, and “off-the-record” moments that followed. There was a real sense of purpose in the room and, despite our wifi difficulties, productivity that can only be achieved by shared values and community goals.
That same week, my oldest started Kindergarten, and let me tell you, that’s a whole different kind of community! (obligatory proud Dad pic incoming)

Watching my son walk into school for the first time, knowing the world of learning, relationships, and growth he was about to begin reminded me, again, of the foundational role that human connection plays in development...Whether it’s in a classroom or a professional organization’s Chapter Meeting, that connection is what stimulates progress. Here’s what I have been introduced to so far in the school community: PTA’s, classrooms, drop-off lines, after school events, email blasts...it’s a whole ecosystem of engagement. And its not so different from CSWEA...Committees, seminars, conferences, happy hours, and of course, EMAIL BLASTS. Behind all the infrastructure designed, every policy that has been written, or even every poop that has been treated, there has been a human with an idea and a network of support to bring it to life. As artificial intelligence and automation become more embedded in our workflows, we gain efficiency, but we must not lose the human element that drives our passions. Optimization is great, but it can’t replicate mentorship, collaboration, and friendship that define our field. Nor can it build the trust that is developed at a meeting or over a cup of coffee at a conference. So let’s continue to show up as engineers, operators, managers...as people who care about each other and the quality of our water and environment. Continue to bring real-life problems and real-life solutions. Engage with each other on human level. Embrace the tech but never forget that people are why we exist. Get Involved! Stay Connected! Keep Showing up! BEAR DOWN!