2017 Spring Symposium (Previously the Spring Conference)

	4/2/2017 to 4/4/2017
When:	April 2-4, 2017
Where:	Blockade Runner 275 Waynick Blvd Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina 28480 United States
Contact:	NC AWWA-WEA (919) 784-9030

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16th Annual Spring Symposium

April 2-4, 2017

Blockade Runner Beach Resort

275 Waynick Blvd., Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

NC AWWA-WEA invites you to join us for the 16th Annual Spring Symposium! This year’s Spring Symposium marks an exciting milestone, as this popular event begins its annual rotation between the eastern and western sides of North Carolina. We will provide plenty of opportunity to gain continuing education units (CEUs) through the Opening Session on Monday morning, technical sessions held on Monday and Tuesday, and forums at the end of the day on Tuesday. Lunch will be a time for strengthening professional relationships and catching up with “water” pals. We hope to see you in Wrightsville Beach!

Sincerely,
Mary Knosby
2017 Spring Symposium Chair

REGISTRATION

Download Complete Registration Brochure (available soon)

IMPORTANT DATES

Early registration ends and registration fees increase after March 10, 2017. The last day to register before the conference, or to request a refund is March 17, 2017. Only on-site registrations will be accepted after this date.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION

A block of rooms has been reserved at the Blockade Runner Beach Resort. To make a reservation, call the hotel at 1-800-541-1161 and mention you are part of the NC American Water Works Association & Water Environment Association group.

Harborfront $155 per night, excluding taxes
Oceanfront $175 per night, excluding taxes
Breakfast is included in the rate.

Reservation deadline is March 2, 2017.

OPENING SESSION

North Carolina’s Statewide Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Master Plan -
The Road to Viability

Speakers Kim Colson and Francine Durso

MONDAY | APRIL 3, 2017 | 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

The Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Infrastructure supports the work of the nine-member State Water Infrastructure Authority, created in 2013 by the North Carolina General Assembly. One of the Authority’s specific tasks is to develop a statewide Master Plan to meet the state’s water infrastructure needs.

It is recognized that the state needs to move as a whole toward achieving viability of the utilities that provide water and wastewater services. The long-term viability of these utilities is critical to public health, environmental protection and economic prosperity. The amount of public subsidies for infrastructure funding available is finite, and the state’s role is to facilitate comprehensive, cost-effective utility management.
The Master Plan addresses the alignment of organizational and financial management practices to support the operation of utilities as business enterprises. The plan provides strategies for utility management, including renewal/replacement, asset management, and regionalization, all of which are increasingly important in times of limited resources and budgetary constraints.

Kim H. Colson, PE, Director

Division of Water Infrastructure, North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality

Kim is a Licensed Professional Engineer in North Carolina. He has been in the water resources industry for more than 28 years, working both with a privately-owned public utility and North Carolina’s environmental agency, eventually becoming director of the newly created Division of Water Infrastructure. As director of the Division of Water Infrastructure, he also serves as chair of the State Water Infrastructure Authority. He is the recipient of the national 2016 Water Finance and Management award.

Francine Durso, PE, Senior Project Manager

North Carolina Division of Water Infrastructure

Francine is a Professional Engineer with more than 30 years of civil engineering experience in the field of water resources management and in the planning and design of water and wastewater infrastructure. Her experience includes more than 20 years in private practice working for the consulting firms CH2M and Arcadis. She is currently a Senior Project Manager with the NCDEQ Division of Water Infrastructure and is the primary staff liaison to the State Water Infrastructure Authority, which was created in 2013.

FORUM: ALTERNATIVE DELIVERY

TUESDAY | APRIL 4, 2017 | 12:50 p.m. - 2:20 p.m.

Alternative project delivery was developed from the traditional approach as a way of bringing design and construction in closer alignment and obtaining contractor input during design. This approach fosters a collaborative relationship between the Owner, Engineer, and Contractor. This forum will focus on common alternative delivery methods currently being utilized for water and wastewater infrastructure projects, case studies, and lessons learned.

FORUM: FILLING THE GAP

TUESDAY | APRIL 4, 2017 | 2:35 p.m. - 4:05 p.m.

This forum will focus on the seasoned water and wastewater industry employee base, and cover topics such as the following:

Capturing knowledge into systems (vs. individuals)
Attracting new talent to the industry
Working with millennials
Mentoring and Training to fill the gap in 1) technical skills, 2) communication skills, 3) management skills

G.R.O.W. IN WRIGHSTSVILLE BEACH

The NC AWWA-WEA Membership Engagement Committee is hosting a G.R.O.W. event prior to the Spring Symposium, and they want you to attend! Join fellow professionals on Sunday, April 2 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m at the Blockade Runner to enjoy a laidback atmosphere allowing for plenty of casual networking, and a speed networking activity to help make sure everyone gets a chance to meet new people.

Register online to attend the G.R.O.W. event. The registration fee is $20 per person, and includes appetizers. A cash bar will be available. Registration for the Spring Conference is NOT REQUIRED to attend the GROW event.

If your company is interested in supporting NC AWWA-WEA and their effort to support industry connections through G.R.O.W. events, consider sponsoring the April event in Wrightsville Beach, or one of the other remaining events for 2017. Sponsorships are $250 each, and sponsors will be recognized at the event, and www.ncsafewater.org. Sponsorship purchase is available at www.ncsafewater.org/sponsorindex.

Growing Relationships and Opportunity through Water Resources - The Membership Engagement Committee's vision for G.R.O.W. events is to foster a sense of community among NC AWWA-WEA members, serve as an informal setting to introduce non-members to the benefits of membership, and overall increase communication and coordination among water professionals in the region and across North Carolina. Attendance is open to everyone!