2023 Fall Conference Recap
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2023 Fall Conference Recap

Grand Wayne Convention Center - Fort Wayne, Indiana

On Tuesday afternoon, October 17th, attendees had the opportunity to attend the IFA Regional Meeting as well as a panel discussion with AIRW Staff. Later that evening, Carson Law welcomed everyone with appetizers and drinks at their gathering space just down the street from the Convention Center. It was the perfect kickoff to the conference, with an opportunity to meet some new people and network, grab a bite, and enjoy a delicious cocktail.

 

Attendees gathered the next morning to a light breakfast and a welcome from our Programs Manager, Lorean Johnston, and special guest, Hank Naughton. After Opening Session, attendees headed off to their preferred track of classes - Administrative, Water or Wastewater. Both Wednesday and Thursday, with the help of Fort Wayne Utilities, we were able to bring back the very popular Water and Wastewater Plant Tours! The tours filled quickly! Wednesday afternoon’s luncheon in the Exhibit Hall featured the Best Tasting Water in Indiana Competition. Fort Wayne Utilities was once again crowned the tastiest in the state and will move on to compete in the Great American Water Taste Test in Washington, DC next year at the National Rural Water Association's Rural Water Rally. During the luncheon, we shared some laughs with our special guest, comic & writer, Jody Fuller. Lastly, we recognized our recent Apprenticeship Graduates and highlighted this amazing program! After classroom sessions concluded for the day, the Exhibitor’s Reception kicked off with snacks, drinks, and our very own gameshow, “Are You Smarter Than an Operator?” hosted by the unrecognizable, Rex Blanton aka Rex Trebek! To unwind from the day, we closed out the evening with a Hospitality Event in the Hilton Atrium, mingling & laughing with colleagues & friends, old & new!

 

Thursday morning, everyone woke up to a delicious hot breakfast buffet before starting another day of classes. But first, our Annual Membership Meeting included the election of three board members: Catlyn Helmuth, Adam Sams, and Alex Mikel. All were elected for 3-year terms beginning in 2024. Anthony Roberts from the City of Rensselaer won the Amazon Fire HD during the meeting! 

 

The Sportsman's Raffle, which raises money for the WaterPac Fund and represents rural water and wastewater in Washington D.C., was a popular stop for our attendees and exhibitors! This year's Grand Prize Winner was Micah Sarabyn with the Ben Davis Conservancy District. She walked away with the Big Green Egg Package, worth over $1,500! Nate Seigler from Evertte J. Prescott claimed the shotgun during our Shotgun Raffle! Three people also walked away with cash prizes from their engagement in conference app challenge: 1st – Andrew Boden with the City of Bloomington Utilities, 2nd – Becki Gaines of Portage Utilities, 3rd – Rick Bowen with the City of Elkhart.

 

Thank you to all of our attendees, speakers, vendors, sponsors, Board Members and staff for helping make this another fantastic event!

 

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2024 Spring Conference Recap

2024 Spring Conference Recap

French Lick Resort - French Lick, Indiana

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who participated in the Spring Conference at the beautiful French Lick Resort in mid-March!

National Apprenticeship Week 2023

National Apprenticeship Week 2023

"NAW is a nationwide celebration where industry, labor, equity, workforce, education, and government leaders host events to showcase the successes and value of Registered Apprenticeship for re-building our economy, advancing racial and gender equity, and supporting underserved communities. NAW is an opportunity to highlight how Registered Apprenticeship, a proven and industry-driven training model, provides a critical talent pipeline that can help to address some of our nation’s pressing workforce challenges such as rebuilding our country’s infrastructure, addressing critical supply chain demands, supporting a clean energy workforce, modernizing our cybersecurity response, and responding to care economy issues."

During National Apprenticeship Week 2023, the U.S. Department of Labor will highlight the following key themes:

  • Monday, November 13: Registered Apprenticeship for Youth 
  • Tuesday, November 14: Registered Apprenticeship in New and Emerging Industries
  • Wednesday, November 15: Expanding Registered Apprenticeship to Underserved Populations
  • Thursday, November 16: Women in Registered Apprenticeship
  • Friday, November 17: Registered Apprenticeship for Veterans and Federal Employees

National Apprenticeship Week | Apprenticeship.gov

2023 Scholarship Golf Outing & Clay Shoot Events

2023 Scholarship Golf Outing & Clay Shoot Events

Golf Outing: Hawk's Tail Golf Course in Greenfield, IN; Clay Shoot: Ossian Conservation Club in Ossian, IN

This year's Scholarship Golf Outing was held on Thursday, September 14 in Greenfield, IN, and the Clay Shoot was held on Tuesday, October 17 in conjunction with the 2023 Fall Conference and took place in Ossian, IN.

2023 Fall Conference Recap

2023 Fall Conference Recap

Grand Wayne Convention Center - Fort Wayne, Indiana

The 2023 Fall Conference in Downtown Fort Wayne was a whirlwind of learning, networking, and fun! We hosted a total of 640 people at the Grand Wayne Convention Center.

2023 Leadership Summit Recap

2023 Leadership Summit Recap

Horizon Convention Center - Muncie, IN

This year's Leadership Summit was on July 19 & 20th in downtown Muncie, Indiana. 

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