New Location, New Events – 2018 IWC Recap
Scottsdale, Arizona was the new destination for the 79th Annual International Water Conference that took place on November 4-8, 2018. It brought together almost 900 end users, researchers, practicing engineers, educators, suppliers and contractors from more than 15 countries to learn unbiased details about the latest applications available in the industry, get educated on current technology and hold wide ranging discussions with their peers active in water treatment.
The conference opened on Sunday at 10:00 AM local time with an IWC Golf Outing at the Talking Stick Golf Club. It was followed by Continuing Education Workshops, Outdoor Exhibit Hall, and Get Acquainted Reception. The Golf Outing and Outdoor Exhibit Hall are a new addition to the conference, pleasantly surprising attendees.
To continue the excitement, the IWC introduced a H20 Theatre on Monday and Tuesday. The H20 Theatre offered a chance for companies to present information about their company that they could not present in the technical sessions. In addition, an Idea Board was added for attendees to communicate their thoughts in real time! The final addition to the conference was a TopGolf Outing hosting over 50 attendees on Wednesday evening located less than a mile from the venue.
Over the 5-day conference, 75 technical papers and 18 Continuing Education Workshops were conducted. All are carefully peer reviewed for quality and to ensure they are non-commercial. Each paper presentation at the IWC is followed by a prepared discussion-a thoroughly considered, different perspective on the topic. This was followed by an open floor discussion when all audience members and presenters can fully interact-ask questions, seek clarification, and raise alternative viewpoints.
Overall, we want to thank all the attendees, sponsors, and committee members for contributing to a successful conference and we hope to see you for the 80th Anniversary of the International Water Conference taking place on November 10-14, 2019 at the Hilton Lake Buena Vista in Orlando, FL, USA.
RIZZO International, Inc. Celebrates First Anniversary and Certification By the Womenâs Business Enterprise National Council
RIZZO International Inc. is proud to announce their first anniversary and achievement of national certification as a Womenâs Business Enterprise (WBE) and Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) by the Womenâs Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).
Rachelle Rizzo, President of RIZZO International stated, âIâm so proud to continue in my fatherâs, (Dr. Paul Rizzo), footsteps leading a team to execute extraordinary projects all over the world. Iâm also very fortunate to have my father still involved as CTO overseeing our phenomenal technical team. His are big shoes to fill, but Iâve been thinking about this opportunity for the decades I have been a part of the industry. As with many new businesses itâs been a challenging first year, but we prevailed and we are extremely excited about our future. Receiving our WBENC certification is definitely adding to the celebration!â My father always says, âItâs all part of the adventure!â Hereâs to continuing the adventure!â
To learn more about RIZZO International, Inc., please visit www.RIZZOintl.com.
RIZZO International Inc. is a specialized global engineering and consulting firm focused on Analysis and Design, Construction Management, Geotechnical Engineering, Structural Engineering, Geology, Hydraulic, Hydrology and Hydrogeological Engineering and Earth Sciences. Our projects are typically in the Dams & Water, Power Generation and Infrastructure Markets.
WBENCâs national standard of certification program is a meticulous process including an in-depth review of the business and site inspection. The certification process is designed to confirm the business is at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by a woman or women.
2018 PA Brownfields Conference Recap
Over the course of 3 days, over 400 attendees joined us in Bethlehem, PA for the 2018 PA Brownfields Conference. With over 20+ educational sessions and networking opportunities with more than 45 exhibitors the conference was a success.
The conference opened on Monday with two mobile workshops (Brewing Brownfields Back to Life and Big Machines, Big Industry) followed by a âGet Acquainted Receptionâ at the Musikfest CafĂ© at ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, that gave attendees a birds-eye view of the historic Bethlehem Steel Blast Furnaces.
Tuesday morning the conference started with a âBrownfields 101â session providing attendees an opportunity to learn the basics of Pennsylvaniaâs brownfields program before the start of the conference. Following this introductory session, we were welcomed to the conference by the Mayor of Bethlehemâs staff and opening remarks by PA Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Patrick McDonnell and U.S. EPA, Office of Land and Emergency Management Deputy Assistant Administrator, Steven Cook. Day two offered more than 12 different sessions for attendees to choose from, plus a full exhibit hall providing attendees the opportunity to lunch and learn, as they visit with vendors.
Wednesday continued with 10 more sessions and an âEconomic Forecastâ by Don Cunningham from Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC). The conference concluded with a workshop âWinning EPA Brownfield Grants â Tips and Tricks for Successâ as experts presented way to write a successful proposal.
Overall, we want to thank all the attendees, sponsors, and committee members for contributing to a successful conference. Stay tuned for information on when the next PA Brownfields Conference will occur. The Conference is planned in collaboration between the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Engineersâ Society of Western Pennsylvania (ESWP).
Over the course of 3 days, over 400 attendees joined us in Bethlehem, PA for the 2018 PA Brownfields Conference. With over 20+ educational sessions and networking opportunities with more than 45 exhibitors the conference was a success.
The conference opened on Monday with two mobile workshops (Brewing Brownfields Back to Life and Big Machines, Big Industry) followed by a âGet Acquainted Receptionâ at the Musikfest CafĂ© at ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, that gave attendees a birds-eye view of the historic Bethlehem Steel Blast Furnaces.
Tuesday morning the conference started with a âBrownfields 101â session providing attendees an opportunity to learn the basics of Pennsylvaniaâs brownfields program before the start of the conference. Following this introductory session, we were welcomed to the conference by the Mayor of Bethlehemâs staff and opening remarks by PA Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Patrick McDonnell and U.S. EPA, Office of Land and Emergency Management Deputy Assistant Administrator, Steven Cook. Day two offered more than 12 different sessions for attendees to choose from, plus a full exhibit hall providing attendees the opportunity to lunch and learn, as they visit with vendors.
Wednesday continued with 10 more sessions and an âEconomic Forecastâ by Don Cunningham from Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC). The conference concluded with a workshop âWinning EPA Brownfield Grants â Tips and Tricks for Successâ as experts presented way to write a successful proposal.
Overall, we want to thank all the attendees, sponsors, and committee members for contributing to a successful conference. Stay tuned for information on when the next PA Brownfields Conference will occur. The Conference is planned in collaboration between the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Engineersâ Society of Western Pennsylvania (ESWP).
ESWP YMF Hosts Annual Social that Benefits Local Charity
ESWP hosted their 3rd Annual YMF Summer Social at the Engineersâ Society of Western Pennsylvania on September 7, 2018. The event was co-hosted by ASCE, ASHE, Tau Beta Pi, SAME, and WTS Pittsburgh Sections. This year the event brought together a record attendance of more than 60 young engineers in the Greater Pittsburgh area. The goal of this event is to seek and prepare the next generation of engineers by highlighting the diverse spectrum of engineering and related technical societies. Each co-host contributed a gift basket to raffle off and had a chance to inform attendees of their professional organization.
New this year, ESWP implemented a 50/50 raffle, that the proceeds benefited the Red Door Program at Saint Mary of Mercy Church. St. Mary of Mercy Church, which is in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh, provides several kinds of assistance to people in need. The “oldest” of St. Mary’s services is the Red Door Program which began during the Great Depression. This program provides a bag lunch, Monday through Saturday to more than 100 persons each day. The program is underwritten by St. Mary of Mercy Church through various contributions made directly to the Red Door. After the conclusion of this event, ESWP donated a total of $80 to the Red Door Program. ESWP plans on implementing this event again in 2019 in hopes to exceed their contribution to a charitable organization.
As you can see our Young Member Forum is gaining momentum by offering the YMF Summer Social and other quality programs designed specifically with the young engineer in mind. If you are not already a âyoung memberâ ESWP offers an Under-35 dues rate of $25 annually, with a limited time offer of NO entrance fee (a $55 savings!) Now is the time to add ESWP to your professional network and expand your horizons. Click here: https://eswp.com/membership/individual-membership-2/
ESWP Scholarship Winners announced!
We had a great response to the ESWP Members Scholarship program and after careful consideration in making some difficult decisions, we would like to extend congratulations to Lucia Bruschi and Katherine Sieber, who were selected as recipients of the 2018 ESWP Members Scholarship. Lucia, a graduate of Mt. Lebanon High School, is a Chemical Engineering student at the Pennsylvania State University in State College, PA and daughter of member Enrico Bruschi. Katherine, a graduate of West Allegheny High School, is a Mechanical Engineering student at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA and the daughter of member Suzanne Sieber. Each recipient will receive $2,500.00 to further their engineering education.  Congratulations to our scholarship recipients and thank you to all who applied.
Member News!
ESWP 1st Vice-President Dave Borneman was honored upon his retirement after 22 years as Director of Engineering & Construction at ALCOSAN. Dave’s career at ALCOSAN culminated almost forty years of engineering and management service to government agencies in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The event was held in the Members Dining room with many of Daveâs friends and colleagues, including current and former co-workers. ALCOSAN Executive Director Arletta Scott-Williams recognized the many accomplishments achieved under Daveâs time at ALCOSAN. Dave is embarking on new challenges with Arcadis at its Wexford, PA office.
Job Postings
H.F. Lenz, an MEP Engineering Firm, and an ESWP Corporate Member, posted some new job openings on our Re-Employment Web Site, which can be found here.
Make sure to check those jobs out and to see how you can use the ESWP page to post job openings and resumes, for members and non-members to view.
ESWP Golf Outing
Monday at Treesdale Golf & Country Club turned out to be a wonderful day for the ESWP’s Annual Golf Outing. 64 players took to the golf course, and despite a brief rain shower at the start of the event, the weather was very cooperative. Players enjoyed some great golf, food and fellowship, all benefiting ESWP’s Student Outreach Activities. Guest Speaker Jim Colony shared a few Pittsburgh-themed sports stories before assisting Event Chair Wayne Johnson with the distribution of team and skill prizes. Thanks to all of our sponsors and raffle prized donors for helping to make the event a big success!
ESWP Corporate Member News
Lennon, Smith, Souleret Engineering Inc. (LSSE) announces internal Ownership transition:  LSSE, a 90 person civil engineering firm, headquartered in Coraopolis PA, founded in 1985 announced ownership and management transitions completing implementation of the firmâs Strategic and Ownership Transition Plans adopted in 2008.  Effective on Friday, June 15, 2018 Lawrence J. Lennon, P.E., DWRE, Daniel S. Gilligan, and Larry W. Souleret, P.E., PLS, have sold their interest in the firm.  They have transferred 100% ownership of LSSE to Kevin A. Brett P.E., Ned Mitrovich P.E., and Jason Stanton, P.E., longtime Principals and owners in the firm.  In addition to each having 1/3 ownership of LSSE, they will assume the following management and corporate officer roles; Chief Executive Officer & President: Ned Mitrovich; Chief Operating Officer & Treasurer: Kevin A. Brett; and Chief Financial Officer & Secretary: Jason E. Stanton. Kevin Brett and Ned Mitrovich have accepted Directors positions formally held by Larry Lennon and Dan Gilligan, and will join Jason Stanton on the Board. Larry Lennon and Dan Gilligan will assume the role of âPrincipal Consultantâ, while maintaining employment with LSSE.
ESWP Women’s Roundtable Luncheon
ESWP was honored to host Arletta Scott-Williams, Executive Director of ALCOSAN, at our May 22 Women’s Roundtable Luncheon, attended by 80 guests. ESWP Board Member Tanya McCoy Caretti (ARCADIS) served as Master of Ceremonies for the interview, which was very lively and informative, as well as entertaining! The gathering learned so much about Ms. Scott-Williams education and career path as well as family and life interests beyond ALCOSAN. Big thanks to both Arletta and Tanya for participating! If you have suggestions for future guests at ESWP’s Women’s Roundtable, please contact us!