Diversity events celebrated at the 2012 International Public Works Congress & Exposition in Anaheim, California Compiled by Charles R. “Chas” Jordan, MPA Management Analyst III City of Largo, Florida Chair, APWA Diversity Committee very year the APWA Diversity Committee puts on a show at the Best Show in Public Works, and this year was no different! Here are some excerpts about the events that taught us all about inclusiveness at this year’s Best Show:
First-Timers Meeting – by Cindy Long, Assistant to the Executive Director, Staff Liaison to the Diversity Committee The First-Timers Meeting at Congress, sponsored by the Diversity Committee, appeared to be an overwhelming success. All first-time attendees to the 2012 Congress were invited to the meeting on Sunday, August 26, and were greeted by the Diversity Committee and other dignitaries, including APWA Past Presidents and the Board of Directors. While they were enjoying a full
complimentary breakfast, they got to know other first-time Congress attendees by working together to find clues about the Congress Program & Show Guide. After breakfast, Diversity Committee Chair Chas Jordan introduced 2012-2013 APWA President Elizabeth Treadway who welcomed the group and gave pointers on how to maximize their Congress experience. Executive Director Peter King also welcomed the first-time attendees and shared thoughts on how to best navigate the Congress Program and other helpful tips. A sunny California welcome was then given by Chris Vogt, Southern California Chapter President. Attendees commented that it was nice to meet new people and to have an opportunity to network with others attending Congress during the next four days.
The First-Timers Meeting allowed first-time attendees to get to know each other and to learn more about the conference by using the Congress Program & Show Guide. 40 APWA Reporter
October 2012
Diversity Brunch – by Tracy Warner, Municipal Engineer, City of Ames, Iowa At the Diversity Brunch held on Tuesday morning of Congress, the attendees were fortunate to hear from a dynamic speaker about the value of diversity. Adel Hagekhalil, Assistant Director with the City of Los Angeles Bureau of Sanitation, shared his experience in working through stakeholder understanding and support as well as getting the public involved at all levels. Whether it is a wastewater, stormwater, or solid resources project, they “actively involve stakeholders in the decisions that will affect them.” Adel provided the audience with some inspiring examples for where municipalities can further engage the public. For example, public works staff
A big crowd was on hand at the Diversity Brunch to hear featured speaker Adel Hagekhalil.
