FROM: Robert Thompson, General Manager
SUBJECT:
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SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL WATER WEEK 2024 ATTENDANCE
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GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
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RECOMMENDATION:
Approve out-of-country travel to Singapore for General Manager Rob Thompson to participate in the Singapore International Water Week to present on water recycling, resource recovery, and resiliency, contingent on receipt of a 50% scholarship to offset travel costs.
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BACKGROUND
The Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) is an opportunity for industry leaders across the world to come together to exchange ideas and discuss the future of water. SIWW is a global platform to share and co-create innovative solutions reinforcing a commitment to the global integration of sustainable water management strategies with urban planning processes. Addressing contemporary challenges, SIWW gathers global water leaders and practitioners from the public and private sectors to engage in discussion and debate, network with key industry players, showcase leading-edge technologies and best practices, and identify practical methodologies to address water issues.
In line with global water industry trends and opportunities, SIWW 2024 will feature discussions that include Delivering Water from Source to Tap and Effective and Efficient Wastewater Management.
WEF, NACWA, and Water Research have partnered with SIWW to host a United States delegation of high-level utility managers. Participants in the U.S. delegation will have access to all SIWW events, plus events planned together to provide special site visits and more intimate exchange opportunities.
A scholarship exists to fund international participation. By promoting international exchange, WEF, NACWA, and Water Research hope to break down international barriers, accelerate technology transfer, and create an understanding of innovative policy options to enable resource recovery. Scholarship recipients will be encouraged to write papers and make presentations about their experience at SIWW and will be provided forums to disseminate this information through WEF, NACWA, and Water Research.
RELEVANT STANDARDS
• Build brand, trust, and support with policy makers and community leaders
• Maintain collaborative and cooperative relationships with regulators, stakeholders, and neighboring communities
• Ensure the public’s money is wisely spent
PROBLEM
The Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) has been offered the opportunity to participate in an international water forum to share our innovation and provide leadership to our industry, and to learn from other worldwide industry leaders to help expand technology options for the future.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
By attending and participating in the scholarship program, OC San will gain the opportunity to share our extensive experience in water recycling, wastewater treatment, resource recovery, and resiliency. It will also allow for the opportunity to learn about new technologies and practices in the industry.
TIMING CONCERNS
The conference is taking place in June. As such, we would like to start the planning process for purchasing airfare, lodging, etc. as soon as we receive word on if OC San has been selected as a scholarship recipient.
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
If we do not take action now, we run the risk of increased costs of both airfare and lodging.
PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
In February 2020, at the time, Assistant General Manager Rob Thompson was approved by the Board of Directors to attend the SIWW, however, due to the Pandemic, he was not able to attend. Mr. Thompson was extended the invitation to once again participate in the 2024 SIWW Conference as a scholarship recipient. This opportunity will allow Mr. Thompson to share OC San’s extensive experience in water recycling, wastewater treatment, resource recovery, and resiliency, and allow him to learn from other utility leaders and new available technologies in the world of resource recovery. The weeklong program is from June 18-22, 2024.
CEQA
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FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
OC San is committing to pay approximately $3,000 to cover half of the cost of attending the conference. A scholarship application was submitted to NACWA to help supplement the cost.
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s) may be viewed on-line at the OC San website (www.ocsan.gov) with the complete agenda package:
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