Speakers: Melissa Olenick, Operations Manager, Central Lake County JAWA. Aaron Horbovetz, Engineering Services Manager, M.E. Simpson Company, Inc.. Andrew Knap, Marketing, Communications, Operations, Fischer, Harris & Associates. Brett Fritzler, Water Utililty Manager, Village of Gurnee. Nick Weber, Deputy Utilities Commissioner, The Village of Franklin Park. Chris Walton, Project Manager, Engineering Enterprises, Inc.
What motivated you to join Illinois Section AWWA?
Andrew Knap: I joined the Illinois section AWWA to contribute and give back to my professional community. When thousands of us come together from across Illinois, we have the ability to impact change, encourage innovation, and ensure safety within the local total water industry.
Chris Walton: I was first encouraged to join ISAWWA by other members at work that were part of ISAWWA and said that it was a great organization and encouraged me to get involved.
Brett Fritzler: I joined the Illinois section AWWA because of the educational opportunities available. It was easy to find webinars, educational sessions, and conferences to earn the 30 CEUs required for my water license.
Melissa Olenick: I joined the Illinois section to grow my career and connect with people who were passionate about providing safe, reliable water. It was a way for me to learn beyond my day to day job and start developing a long-term career in the field.
Aaron Horbovetz: If you're a working water professional in Illinois, it's definitely the place to be.
How has your involvement in ISAWWA benefited your professional growth or the water industry?
Chris Walton: I feel like I've grown professionally through ISAWWA just with the great trainings and the outstanding networking opportunities that have been available to me.
Brett Fritzler: Being actively involved in the Illinois section AWWA has been instrumental in my professional growth, helping me build lasting relationships and gain new perspectives from industry leaders.
Nick Weber: My involvement with the Illinois section has helped give me the tools and knowledge to advance my career forward in the public works.
Andrew Knap: My involvement with the Illinois section AWWA has enabled me to meet several intelligent and skilled professionals through participation on committees, councils, and task forces. I've observed members' conscientious and diligent approach to serving in those settings and have grown professionally by learning best practices for how to contribute meaningfully to those groups.
Aaron Horbovetz: The Illinois section has all kinds of opportunities for networking, volunteering, education. It would be impossible to quantify the impact it's had on my career, but it's definitely helped.
Melissa Olenick: Through volunteering on numerous committees and serving on the ISAWWA board of directors, I've been able to grow as a leader in the water industry while giving back to the water community. The experience has deepened my professional
What advice would you give to someone considering joining Illinois Section AWWA?
Andrew Knap: What advice would I give to someone considering joining the Illinois section AWWA? Do it. Whether it's the resources, events, connections, communications, or other benefits, you'll find that a membership is undoubtedly a valuable investment for you and your career growth.
Chris Walton: My advice would be to just do it, just join, get involved, join a committee or, or try going to a meeting.
Brett Fritzler: My advice would be to just do it. Take advantage of the educational opportunities that are offered, sit next to someone new, strike up a conversation, or volunteer your time to make the organization a little bit better.
Melissa Olenick: My advice to anyone considering joining ISAWWA is to get involved early and take advantage of every opportunity this section offers. Whether it's attending trainings, volunteering on a committee, or networking at events, you'll gain valuable knowledge and connections that will help you grow both personally and professionally. ISAWWA is more than just a professional association. It's a community that truly supports its members and the future of the water industry.
Aaron Horbovetz: If you're a water professional working in Illinois, or with Illinois utilities, you owe it to yourself to sign up. Show up to events, network with other professionals, educate yourself, keep tabs on what's current, what the hot issues are. Join a committee, volunteer, give back. It'll only help you in whatever your goals are.
Nick Weber: My advice to anyone joining the Illinois Section AWWA, consider volunteering. It's extremely rewarding.
