{"id":4609,"date":"2024-09-25T18:57:51","date_gmt":"2024-09-25T18:57:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/waterways.org\/?p=4609"},"modified":"2024-10-02T19:03:57","modified_gmt":"2024-10-02T19:03:57","slug":"nwc-concludes-successful-2024-annual-meeting-sept-18-20-in-new-orleans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/waterways.org\/wordpress2\/nwc-concludes-successful-2024-annual-meeting-sept-18-20-in-new-orleans\/","title":{"rendered":"NWC concludes successful 2024 Annual Meeting (Sept. 18-20) in New Orleans"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/h2>\n

2024 NWC Annual Meeting Recap<\/strong><\/h2>\n

We extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who joined us for the National Waterways Conference\u2019s (NWC) 2024 Annual Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana, held from September 18-20, 2024. The event proved to be a rewarding experience for all involved, filled with valuable sessions, insightful discussions, and numerous networking opportunities.<\/p>\n

Day 1:<\/strong>
\nThe day began with internal NWC meetings, including those of our Executive Committee and Board of Directors. In the afternoon, we officially kicked off the day with Regional Day, welcoming military and civilian leaders from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Mississippi Valley Division and district offices in New Orleans, Memphis, and St. Louis. The day’s focus on regional perspectives highlighted key strategies and collaborative efforts across various civil works sectors. The day concluded with a well-attended Welcome Reception, where attendees reconnected and networked with colleagues.<\/p>\n

Day 2:<\/strong>
\nWe started the second day with a New Attendee Session, which included presentations by the caucus chairs from NWC\u2019s Navigation, Flood, and Water Supply groups. This session provided new attendees with an overview of the organization and an opportunity to hear directly from NWC leaders about the roles of the caucuses and how members can get involved. The day featured presentations by leaders from USACE Headquarters, offering a national perspective on civil works programs. The lunch speaker, Dr. Hal Needham, a climate scientist and hurricane storm chaser, captivated the audience with his insights on the importance of communication in natural disaster response. Other sessions throughout the day tackled recruitment and retention challenges in the water resources infrastructure sector, as well as critical data insights from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The 2024 Annual Meeting of the Membership saw the election of new members to the 2024-2025 Board of Directors (congratulations to the new and continuing on Board!). In the evening, attendees gathered for a delightful Sip and View Reception at The Vue atop the Four Seasons, overlooking the New Orleans skyline and the Mississippi River.<\/p>\n

Day 3:<\/strong>
\nThe final day opened with an organizational meeting of the NWC Board of Directors, who elected their 2024-2025 officers and executive committee members, followed by general sessions on planning for multiple benefits, the latest in flood policy, innovative funding, and a unique ports partnership.<\/p>\n

The day concluded perfectly with a Port of New Orleans (Port Nola) mobile tour aboard a fire boat. Attendees enjoyed a picturesque cruise down the river, with lightly cloudy, sunny skies providing a beautiful backdrop. It was a fitting end to a productive and engaging Annual Meeting, offering attendees the chance to relax, talk, and take in the sights of one of the nation’s most vital coastal ports.<\/p>\n

We would like to extend our profound gratitude to Port Nola for serving as our exceptional local host and sponsor. Additionally, we deeply appreciate the support of all our sponsors, without whom this event would not have been possible.<\/p>\n

Interested in NWC meetings? <\/strong>Save the date for our 2025 Legislative Summit, happening March 10-12 in Washington, DC. Registration will open soon on our Legislative Summit page<\/a>, where you can also find recaps from past events! Information about NWC\u2019s 2025 Annual Meeting in Norfolk, Va. will be coming soon.<\/p>\n

Curious about joining NWC? <\/strong>Visit our membership page<\/a> to learn more about the benefits and how to become a member!<\/p>\n

2024 ANNUAL MEETING SESSION SUMMARIES AND SLIDE LINKS (IF APPLICABLE) ARE AVAILABLE BELOW:<\/p>\n

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 18, 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n

USACE DIVISION AND DISTRICT FOCUS: STRATEGIES, PROGRESS, AND COLLABORATION<\/strong>
\nThis session provided an in-depth exploration of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Mississippi Valley
\nDivision (MVD) and district leaders as they aligned strategic plans with regional priorities across various civil
\nworks sectors. Moderated by Mr. Chris Gilmore<\/strong>, Director of Engineering, Port of New Orleans, the session
\nfeatured presentations from senior military leaders, highlighting updates on key projects, collaborative efforts
\nwith federal, state, and local agencies, as well as emerging challenges like climate change and aging
\ninfrastructure.<\/p>\n

Major General Kimberly Peeples<\/strong>, Commander of MVD, opened the session with a discussion on the division\u2019s
\nfocus on civil works, underscoring the importance of resilience efforts in New Orleans. She emphasized the
\nrole of levees in flood protection and highlighted MVD\u2019s mission of maintaining 11,000 miles of waterways
\ndespite the unprecedented challenges posed by extreme weather patterns. Peeples also touched on innovative
\ndelivery methods, such as advancements in technology and sensor use, to improve infrastructure resilience.<\/p>\n

Colonel Andy Pannier<\/strong>, Commander of the St. Louis District, shared updates on key projects, including the
\n1,200-foot expansion aimed at improving navigation efficiency. He highlighted the critical role of partnerships
\nin keeping the river open for commerce and stressed the importance of balancing operational needs with
\nmodernization efforts.<\/p>\n

Colonel Brian Sawser<\/strong>, Commander of the Memphis District, discussed the unique challenges of operating in
\nthe smallest district in the division, focusing on their collaboration with 92 levee districts and 10 ports to
\nmanage low water conditions. Sawser detailed the dynamic nature of the river, which can change dramatically
\nin a short time, and emphasized the need for improved infrastructure, particularly as funding remains stagnant
\nand supply chain challenges persist.<\/p>\n

Colonel Cullen Jones<\/strong>, Commander of the New Orleans District, highlighted the district’s vast navigation
\nresponsibilities, which include 2,800 miles of waterways, the largest dredging program in the country, and
\noversight of 18 locks and control structures. Jones pointed out the significant challenges posed by utility
\nrelocations, especially in determining the depth of pipes, which complicates infrastructure maintenance and
\nimprovements.<\/p>\n

Slides from this session are available:<\/em><\/p>\n