The annual Kentucky/ Tennessee Water Professionals Conference is the event of the year for many of us at SSR! I wanted to take some time to reflect on the 2023 event and share my experience and memories. 

At SSR, we pride ourselves on the commitment and dedication of our colleagues to contribute to the KY/TN AWWA and CWP societies. We hold several offices and were incredibly involved in this year’s conference Planning Committee. You can learn more about Luke and Serena’s passion for professional societies in a recent SSR On Air episode.

AWWA / CWP Committees  

• Lindsay Bryant, CWP Communications & Newsletter Editors Tennessee Co-Chair   
• Brady England, Students Chair Joint Committee   
• Luke Williams, AWWA Board of Trustees Vice-Chair  

WPC 23 Planning Committee   

• Lindsay Bryant, Registration Committee  
• Tiffany Heard, Local Host Liaison Committee  
• Serena Hostetter, Students Committee  
• Ben Ledsinger, Transportation Committee  

The 2023 experience did not disappoint! Sunday kicked off the three-day event with the annual Water for Life event. SSR has been a supporter and volunteer for this event since the beginning. This year, Brady England, our newest hire, held down the fort for us Shelby Farms.  

“I had the pleasure to attend this conference as a student but being here with the SSR team added a new perspective. The conference was great this year! The technical sessions were informative and intriguing, and working with the Student Committee was extremely rewarding. I enjoyed the student events so much as a student and now as a working professional; I decided to join the Student Committee leadership team. I especially enjoyed the Water for Life event and teaching the community about the importance of water and what membranes are. It was also great to see friends that I graduated with and making new connections. I can’t wait until next year!”  Brady England, EIT, Civil EIT

Monday and Tuesday’s technical sessions were on point and did not disappoint. I attended several sessions that were standing room only, what a great challenge for next year’s planning committee! The topics are always relevant, and it is especially useful that colleagues we work with are the ones presenting. I appreciate the high standards our technical sessions hold speakers too. It is certainly a privilege to secure a spot, the conference had twice as many abstracts submitted than we had spots for. 

Susan Osterberg, our new CEO, attended the conference for the first time. She sat in sessions and even helped judge the student posters. She shared her perspective of attending her first KY/TN WPC.  

“I really enjoyed my first experience at the Water Professionals Conference! I attended all four sessions given by SSR and got to see them share their technical expertise; I really appreciate the involvement and time our colleagues dedicated to preparing and sharing their knowledge. Our event at Rum Boogie was a great opportunity for me to meet many longstanding and newer clients, it was nice to connect with them in a relaxed environment. I also spent time with the next generation of talent coming into the industry judging the poster contest and participating in the career fair. Attending next year’s conference in Kentucky is absolutely in my plans!” Susan Osterberg, CEO and President  

Monday night, SSR hosted our annual hospitality event at Rum Boogie. We had a great turnout and may see a future Jello shots trend emerging! 

Tuesday night’s member celebration and karaoke did not disappoint either! I had a blast mingling with clients, fellow consultants, regulators, and contractors that we have the privilege to work with! Thanks KY/TN AWWA and CWP for another unforgettable experience. I am already looking forward to Louisville in 2024!