This 4-part virtual training series focuses on water workforce challenges and opportunities facing water and wastewater systems across the Great Lakes region. These interactive sessions will spotlight local and regional examples from Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, highlighting workforce partnerships, practical tools, and ideas to recruit, retain, and support the next generation of water professionals.

August 5, 2025 | Session 1

Description: Employee retention is one of the most pressing challenges facing water utilities today. This session explores proven strategies for keeping your workforce engaged, supported, and motivated—from recognition and feedback to improving workplace culture, and setting competitive pay. Join us to discover new strategies and practical ideas that can be applied with any team. 

Learning Objectives: 

• Define workforce retention and learn how to calculate retention rates 
• Understand key factors that influence retention 
• Explore strategies for setting competitive pay, including navigating civil service and/or union structures, rate setting, and financial planning 
• Understand how different personality types impact retention and workplace dynamics 

Presenters: Averi Davis, Program Manager and Susan McGrattan P.E., Technical Specialist, Syracuse University Environmental Finance Center

Continuing Education Credits:

Minnesota: This training has been approved for 1.5 related contact hours for Minnesota water operators by the Minnesota Department of Health. This training has also been submitted for pre-approval of wastewater continuing education credits though we cannot guarantee it. Regardless, we will provide attendees with a Certificate of Attendance for their personal record. 

Wisconsin: This training has been submitted for pre-approval of drinking water and wastewater continuing education credits though we cannot guarantee it. Regardless, we will provide attendees with a Certificate of Attendance for their personal record. 

Michigan: This training has been approved for 0.1 CEC for wastewater by EGLE. EGLE does not issue partial credits, so attending additional sessions may increase your total credit:

• • 1 session = 0.1 CEC  |  2 sessions = 0.3 CECs  |  3 sessions = 0.4 CECs  |  4 sessions = 0.6 CECs

Great Lakes Water Workforce Wins Series Calendar:

• Session 1 | August 5, 2025 | Staying Afloat – Retaining a Motivated and Knowledgeable Workforce | Register Here
• Session 2 | August 7, 2025 | Pipe Dreams – Succession Planning for the Future of Your Utility | Register Here
• Session 3 | August 12, 2025 | Tapping into Talent – Recruitment & Messaging to Attract New Personnel | Register Here
• Session 4 | August 14, 2025 | Turning the Tide – Convincing Leadership to Support Your Workforce Goals | Register Here

Who Should Attend:

• Managers, owners, and operators of water systems serving less than 10,000 people, or wastewater systems with an average daily flow of less than 1 million gallons
• Decision-makers for water and wastewater utilities, including mayors, finance officers, utility managers, public works directors, city councilors, board members, tribal council members, and clerks
• Consultants and technical assistance providers serving water and wastewater systems

Partner: