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 14, 2025 | Session 4

Description: Even the best workforce plans can stall without leadership support. The last session in our Water Workforce Wins series focuses on how to effectively communicate workforce needs to decision-makers—whether it’s your board, leadership, or elected officials—and how to strengthen your case by leveraging external partnerships. Participants will learn how to reframe workforce priorities in ways that resonate with leadership, craft persuasive pitches, and tailor their messaging using role-specific appeals.

Learning Objectives: 

• Learn how to reframe workforce priorities to improve leadership buy-in 
• Learn how to craft persuasive messages that resonate with boards, executives, or elected officials 
• Identify key partners and external resources to help make the case for workforce investments 
• Share experiences and troubleshoot real challenges with peers in a collaborative setting 

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 and has been approved for 1.0 hour of direct Wastewater continuing education credit by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

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: