President’s Message
Just as state and local businesses continue to evolve, moving further and further away from the pandemic, the Chapter is looking to continue to evolve and provide more opportunities and connections for its members and supporters. The Chapter leaders met in Sturgeon Bay on a Sunday in February and worked on updating the Chapter’s strategic plan and priorities (you can read more about that in the April 2023 edition of the Chapter newsletter on page 5).
There were two themes during the meeting that kept coming up for me. First, the Chapter is strong and its strength is in its volunteers and supporters, who take on Chapter leadership, committee work, hosting conferences and events, contributing financially, contributing as technical experts and speakers, and giving their time to others in the public works profession. Second, we always need more volunteers. The Chapter needs members and supporters to give their most valuable resource, time, to keep the Chapter strong.
There are a variety of ways to take a role in the Chapter, whether it be more formally by joining a committee or nominating a project or person for a chapter award, or informally by participating at a conference. The goal is for our Chapter to be made up of public works professionals looking to strike the balance —“get out what you put in.” If you have any interest, I encourage you to take a small step by asking about opportunities and seeing where best you, your staff, or agency could help.
As we move forward in 2023, my time as Chapter president gets shorter and shorter. At the Spring Conference I will prepare to pass the gavel to our next Chapter president. Instead of riding off into the sunset, I want to double down on my commitment and look forward to continuing to work with the great group of Chapter leaders and committees.
Thank you to all who have made this a joyful and successful experience.-
Here’s to a successful 2023!-
Eric Dundee, President
APWA Wisconsin Chapter and
Director of Wastewater Operations and Reliability,
Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District
Mission Statement
The Wisconsin Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) provides a forum for public works professionals to share their expertise and experiences for the continuing development of public works that add value throughout Wisconsin.