RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 18, 2025
Title
RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners welcoming the Water Environment Federation to Chicago for the 98th Annual Technical Exhibition and Conference
Body
WHEREAS, the Water Environment Federation (WEF), founded in 1928, is a not-for-profit technical and educational organization with 30,000 individual members and 75 affiliated member associations representing water quality professionals throughout the world, including scientists, engineers, regulators, academics, utility managers, plant operators, and other professionals. WEF uses this collective knowledge to further a shared goal of protecting public health and the environment, and improving water quality around the world; and
WHEREAS, Chicago has been chosen to host the Water Environment Federation’s 98th Annual Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC) from September 27th through October 1st at McCormick Place, with Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (District) Board of Commissioners President Kari K. Steele to give opening remarks at the Opening General Session, and multiple staff and Commissioners giving speeches and participating in roundtable discussions. Additionally, Managing Civil Engineer Louis Storino will be named as a WEF Fellow, recognizing his outstanding achievement and enduring contribution to public health and the environment; and
WHEREAS, WEFTEC is the largest conference of its kind in North America offering water quality professionals from around the world the best water quality education and training available. Recognized as the largest annual water quality exhibition in the world, WEFTEC offers an expansive show floor and unparalleled access to the most cutting edge technologies from across the world, including pavilions from Canada, Germany, Switzerland, South Korea, China, Taiwan, the Netherlands, and Denmark on the exhibition floor. For the first time, the District will have a booth on the exhibition floor to showcase its innovations, connect with global water professionals, and attract job candidates; and
WHEREAS, attendees will have the opportunity to learn from peers, attend workshops, technical sessions, and facility tours, earn continuing education units and professional development hours, network with some of the world’s leading water and wastewater professionals, and view the latest cutting edge technologies; and
WHEREAS, the District will help facilitate the WaterPalooza educational fair hosted at Ida B. Wells Preparatory Elementary School, 249 E. 37th St., Chicago, on September 26th, to engage elementary and middle school students in interactive activities highlighting the value of water; and
WHEREAS, in partnership with Collective Learning Lab, Chicago Public Schools, Chicago Department of Water Management and GreenPrint Partners, WEF volunteers will construct a rain garden at Aldridge Elementary School, 630 E. 131st St., Chicago, on September 27th, further supporting environmental learning and community enrichment as part of WEFTEC’s broader outreach to educate the host community and inspire the next generation of water stewards; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, on behalf of ourselves and our staff, do hereby welcome the Water Environment Federation and its members to Chicago for this event; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.
Dated: September 18, 2025