LEADERSHIP
SUMMIT
2013
Inaugural
Photo Credit:
Danny Sloan (D.S.),
Iredell Water Corporation
D.S.
D.S.
R
isk. It always exists when you undertake
a new initiative or program. It is not only
the financial risk that is always a concern
but more importantly, the risk of your
reputation. When we at NCRWA first began
discussions about a premier leadership event
in NC for the upper management and boards
of systems, there were many concerns that
surfaced; however, one question continually
rose to the top of our concerns: Will the
attendees find value in this type of event?
We knew that if we could create an event that
would answer that question affirmatively,
the rest would fall into place.
Judging by the feedback of attendees,
speakers, and sponsors, the Inaugural
NCRWA Leadership Summit hit the ball out
of the park. With the luxurious backdrop of
the historic Grove Park Inn in Asheville, the
Summit provided top-of-the-line speakers
covering topics specific to our industry that
upper management and system leaders need
to make effective decisions for the future
of their organizations. Each session was
just as riveting as the one before it, keeping
attendees focused and ready for more. The
speakers were so engaging and the subjects
so pertinent, there was a line of attendees
behind every speaker that walked out of the
meeting room, asking follow-up questions
and offering sincere words of gratitude for
sharing their knowledge.
The event also featured several networking
meals, but the most memorable was the
remarkable Sunset on the Terrace reception
and dinner, offering attendees a beautiful
view of the mountains as well as a chance
to unwind with new friends. Following
dinner, the evening continued into more
socializing as folks explored the Grove
Park Inn: some went searching for the ghost
of the Lady in Pink, some relaxed in the
lounge, and others sang along to dueling
pianos, creating memories and building
long-lasting professional relationships.
In the end, attendees not only found value,
but many have told us that this was one of
the best events they have attended in their
career. Most have boasted the relevance of
the topics and the level of the presenters as
the cornerstone of the event, with the venue
– as amazing as it was – as just an added
perk. The buzz has already begun on a 2014
NCRWA Leadership Summit, and location
and dates will be announced early next year.
We would like to thank QS/1 and Southern
Corrosion, not just for their Summit
sponsorship, but for their continued support
of NCRWA and all that we entail.
By Amy Everett, NCRWA
