December 8th - 10th 2024
Westin Hotel & Resorts, Buffalo, NY
Join us in Buffalo, NY for the FLOW Up Summit, an exclusive conference for Upstate New York’s local government leaders, public health professionals, and water service providers. Together, we will tackle the critical challenge of removing lead from our water systems and fostering a healthier, more equitable future for our communities.
Connect with a coalition of passionate experts dedicated to developing policy suggestions and strategies that direct more NYS funding upstate, helping cities implement the new EPA Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) lead service line replacement mandates.
The FLOW UP Summit will also gather experts who can share insight on building inclusive workforce strategies and equitable subcontractor opportunities that uplift our region’s underrepresented communities.
FLOW Up Summit: Fighting Lead Out of Water
Join us in Buffalo for the FLOW Up Summit, an exclusive conference for Upstate New York government leaders, public health professionals, and water service providers. Together, we will tackle the critical challenge of removing lead from our water systems and fostering a healthier, more equitable future for our communities.
At the FLOW Up Summit, you’ll connect with a coalition of passionate experts dedicated to building inclusive workforce strategies and equitable subcontractor opportunities that uplift our region’s underrepresented communities. Together, we’ll create pathways for residents to thrive in the water quality industry—ensuring that the people most affected by water inequities are part of the solution.
The FLOW UP Summit will feature:
Complimentary registration
with guests only responsible for hotel and travel accommodations
Expert-led workshops and panel discussions
focusing on policy development and public health solutions
Networking opportunities
with distinguished professionals across various sectors
Complimentary breakfast, lunch, and dinner
featuring regional specialties
A gameday adventure:
Tickets to a Buffalo Sabres Game at the KeyBank Arena— a treat for out-of-town guests, courtesy of the Buffalo Sabres.
Key topics include:
Strategies for funding lead service line replacement in Upstate New York
Expanding equitable water workforce opportunities across the region
Innovative policies that address water justice and public health in our most vulnerable communities
Register today to be part of the solution!
Click the image below to see the full Summit brochure
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
OLUWOLE A. "OJ " MCFOY
Buffalo Water Board Chairman
General Manager, Buffalo Sewer Authority, Buffalo NY.
RICHARD DIAZ
Regional Field Manager for Water Infrastructure at the BlueGreen Alliance
APRIL N.M. BASKIN
Chair, Erie County Legislature
NYS Senate-elect, 63 District
Speakers
PORSHA PARSON
Ari Parson PR
Rev. George Nicholas
Buffalo Center for Health Equity
Stephen Waldvogel
GHD
Anna Falicov, JD, MPH
Buffalo and Erie County Lead Safe Task Force
Marc Hennig
Beyond Support Network – Lead 716
Erica Johnson
Environmental Policy Innovation Center
Darren Saxon
City of Buffalo
Franchelle Parker
Open Buffalo
Leah Bartlo
Community Health Equity Research Institute
Jill Witkowski Heaps
Heaps Surfrider Foundation
Christine Demetria Wingo
GHD
Kim Diana Connolly
University at Buffalo School of Law
Deja Middlebrook JD, LMSW
City of Buffalo
Kelly Marie Wofford
Health Equity – Erie County Dept. of Health
Rich Evans
UA Plumbers & Steamfitters Local #22
Hotel Accomodations
- 250 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202
- December 8th - 10th 2024
- 716-456-7890
2024 FLOW UP SUMMIT AGENDA
3:00 pm - 5:30 pm Registration
6:00pm-8:00pm Opening Night Dinner Welcome
Keynote: “Turning Federal Cents into Sense” April Baskin, Chairwoman, Erie County Legislature
8:00am Breakfast
9:00am-9:45 Presentation
10:00am-11:30 am Fire Side Chat
“At First Glance: Predicting local impact of new EPA Law” and “Emerging Policies Around Lead”
Moderator: Christine Demetria Wingo, Technical Engagement Specialist, GHD
- Dr. Kim Diana Connolly, Professor; Vice Dean for Innovation, Interdisciplinarity and Community Impact Research
- Dr. Erica Galante-Johnson, Senior Analyst, Lead Service Line Replacement at Environmental Policy Innovation Center (EPIC)
- Anna Falicov Esq., Lead Policy Analyst
- Leah Bartlo, PhD Candidate, University at Buffalo
- Jill Witkowski Heaps, Senior Legal Director at Surfrider Foundation
11:30am- 12:00 Break
12:00pm Lunch: Keynote: Richard Diaz, Regional Field Manager
Water Infrastructure at the BlueGreen Alliance
1:00pm-1:45 Panel Discussion
“Engaging & Marketing Environmental Health in Marginalized Communities”
Moderator: Rev. George Nicholas, Buffalo Center for Health Equity, Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church
Panelists:
- Porsha Parson, Principal Ari Parson PR
- Kelly Wofford, Director of Health Equity Erie County DOH
- Franchelle Parker, Executive Director, Open Buffalo
- Marc Henning,Deputy Executive Director, Beyond Support Network/Lead 716
2:00pm-2:45 Panel Discussion
“Building a Recruitment Pipeline for New Workers & New Subcontractor Inclusion”
Moderator: Oluwole ‘OJ’ McFoy
Panelists:
- Deja Middlebrooks, JD, LMSW, MWBE Inclusionary Compliance Specialist City of Buffalo
- Darrin Saxon, Chief Diversity Officer, City of Buffalo
- Rich Evans, UA Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 22
3:00pm-3:15 pm Session Break #2
3:15pm-4:15 pm Part 1: Road Map Home Small Group Brainstorm & Presentation
Moderator: Stephen Waldvogel
The attendees will brainstorm around Summit subjects that include: (1) technical understanding of the rule (LCRR), (2) the community impact of rule, (3) what lead policies to consider for my community, (4) how can my community be further engaged and educated about lead, and (5) what are the inclusion opportunities for subcontractors in my area.
4:15 pm-5:00 pm Part 2: Road Map Home Small Group Brainstorm & Presentation
Moderator: Christine Demetria Wingo
Using a sample FLOW UP Summit water workforce example, attendees will partner up with attendees from the same hometown in small groups. Groups will customize a collective draft plan of action for LSL replacement inclusionary practices for their hometown. Small groups will present their draft action plan FLOW UP attendees during open dialogue presentation session.
6:00 pm Dinner at The 1970 Club inside of the KeyBank Center – 1st Shuttle (meet in The Westin Lobby)
A complimentary dinner buffet will be provided at 6:00 pm. Shuttle capacity seating is 10. The 1970 Club is located on the 100 level of the arena. Upon entering the arena, take the escalators on the right hand side to 100 level and the entrance to 1970 Club is just ahead, next to the Coca-Cola concession stand.
6:30 pm Sabres Game – 2nd Shuttle (meet in The Westin Lobby)
A complimentary dinner buffet will be provided at 6:00 pm. Shuttle capacity seating is 10. This option is available until 15 minutes before the game. The 1970 Club is located on the 100 level of the arena. Upon entering the arena, take the escalators on the right hand side to 100 level and the entrance to 1970 Club is just ahead, next to the Coca-Cola concession stand.
7:00 Sabres Game KeyBank Center – Downtown Buffalo
The game will be in the KeyBank Center in downtown Buffalo. At intermission, FLOW UP SUMMIT attendees can go The 1970 Club for more complimentary refreshments.
Transportation after the GAME - Return from KeyBank Center – Downtown Buffalo Westin The Westin will provide additional shuttle service from the game for the Hotel guests.
Thank you to our Sponsors:
