Bring on 2020!

As we look back at the last year, one word keeps coming to mind…GROWTH. The IWRC has been and continues to be in growth mode. Our programs are growing, our staff is growing and I couldn’t be more excited. 2020 is going to be an exceptional year for the IWRC!

The most exciting development in the last 12 months has been the addition of two new staff members, Bret Lang and Grant Helle. Bret brings years of GIS experience and a fresh perspective to the work we do. He has hit the ground running and is going to continue to be a great addition to the IWRC. We’ve also had the pleasure to watch Grant grow from being a student intern (a great one, at that) for the last couple of years to become a trusted colleague upon his graduation. To be honest, that is probably the greatest thing about our organization…being able to watch the students grow to become successful professionals.

As I mentioned above, our programming continues to grow. We are launching a new program in March, thanks to funding from the Iowa Economic Development Authority, to work with rural Iowa businesses on energy efficiency. This two-year project, led by Dan Nickey, is our entry into the world of energy efficiency, which is so critical for a business to have sustained success. It’s going to be fun to see how this program grows and expands over the next year.

Our painter training programs are still going strong. Chris Lampe continues to bring a fresh perspective and unparalleled energy to work every single day. He has helped champion the revival of the Iowa/Illinois chapter of the Chemical Coaters Association while managing to grow our training to the private industry. As we seek federal funding for our STAR4D military painter training, we are continuing to work with private industries across the nation. Look for big things from STAR4D in 2020.

Our food waste reduction efforts are also in great shape. We’re continuing to provide technical assistance, training, and education to organizations across the state while developing a national reputation in the field. In fact, Jenny Trent, who leads our food waste reduction efforts was elected to the United States Composting Council’s Board of Directors.

Our flagship environmental assistance program is still in great shape. We are continuing to provide exceptional assistance with regulatory compliance and waste reduction initiatives. We are always looking for growth areas and under Jen Wittenburg’s leadership, we are going to be launching some new efforts this year….be on the lookout.

The Iowa Green Brewery Certification is still in great shape. Many breweries are going through recertification and seeing all of the new environmental initiatives they have adopted is really special. Rumor has it that you may even see our Green Brewery Certified logo on cans during a certain summer bike ride.

As always, we wouldn’t be where we are today without our clients and partners. We do what we do because of you and we can’t thank you all enough. Please reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns.

Here’s to 2020!!! Let’s kick off the decade right and have the best year ever!

Best regards,

Bolick signature

 

Joe Bolick

Director

Iowa Waste Reduction Center

 

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