12:30 pm – 1:00 pm Registration and networking

1:00 pm  Welcome & Introduction by Mark Tomkins, GACCoM

1:05 pm Welcome to the Water Technology Information Cluster, Alan Vicory, Ohio River Water Sanitation Commission and WTIC

1:10 pm Opportunities in Germany for Water and Energy Efficiency: Political and Legal Framework, Flérida Regueira Cortizo, Germany Trade & Invest

1:30 pm Sustainable Resources; Challenges and Solutions for Water and Energy Stewardship, Rebecca N. Fricke, URS Corporation

1:50 pm   Innovative water technology and its applications in the U.S. and Germany, Chris J. Weibel, GE Power & Water, Water & Process Technologies

2:10 pm – 2:40 pm Coffee Break and Networking

2:40 pm New Efforts in Water Technology Innovation at USEPA Cincinnati; Opportunity for German/U.S. Collaboration, Sally Gutierrez, U.S. EPA

3:00 pm  Analysis of Industrial Pump Systems: How to increase Energy Efficiency, Tony Wuethrich , Shanley Pump and Equipment, Inc. 

3:20 pm Panel Discussion

4:00 pm Conference End

The event agenda is subject to change.  Please check back for agenda and speaker updates

If you have further questions, please contact Corinna Jess, Renewables Consultant, jess(at)gaccom.org | (312) 665-0976

Flérida Regueira Cortizo, GTAI

Flérida Regueira Cortizo is the Senior Manager for Environmental Technologies at Germany Trade and Invest (GTAI), the foreign trade and inward investment agency of the Federal Republic of Germany. Since 2004, Flérida Regueira Cortizo has advised investors interested in establishing a business in Germany. Prior her position at GTAI, she coordinated the business plan process at Skandia AB (Germany). She studied Agronomic Engineering and graduated in Biology in Brazil and in Germany. She completed a "Master of Business Administration“ in Cambridge and in Berlin.

Rebecca N. Fricke, URS Corporation

Ms. Fricke is a Principal Engineer and Vice President for URS Corporation with over 30 years of experience in environmental, health, and safety programs. As the URS Global Manufacturing Business Line Director, she is responsible for coordinating marketing, services, and strategic planning for all URS manufacturing clients on a worldwide basis. Ms. Fricke holds bachelor and master’s degrees in Environmental Engineering from Vanderbilt University and is a Licensed Professional Engineer in North Carolina and in 16 other states. She is also a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager and a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED™) Accredited Professional under the United States Green Building Counsel (USGBC) program.

Sally C. Gutierrez, U.S. EPA

Sally C. Gutierrez is the Director of the Environmental Technology Innovation Cluster Development and Support Program at the U.S. EPA  This new effort seeks to advance environmental protection in tandem with economic development.  Over the past year, she has been instrumental in the formation of the Cincinnati regional Water Technology Innovation Cluster.  Prior to her appointment, she was the Director of the National Risk Management Research Laboratory (NRMRL) in Cincinnati, Ohio.  This Laboratory, with a research staff of 400, conducts engineering and environmental technology research to support the EP. in the development of policy, regulations and guidance to further environmental protection in the U.S.  Mrs. Gutierrez was born and raised in Houston, Texas and received a Master of Science degree from the University of Texas, School of Public Health in Houston. 

Chris Weibel, GE

Chris Weibel is the North American General Manager in the Middle Market for GE Water and Process Technologies.  In this role, Chris is responsible for developing and driving the strategy for the Commercial and Channel Partner Teams in the Middle Market.  These Teams help customers drive cost out by implementing chemical and equipment solutions that improve energy efficiency and recycle/reuse of water.  Prior to this role, Chris has held various Commercial Leadership roles within GE (i.e. Region Manager, District Manager, Area Manager etc.).  Chris has field experience in the following industries; Food & Beverage, Manufacturing, Commercial Institutional, Pharmaceutical, Automotive, Steel, Pulp& Paper, Power, Chemical Process, Hydrocarbon Process.  Chris holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Cincinnati.  

Tony Wuethrich, Shanley Pump and Equipment, Inc.

Tony Wuethrich is a product sales manager at Shanley Pump and Equipment, Inc. located in Arlington Heights, IL. Tony has been with Shanley Pump for 7 years as a product manager for centrifugal pumps. Tony has a Bachelors degree from Lake County College, IL. Shanley Pump is a national pump distributor specializing in importing pumps from Germany for difficult pumping applications. The company is the main U.S. representative of EDUR Pump Systems out of Kiel, Germany.