Session 3 - Environmental Day - Class of 2023

Our day began as usual, folks arriving at the Chamber between 7:30 and 8:00, grabbing a light snack, a coffee and networking with our new friends (classmates).

We began our day of instruction with a familiar face.  Laura Primavera stepped in for the scheduled instructor.   She did a great job discussing communication disconnects.  We had an interesting mention of the “Golden Rule.”  It was pointed out that not everyone wants to be treated as you would like to be treated.  This led to further discussion about being self-aware and empathetic.  One quote that stood out referenced individuals with dominating personalities and goes something similar to “if you are always lightning and thunder, you will rain on others’ parades.”  We also discussed how we sometimes underappreciate others.  The example given here was the Geico caveman and the company’s ads featuring the motto “it’s so easy a caveman could do it.”  As with the Geico caveman, who turned out to be very intelligent, we often overlook individual strengths before we ever take inventory of them.

Next up on the slate was Natalie.  She discussed our Gallup strength finders.  The key here was being self-aware and understanding your strengths.  She stated that identifying a talent and building on it, results in a strength.  She also suggested that you should build your team with members who have differing strength than you.  This would help to build a diverse, adaptive team.   We sat with our WOW teams and discussed our strengths that were identified by Gallup.  It was very interesting that two people with the same strength had a different Gallup narrative.  It was a fun exercise to talk about our strengths and what triggers us.  It was also amazing how accurate the Gallop reports were.

Hoop Morgan followed.  He spoke about communication intelligence and communication styles.  The need to adapt communication styles to balance individual’s perceptions was a point in his presentation.  To read more about CI, you can check out Hoop’s new book, Communication Intelligence.

After a quick carpool to cut down on carbon emissions, we all met back up at the Wilmington Arboretum.  Our first speaker was Lloyd Singleton, director of the Arboretum.  Lloyd has an extensive background in horticulture and is very passionate about the subject.  He told us about a plethora of programs the Arboretum has that are designed to foster community involvement and inclusiveness.  He then took us on a tour of the Arboretum and told us about upcoming displays and additions.  If you would like to have a master gardener come to your home to help with planning and selecting the correct plants, contact the arboretum.  The cost is just $25.  They also offer soil tests so you can use the correct fertilizers on your property.  By the way, there is no fee to tour the Aboretum.

Following Lloyd, was Riley Alber, founder of Wilmington Compost Company.  Riley’s company finds alternative uses for discarded organic material.  This reduces waste to the landfill, increases the health of plants and soil and saves tax payer dollars.  One stat he presented is 60-70% of items that are currently going to the landfill are compostable.  Using these items appropriately, will also extend the life of the landfill, which is becoming dangerously short.  Riley’s company also offers education for individuals and groups on how to begin composting on your own.  Additionally, you may elect to have Wilmington Compost Company pickup compostable items from your home.  Of course, you can purchase compost for your hungry plants from them too.

Our next presenters were Jennifer Adams, global environmental leader for Corning and Beth Eckert, deputy executive director, CFPUA.  Jennifer discussed laws dealing with chemical disposal by manufacturers.  These laws include the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Toxic Substances Control Act, and various other acts and plans by the EPA and OSHA.  One of the most important points of her presentation is there is a public participation step in developing these laws.  During this step, we can submit our comments and concerns.  We should be vigilant about protecting our environment for “we do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children,” (Native American proverb).

Beth described the immense network CFPUA has in Wilmington.  There are more than 1,000 miles of sewer and more than 1,100 miles of water mains in the network.  The system serves about 200,000 people and produces about 51,000,000 gallons of drinking water per day.  About 80% of this drinking water comes from the Cape Fear River.

After another quick carpool, we arrived to the Northside wastewater treatment plant.  We were greeted by Kenneth Waldrop.  There was no noticeable aroma as Kenneth Waldrop talked to us.  That was the calm before the storm.  A very knowledgeable, Tristan, gave us a tour.  He took us to the top of a control building where the wastewater first comes to the plant.  Yep, there is the aroma!  It is about what you would expect from a wastewater treatment plant… poo!  It was interesting to listen to the process of removing all the solids and toxins from the water before it is ultimately released back into the river.  Hey, remember where 80% of our drinking water comes from?

We ended the day of instruction with a boat ride on the river.  Wilmington Water Tours gave us a great one-hour tour, with several interesting historical stories.  These stories included the Revolutionary War, the arrival of the USS North Carolina, the many steam vessels wrecked on the west side of the river and many others.

Finally, several members of the class decided to support Dram and Draught, a Chamber member that supports after-hour networking.  By the way, we learned Draught is pronounced “draft.”  The networking aspect of the Leadership Wilmington program is a very valuable piece of the curriculum.  I believe we all look forward to spending time together each month.  Looking forward to Health and Human Services day next month…