Forward, Together Town Hall Introduces New Plan

The October 11 Town Hall roll-out of SWANA’s new Forward, Together Strategic Plan drew positive reviews for both format and content from many of the nearly 200 people who joined the session. It was a reaction shared by the presenters.

“I was delighted to be a part of SWANA’s first ever Town Hall meeting,” said SWANA President Tim Flanagan. “The response was great and I believe this could become a regular avenue for continued outreach and education with our membership.”

In addition to Flanagan, other speakers during the Town Hall were:

• SWANA ED/CEO David Biderman
• SWANA Secretary Elizabeth Roe, President of EcoPartners, Inc.
• President of the SWANA Pacific Chapter (BC & the Yukon Territories) Karen Storry, Senior Engineer, Metro Vancouver

"SWANA members came to this Town Hall ready to ask questions, indicating a great deal of engagement with the Plan's specifics,” Roe said.

The Forward, Together Strategic Plan identifies four goals to focus SWANA’s work from 2023 to 2027:

• Goal 1: Get off the Top 10 list of most dangerous jobs
• Goal 2: Become climate champions
• Goal 3: Reframe perception of industry as employers of choice
• Goal 4: Continue to strengthen SWANA’s infrastructure and financial viability

Each goal also included a number of more defined objectives and strategies, many of which were discussed during the Town Hall.

This is the first time SWANA has shared a new Strategic Plan with all members and the public. The presenters emphasized that three of the four goals are focused on addressing member and industry needs, which requires involvement and a shared commitment from everybody to move Forward, Together.

“I look forward to discussing the Strategic Plan at WASTECON with SWANA members,” Biderman said.