Reflections on the SMPS Pacific Region Conference 2025

From January 29th to 31st, the SMPS Pacific Region Conference brought together marketing and business development professionals from across the A/E/C (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry for three days of learning, networking, and inspiration. Held in a vibrant setting at the Riviera Resort, the conference featured a diverse lineup of sessions and speakers aimed at equipping professionals with the tools and strategies needed to thrive in an ever-evolving industry.

A Deep Dive into the Business Development Track

This year’s conference offered a range of session tracks, including Marketing Leadership, Client Experience, and Business Development. My focus was on the Business Development track, which provided valuable insights into relationship-building, positioning strategies, and the evolving role of business development professionals in securing long-term growth. Some standout sessions included:

· Strategic Positioning for Winning Work – A deep dive into crafting targeted strategies that align with client needs and market trends.

· Leveraging AI for Business Development – Exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping client interactions and pursuit strategies.

· Mastering the Art of Relationship Building – Insights from industry leaders on fostering meaningful and lasting connections with clients and partners.

Each session provided actionable takeaways, reinforcing the importance of strategic planning and adaptability in business development efforts.

Inspiring Keynote Speakers

The conference featured 3 dynamic keynote speakers (Shannon Miller, Damian Morris, Pete Smith) who set the tone for each day with thought-provoking discussions and industry insights. While the others focused on leadership and resilience, providing invaluable lessons on navigating challenges and fostering a culture of innovation within organizations, one of the most impactful keynotes for me was by Damian Morris who delivered a compelling keynote titled "From Why to Wow: Shaping Your Future with Courageous Curiosity." Damian emphasized the transformative power of asking meaningful questions to drive personal and professional growth. He highlighted how curiosity can challenge the status quo, fuel innovation, and open doors to greater opportunities.

Networking and Building Meaningful Connections

Beyond the sessions and keynotes, the SMPS Pacific Region Conference provided ample opportunities for networking. From structured meet-and-greet sessions to informal gatherings, attendees had the chance to connect with peers, industry leaders, and potential collaborators. Whether over coffee breaks or evening receptions, the conversations were insightful and energizing, reinforcing the value of professional relationships in driving business success.

Final Thoughts

For me, the SMPS Pacific Region Conference was an invaluable experience that provided me with fresh perspectives, innovative strategies, and meaningful connections. The focus on business development deepened my understanding of industry trends and equipped me with new approaches to enhance client engagement and growth. As I return to my daily work, I look forward to implementing these insights and continuing to build strong, strategic relationships in the A/E/C space.

For those considering attending in the future, I highly recommend it—whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, expand your network, or gain inspiration from industry thought leaders, this conference delivers on all fronts.

North Coast Resource Partnership Climate Resilience Summit: A Gathering for Water and Wildfire Solutions

FlowWest had the privilege of attending the North Coast Resource Partnership (NCRP) Climate Resilience Summit at Graton Resort and Casino, an event that brought together tribal leaders, county officials, and environmental experts to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing the region—water security and wildfire resilience.

A Collaborative Approach to Climate Resilience

The North Coast region is no stranger to the impacts of climate change. Intensifying wildfires, prolonged droughts, and shifting hydrological patterns pose serious threats to local ecosystems and communities. The NCRP Summit provided a vital platform for leaders and experts to share knowledge, develop strategies, and reinforce partnerships aimed at enhancing resilience across the region.

Key discussions centered around:

●       Tribal Leadership in Climate Adaptation: Tribal leaders shared traditional ecological knowledge and innovative approaches to water management and wildfire mitigation, emphasizing the importance of Indigenous-led stewardship in climate resilience efforts.

●       Water Sustainability Strategies: With increasing stress on water resources, experts highlighted the need for integrated watershed management, improved infrastructure, and collaborative governance to ensure long-term water security.

●       Wildfire Preparedness and Response: County officials and fire management professionals examined proactive measures, including controlled burns, vegetation management, and community-based fire resilience initiatives.

FlowWest’s Role in Regional Resilience

Anthony Falzone (Principal Geomorphologist) and Badhia Yunes Katz (Data Scientist) represented FlowWest, and one of the key highlights was seeing the impact of our work in action—FlowWest had the privilege of providing technical assistance to Redwood Valley Rancheria in securing funding for a fuels reduction project through the North Coast Resource Partnership Cal Fire Forest Health Pilot Implementation Project. This funding will play a crucial role in reducing wildfire risk and enhancing forest health in the region.

The event reinforced how partnerships and Indigenous leadership—such as the use of cultural burning practices—are key to building long-term climate resilience. We are grateful to be part of these efforts and look forward to continuing our work in support of sustainable land and water management.

As a firm deeply engaged in environmental planning and water resource management, FlowWest is committed to supporting data-driven solutions that enhance climate resilience. Our team was inspired by the wealth of expertise shared at the summit and the collaborative spirit that underscored each conversation. Moving forward, we look forward to contributing to regional efforts by leveraging cutting-edge modeling, ecological restoration strategies, and community-driven planning.

Looking Ahead

The NCRP Climate Resilience Summit was a testament to the power of collective action in addressing complex environmental challenges. By fostering collaboration among tribal nations, local governments, and technical experts, the region is taking crucial steps toward a more sustainable and resilient future. FlowWest is proud to be part of this ongoing dialogue and remains committed to supporting meaningful solutions for the North Coast.

A huge thank you to the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria for sponsoring and hosting the event, the North Coast Resource Partnership for organizing this important gathering, and all the tribes, agencies, and stakeholders driving real change for our communities and ecosystems.

Reviving Urban Waterways: The Courtland Creek Restoration Project

Urban waterways often face a variety of challenges, from erosion to habitat degradation. The Courtland Creek Restoration Project, led by FlowWest in partnership with the City of Oakland, exemplifies how science-driven restoration and community engagement can breathe life back into urban ecosystems.

Addressing Critical Issues

Courtland Creek, flowing through suburban Oakland, faced numerous environmental and social challenges. Over-steepened, eroding banks, vegetation overgrowth, and invasive species plagued the creek, along with issues like trash accumulation and limited public access. Recognizing the creek’s untapped potential as a vibrant urban resource, the project sought to address these challenges head-on.

A Collaborative Restoration Effort

Starting in 2019, FlowWest embarked on a comprehensive restoration initiative to:

• Design Solutions: Restoration designs focused on increasing flood capacity through the creation of terraces, which stabilize banks and reduce water velocities.

• Improve Public Access: The project included significant efforts to engage the local community, ensuring the redesigned creek met the needs of residents in this underserved neighborhood.

• Enhance Ecosystems: Replacing decades-old eucalyptus trees with native species has fostered a healthier tree canopy, creating habitats for birds and other wildlife.

• Streamline Permitting: Collaborating with agencies like California’s Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Regional Water Quality Control Board, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, FlowWest navigated the permitting process to prepare for construction.

Securing Resources for Change

A key highlight of the project was FlowWest’s success in securing approximately $1.7 million in state and federal funding. This was achieved by identifying suitable grant opportunities and crafting compelling proposals. These funds ensured that the restoration could be both ambitious and effective.

The Results

Construction, completed between 2023 and 2024, has transformed the creek into a safer, more accessible, and ecologically balanced space. The community now enjoys a revitalized waterway, where flood resilience and environmental sustainability coexist harmoniously.

This restoration exemplifies how thoughtful design, public engagement, and funding partnerships can restore the health of urban ecosystems while benefiting the communities they serve.

Restoring Vital Habitat for Central Valley Spring Run Chinook Salmon: The Butte Creek Project

Butte Creek, nestled in California's Central Valley, is one of only three streams that host the imperiled Central Valley Spring Run Chinook Salmon. These federally and state-threatened salmon depend on Butte Creek’s cool, deep high-elevation pools for survival. Yet, their habitat faces increasing threats, including limited floodplain access, wildfire damage from events like the Camp and Dixie Fires, and infrastructure vulnerabilities such as the aging Butte Canal.

A History of Habitat Alteration
The history of gold dredging and gravel mining has left a lasting mark on Butte Creek's floodplain. These activities have resulted in the isolation of floodplains from the active channel, loss of native vegetation, large swaths of standing water, and a simplified channel form—all of which diminish the habitat’s ecological value. Before these modifications, Butte Creek’s floodplain was a vital environment for the Spring Run Chinook Salmon, offering abundant space and resources for spawning and rearing.

Innovative Solutions for Habitat Restoration
FlowWest, a leader in ecological engineering, is spearheading efforts to restore the Butte Creek ecosystem and enhance its capacity to support salmon populations. By late 2025, FlowWest aims to deliver finalized designs that will transform this vital habitat.

Key components of the restoration plan include:

1. Floodplain Connectivity: Using integrated modeling and engineering processes, FlowWest will determine optimal excavation depths, widths, and grading plans to reconnect the floodplain with active channels. This will improve hydraulic connectivity and increase the acreage of usable salmon habitat.

2. Comprehensive Design Documentation: Grading plans and construction specifications will support environmental compliance, cost estimation, and implementation strategies.

3. Strategic Revegetation: Post-construction, the project will involve planting woody species like cottonwood and willows and applying native seed mixes to stabilize soil, prevent erosion, and enhance ecosystem health. These plantings will also create protective cover and temperature-regulating benefits for juvenile salmon.

4. On-Site Engineering Oversight: Field engineers will ensure that construction aligns with the ecological and design goals, translating plans into tangible benefits for the salmon population.

Progress and Next Steps
The project is currently at the conceptual design stage, with FlowWest planning to complete detailed engineering and restoration designs by the end of 2025. Fieldwork has already begun, including bathymetry surveys led by experts like Skyler Lewis, whose data will inform future design iterations.

The Butte Creek Project is a testament to the power of innovative engineering and collaboration to restore vital habitats and protect species on the brink. By reconnecting the creek’s floodplain and fostering a thriving ecosystem, FlowWest is not only preserving the iconic Spring Run Chinook Salmon but also strengthening the resilience of Butte Creek for generations to come.

Stay tuned for updates as this transformative project progresses toward completion!

Another Successful Retreat on the Books!

FlowWest recently hosted its much-anticipated annual retreat at the beautiful Wildhaven Sonoma, creating a perfect blend of relaxation, wine tasting, team bonding, and outdoor adventure. Nestled in the heart of Sonoma County, Wildhaven provided the perfect backdrop for the event, with its serene atmosphere and luxury glamping accommodations.

The highlight of the retreat was a full day spent on the waters of Lake Sonoma, where the team enjoyed an array of exciting activities. FlowWest went all out, renting a boat and offering thrilling rides on jet skis. For those who preferred a slower pace, there were plenty of opportunities to get closer to nature with paddleboarding and kayaking—ideal for soaking in the peaceful surroundings and scenic views of the lake.

Of course, no retreat would be complete without delicious food! The team refueled with snacks and sandwiches from Costeau’s Bakery, making the perfect lakeside picnic. The combination of adventure, smores, winetasting, team bonding, and great food made this year’s retreat a memorable success. FlowWest’s annual retreat continues to be an incredible opportunity for the team to recharge, connect, and create lasting memories over the three days.

FlowWest to Present at 2024 E2i Meeting: Empowering Watershed Resilience

FlowWest is excited to announce that Data Scientist Inigo Peng has been accepted to attend the 2024 Environmental Information and Innovation (E2i) Meeting, hosted by the Environmental Protection Agency from September 17th to 19th in Kansas City, Missouri.

Inigo will be presenting “Empowering Watershed Resilience: Integrating Data, Software, and Policy for Clear Lake Water Quality Management”, alongside FlowWest’s client, the Big Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians. Their presentation will showcase the innovative tools developed to streamline the WQX data upload process, enhancing Clear Lake's water quality management.

Inigo will be presenting “Empowering Watershed Resilience: Integrating Data, Software, and Policy for Clear Lake Water Quality Management”, alongside FlowWest’s client, the Big Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians. Their presentation will showcase the innovative tools developed to streamline the WQX data upload process, enhancing Clear Lake's water quality management.

Water Quality Data Mastery

In addition to discussing data management, technology modernization, and program innovation, the conference offers excellent networking opportunities. If you're attending, we invite you to connect with Inigo Peng during the event to exchange ideas on environmental data management and explore opportunities for collaboration.

The E2i Meeting is a premier event for environmental professionals from federal, state, tribal, territorial, and local agencies. It brings together agency managers, program experts, and IT professionals, with a focus on building more modern and effective approaches to environmental protection.

Don’t miss this chance to engage with FlowWest at E2i and learn more about how our data services can support your organization’s environmental initiatives!

Happy National Pet Day from FlowWest!

Happy National Pet Day! As a firm that specializes in aquatic resource management, fish like chinook salmon, clear lake hitch, and steelhead are top of mind for us. But that isn’t the only kind of animal we cherish. FlowWest employees tend to be big animal lovers in general and have many furry, scaled, or feathered companions. These pets are often seen peeking into company Zoom meetings, or their barks are heard when the mail comes for the day. Today and every day our steadfast companions in life deserve a special shoutout! Enjoy the compilation of staff photos!

PS- Did you spot the emu? 👀