As I sat down to work on this 4th quarter newsletter, with Thanksgiving having just passed, I found myself compelled to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the valued clients who placed their trust in our professional services. At WGI, we understand that our clients' success is paramount for us to achieve our own business goals, and we are genuinely thankful for the strong relationships we've built.
I must also take this moment to acknowledge the unwavering commitment and remarkable contributions of each dedicated WGI associate. Every day, they come to work armed with their unique talents, ready to further the successes of our clients. Together, our clients and associates are overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities to make our world a better place.
As this marks my final message for 2023, I cannot help but be mindful of the myriad challenges facing our country and the world today. Whether it's the consequences of monetary inflation, the strains caused by political divisions, threats stemming from weather events, or the somber reality of international conflicts and wars, we are living through a time fraught with very real challenges extending beyond our realm of professional services. Nonetheless, these challenges impact our business in profound ways.
On October 9, 2023, WGI proudly hosted its 9th Annual Thought Leaders Breakfast at the Palm Beach Convention Center in West Palm Beach. More than 100 attendees from across the state gathered to network and engage in this year's highly anticipated (and timely!) theme: City Adaptability. Adaptability has proven to be a pivotal factor in shaping the future of our cities and communities. In our ever-evolving world, cities stand at the forefront of change and new opportunities.
As part of our Thought Leaders Breakfast, WGI unveiled our innovative proprietary City Adaptability Index, developed in partnership with Columbia University's Global Leaders in Construction Management (GLCM). This self-assessment tool offers cities, whether large or small, a unique opportunity to gauge their adaptability, ensuring they remain resilient and agile in the face of the aforementioned challenges and opportunities. Our efforts in redefining urban landscapes garnered global attention, with notable features in the World Economic Forum, the Global Infrastructure HUB (a G20 Initiative), and the IBM Center for the Business of Government.
Every day, our clients are tasked with making critical decisions in the allocation of their human and financial resources. We take immense pride and honor in assisting them as trusted partners. For instance, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Streamline Technologies, is actively collaborating with government agencies. Streamline provides our groundbreaking software solution for real-time flood forecasting, covering vast geographical areas -- and millions of homeowners and businesses. This advancement enables us to predict evacuations, strategically deploy emergency response teams and implement necessary protective measures days before severe weather events. It's just one of the many ways WGI is crafting solutions and empowering our clients to navigate the evolving opportunities and challenges of our world.
With the recent success of Streamline and the exciting prospects on the horizon, we were delighted to welcome Todd Polk to our team as WGI's new Director of Federal/Water Management Business Development in October 2023. Todd, with a distinguished 24-year career, retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the US Army, where he most recently served as the Deputy Commander of the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Jacksonville District. Todd's addition to the WGI strategy team strengthens our federal and state water management business development efforts and positions our company as a standout among national design and professional services firms across the country. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Todd as he joins the WGI team.
Personally, and on behalf of all our WGI associates, we approach the future with optimism and excitement for what 2024 and beyond hold. While we will undoubtedly continue to navigate a period of challenges and opportunities for our business, our communities, our nation, and our world, we are steadfastly prepared to meet these challenges head-on.
From our WGI family to yours, we extend our warm wishes for a joyful
and safe holiday season, along with our sincerest hopes for a prosperous and successful 2024 ahead.
- David Wantman, PE
- Chief Executive Officer, WGI
