2024 UTILITY SAFETY SUMMIT copy

Renewable Water Resources (ReWa) invites the Upstate’s water utilities to join us for a Utility Safety Summit. The day’s discussions will benefit those working throughout the water industry as we emphasize how a commitment to safety is a responsibility shared by everyone within our companies.

Michael Gates, Environmental Health and Safety Manager - ReWa

Michael has worked in environmental health and safety for nearly 20 years. His experience includes roles in manufacturing, the automotive industry, distribution centers and government. Michael has expertise in developing safety programs, reducing injuries, environmental compliance, hazardous materials management, risk assessments and job hazard analysis.

Charles Rogers, Safety Specialist - ReWa

Charles has 10 years of experience in environmental health and safety while working in manufacturing and the utility sector. His expertise is in ergonomics, machine guarding, robotics safety, powered industrial vehicles, confined space, working at heights, contractor safety and construction safety.

Keith Blackwell, Senior Client Lead - Milliken

Keith has been with Milliken & Company since joining the company in 1993 as a Process Improvement engineer at the Peerless Plant in Belton, South Carolina. He has worked in a variety of leadership roles and won the TPM Excellence Award in 2000 at the Golden Valley facility, NC. Keith joined Performance Solutions by Milliken in 2014 as a Practitioner, and he has since delivered con-siderable success and sustained culture change with clients in various sectors including medical devices, food & beverage and pack-aging industries.

Since 2019 Keith has been Global Client Leader of one of our largest clients supporting Senior leadership in the delivery of outstanding ROI across regions, divisions, cultures and disciplines, helping to break down organizational silos while overseeing a large Global practitioner team. He is pragmatic, hands-on and expert in facilitating cross-functional team performance within the steering of large improvement programs.

Joel Jones, Chief Executive Officer - ReWa

Joel has more than 30 years of experience in the water industry, and he plays a critical role in supporting the Upstate’s future while protecting the environment. ReWa is a regional wastewater treatment and collection utility that serves more than 500,000 residents.

Rebecca West, Chief Operating Officer - ReWa

Rebecca is a respected water industry leader with more than 35 years of experience on the international, national, state, regional and local levels after beginning her career at ReWa. She served as an officer on the board of the Water Environment Federation (WEF) before becoming its president in 2009. WEF is a technical and educational organization that represents water professionals around the world. West was also named delegation leader of Water Quality Professionals to South Africa.

Hilton Greenville 

45 West Orchard Park Drive, Greenville, South Carolina, 29615 

Courtyard by Marriott Greenville 

70 Orchard Park Drive, Greenville, South Carolina, USA, 29615 

Greenville is a vibrant city nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, known for its thriving downtown, picturesque parks, and dynamic cultural scene. With a mix of Southern charm and modern amenities, the city offers an array of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of Falls Park on the Reedy, explore the rich arts community, or savor local cuisine at award-winning restaurants. 

Soby's New South Cuisine

Offering a menu of southern-inspired cuisine with a focus on locally-grown, seasonal ingredients, Soby’s puts a modern twist on classic regional dishes and presents them in a casually elegant ambiance. 

Jianna

Nestled in the heart of downtown Greenville, SC, Jianna exudes the traditions of a modern Italian Osteria with a bustling open kitchen and an unpretentious and approachable style. 

Gather GVL

Greenville’s best outdoor food hall offering 13 local food and beverage options.