Erosion and Sediment Control
8/17/2020
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM Central Time
Overview of construction stormwater management directly related to erosion and sediment control. A broad range of topics and case studies will be covered with a detailed focus on protecting Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) and the importance of identifying environmental risks early.
Essentials of Virtual Facilitation and Engagement
9/2/2020
8:00 AM CT - 10:00 AM CT
In any role in our industry, it is imperative that you must be able to engage with an audience, clearly communicate and get your point across. This training session will offer you an opportunity to share and practice the skills required for engaging facilitation regardless of your level of expertise.
GAS 101 - Part 1
8/17/2020
10:15 AM - 12:15 PM Central Time
High-level overview of a utility’s natural gas distribution system; a basic understanding of how the system is constructed, maintained and operated.
Leading a MultiGenerational Workforce
9/1/2020
1:30 pm-3:30 pm (central time)
An informative and practical workshop to build the leader’s ability to lead across generations. With a focus on self-awareness of our own generational mindset and any possible unconscious bias, leaders will learn how to leverage employee strengths across generational lines and how to foster knowledge sharing, information transfer and develop talent.
HDD: Trenchless Crossings Navigating Today’s Regulations and Agency Expectations
8/17/2020
10:15 AM - 12:15 PM
This session focuses on planning, risk identification and mitigation, and construction (including actions in the field during construction that can mitigate risk).
DOT 192 Frontline
8/31/2020
8:00 am - 10:00 am (central time)
Brief overview of 191 reporting and 192 Subparts A, H and N with a more detailed overview of 192 Subparts L & M. This session is designed to give front line employees a basic understanding of the DOT guidelines for natural gas pipelines.
Best Practices and Lessons Learned During a Hurricane Discussion
9/1/2020
1:30 pm - 3:30 pm (central time)
7 Moments That Define Personal Excellence
How long does it take to build excellence? Just moments …defining moments. Defining moments might be positive or negative, but either way, we are never the same after experiencing one. These moments shape the leaders we are and the leaders we will become. The difference between average and excellent can be found in moments... literally. In this broadcast Dr. Lee J. Colan will introduce 4 final defining moments of excellence; Connect, Invest, Change, and Conquer. These final four will build upon the three moments he described in the October 30th CTN Web Conference.
Presenter: Colan, Lee J.
A Funny Economist Delivering Real Insight In Very Challenging Times
Live from the Gas Machinery Conference http://www.gmrc.org/gmc, in Denver, CO Peter Ricchiuti (Ri-Shooty), A Funny Economist, Delivers Real insight in challenging times. Peter is the business school professor you wish you had in college. He teaches courses on the financial markets and his humor and insight have twice made him the school’s top professor.
Contractor PSMS and Quality Management Systems (QMS)
Why Should Operators Engage their Contractors on PSMS and QMS? API RP-1173 (Pipeline Safety Management Systems - PSMS) requires operators to define, document, and measure multiple processes and activities where they use contractors. In many cases, contractors constitute a large percentage of an operator’s workforce and play a big role in ensuring the quality of new pipelines constructed and the identification and mitigation of threats identified during contracted O&M activities. In this session, we will identify and discuss the various reasons why operators should engage their contractors to help ensure the quality and integrity of new pipelines constructed and their ongoing safety. Learning Objectives: Learn why it is important to engage your contractors in your PSMS program Learn how you can involve your contractors in your PSMS program Learn about Quality Management Systems for pipeline construction and why you should embrace it WHO SHOULD ATTEND Natural gas operators, engineers, and contractors |
Instructor Information:
Stephen Allen, Executive Director of Pipeline Safety, Energy Worldnet Mr. Allen oversees EWN’s Pipeline Safety Division and advocates for the adoption of PSMS concepts and approaches across the pipeline industry. Prior to joining EWN in 2018, he was the Director of Pipeline Safety for the state of Indiana where he was responsible for ensuring compliance with pipeline safety regulations for all intrastate operators. He was appointed by the U.S. Secretary of the Department of Transportation in 2016 to PHMSA’s Gas Pipeline Advisory Committee (GPAC) where he served until joining EWN. Mr. Allen holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from Indiana University, a Master of Business Administration from Butler University and is a non-practicing Certified Public Accountant in the state of Indiana. |
Natural Gas Station Design Best Practices
While various natural gas operators have standard ways of designing and constructing gas metering and regulating assets, applying best practices and improvements to standard approaches will increase safety and resiliency in each system. Station Design Best Practices will discuss many design considerations and philosophies that inform many areas of best practices including site layout, launchers & receivers, piping design, filtration, tank storage, metering design, heaters, pressure regulation, piping supports & equipment foundations, odorization and site security. WHO SHOULD ATTEND Natural Gas Operators, Engineers, Project Management, Construction Management, Distribution Operations and Maintenance professionals. |
Instructor Information: James Culbertson, Pipeline Engineer, Burns & McDonnell Mr. Culbertson graduated with B.S. in Engineering from the University of Akron in 2011. He spent 2 years working as an Operations Engineer and 6 years as a Facility Design Engineer with NiSource before joining the Pipelines Department with Burns & McDonnell in 2018. He presently serves Burns & McDonnell as a Pipeline Engineer providing design services for transmission and distribution pipeline facility projects. Mr. Culbertson has experience in planning, designing, managing and constructing Metering and Regulating Stations which typically include the installation of launching and receiving traps to support pipeline in-line inspection, gas conditioning equipment to include filter/separators and natural gas-fired heaters, flow measurement, overpressure protection and natural gas odorization equipment. He has experience with natural gas systems and is knowledgeable in CFR 49 Part 192, AMSE B31.8 and API regulations. C. David Slavin, P.E., Project Engineer, Burns & McDonnell Mr. Slavin graduated Magna Cum Laude with B.S in Engineering from Colorado School of Mines. He started with Burns & McDonnell in 2011 where he presently serves as a Project Engineer providing design and project management services, while specializing in Transmission and Distribution Pipeline Facilities, specifically related to measurement and overpressure protection facilities. Mr. Slavin has experience in planning, designing and managing a multiple discipline team to execute the engineering of various Metering and Regulating Stations ranging from 6 MMSCFD to 1BCFD which typically include overpressure protection, flow metering, launching and receiving traps, electrical and control buildings, manual and remote operated valves, odorization, filter/separators, water bath heaters and natural gas analyzers. |
Direct Use of Natural Gas vs. Electrification
The emerging push toward electrification has gained traction in many areas, but is it really a beneficial alternative to the direct use of natural gas? This webinar reviews the background of electrification and examines the impact it would have on efficiency, carbon emissions, and the cost of energy in the U.S. The participant will learn how to communicate in a positive way about the role of natural gas in the future.
You will learn:
History of electrification in the U.S.
Why various groups are pushing for a different type of electrification
What electrification would mean for consumers and energy companies
About the impact on carbon emissions and energy prices
How to communicate effectively about this subject
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Any industry employees interested in improving their knowledge of the industry and their communication skills, particularly those that are engaged in any way with the public.
Instructor Information:
Bill Cantrell, Executive Liaison at Southern Gas Association (SGA)
William N. (Bill) Cantrell is the Executive Liaison at Southern Gas Association (SGA). With more than 40 years of experience, he has become a trusted leader across the energy industry and developed a passion for working to advance the field. Before joining SGA Bill was president and chief executive officer at SourceGas, now part of Black Hills Corp., an SGA member company. In 2009, he led SGA as chairman of the board of directors. Bill worked for TECO Energy for over 34 years, with the last 12 years serving as President of Peoples Gas. He received a Master of Business Administration from the University of Tampa and a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology.
Sustain Through The Pandemic: Supply Chain Best Practices
When a pandemic strikes, the entire supply chain is impacted. This lack of access to crucial materials often results in panic buying, which then compounds the crisis. In this webinar, Sustain Through the Pandemic, you will learn supply chain best practices for future planning related to supply chain logistics during a crisis, as well as lessons learned through the impact of COVID-19 upon natural gas companies. This webinar will discuss recent hot topics including: delays in shipping project interruptions the need to refocus priorities Each are considered from a supply chain optimization perspective and the very real post-COVID-19 reality. Learn how to improve communication within the organization and to skillfully manage the impact of a scarcity mindset versus the reality of adequate supplies. You will learn: The impact COVID-19 has had on natural gas companies related to maintaining a functional supply chain during the pandemic Communication strategies for internal audiences Best practices for future planning related to supply chain logistics during a crisis WHO SHOULD ATTEND Supply Chain professionals Executives who supervise supply chain Planning and analysis, finance professionals |
Instructor Information: Gwen Mitchell Gwen Mitchell, founder and managing partner of 3rd I Business Solutions, (dba VertiSales, Incorporated) has a 20+ year record of transforming mission-critical legacy supply chain processes into state-of-the-art operations delivering on-time, budget-positive outcomes that have a direct impact on the bottom-line Gwen Mitchell has previously held executive leadership roles in Fortune 500 companies including Air Liquide, Ernst & Young, General Motors, and Upjohn. In addition to corporate achievements, Gwen has a strong commitment to community service: Serves as current President of the ISM-Houston “Institute of Supplier Management” The Co-founder and Advisor to "Real Initiative Giving Help Today" (R.I.G.H.T), which focuses on the needs of the most vulnerable youth Chairperson of the "Houston Minority Supplier Development Council" (HMSDC) scholarship fundraiser Board member of the "Texans for Dental Reform", an advocacy organization for consumer protection in the dental industry Academic and professional designations include: BS in Management Information Systems from Bowling Green University BA in Marketing from Bowling Green University. Project Management Professional Certification (PMP) from the Project Management Institute, Certified Process Professional Champion (CPPC) from the BP Group. The Goldman Sachs 1,000K Small Business Program Certificate in Conversational-IQ from the CreatingWE Institute The Dartmouth University Tuck School of Business Executive Program Certification in Narrative Coaching by Dr. David Drake Member of the Industry Leaders Group (ILG) Presentation Power Program |
The Future of The Industry
This webinar considers the role of natural gas in a lower carbon economy. We will look at natural gas opportunities and possible impacts on key stakeholders, including energy consumers, infrastructure investors and policymakers. Further, we’ll examine how natural gas and its requisite infrastructure will be needed and utilized in a lower-carbon economy. Additionally, discussion of current and future technologies for the automation and digitalization of the industry. A. Gathering, transmission and distribution of natural gas are at the front line of the climate debate, and each sector must have a successful methane management plan to thrive in today’s operating conditions. The most critical tool in managing and reducing methane emissions is not technology - it is demonstrating a true commitment to environmental stewardship with three key elements: people, culture, and relationships. Methane management by definition includes engineering and best practices in operations – but to stop there may be short-sighted. A holistic approach including culture and leadership is critical to the success in reducing or eliminating methane emissions. Gaffney Cline and Associates, an international global oil and gas consultancy, will share best practices in a successful methane management program, including: Creating and maintaining an employee and leadership culture that values environmental stewardship Demonstrating methane management as a strategic priority Establishing positive, transparent working relationships with critical external stakeholders B. RNG enhances fuel diversity for natural gas utilities and provides a waste management solution and a new revenue stream for family farmers. Ryan Childress, Director-Gas Partnership Business Development, Gas Infrastructure Group Dominion Energy will discuss the Dominion Energy and Smithfield Foods’ joint venture, Align Renewable Natural Gas. C. Digital Transformation for the natural gas industry – Mosaic’s nation-wide benchmark study provides insight from senior electric, gas, and pipeline leaders concerning the workforce impacts of the continuous evolution the energy industry is experiencing. The study addresses significant changes industry leaders are experiencing and anticipate related to digital and technological transformations; as well as how to build and sustain a skilled and competent workforce. |
Instructor Information: Ryan Childress Ryan W. Childress is director-Gas Business Partnership Development, Gas Infrastructure Group. He is responsible for sourcing, analysis, and execution of new business strategies for Dominion Energy’s Gas Infrastructure Group. Childress was an intern with the company from 2008-2009 and joined the company full-time in 2013 as a Business Development Consultant in the Alternative Energy Solutions Group. He joined the Midstream Group in 2015 as a Project Manager, and was promoted to Manager-Midstream in July 2017. In January 2019 he became Manager-Gas Business Development and assumed his current role in October 2019. From 2009 to 2013 he worked in the Investment Management Division at Barclays Capital. Prior to that, he served on the staff of former Governor Mark R. Warner. Childress received a bachelor’s degree in government and a master’s degree in education from the University of Virginia, where he was a four-year letterman on the football team. He also earned his master’s degree in business administration from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business. Jennifer Stewart Jennifer Stewart is the Director of Methane Management at Gaffney Cline and Associates, an international global oil and gas consultancy offering technical, commercial, and strategic advice to the oil and gas industry. Her expertise and focus is on a value and holistic approach to methane management. She recently retired from the role of Senior Vice President Legislative and Regulatory Affairs of Southwestern Energy, an independent energy company engaged in natural gas and oil exploration and production. Jennifer led efforts to identify, develop and implement methane reduction solutions. Under her leadership, Southwestern Energy led all North American producers with the lowest methane intensity under the EPA’s GHG Reporting Program and received recognition among environmental shareholder activist groups and regulatory bodies as the leading upstream producer for methane abatement practices and disclosures. Jennifer was designated as a Houston Business Journal Women in Energy Leadership Woman to Watch and has been recognized twice by the National Diversity Council as one of the Most Powerful Women in Oil & Gas. She is an attorney licensed to practice in the state of Texas. Joyce Gorgan Joyce Gorgan is Senior Director of the Central Region for Mosaic, a national consulting firm that focuses on the utility and oil & gas industries. During her tenure with Mosaic, Joyce has consulted with utilities across the US regarding workforce planning and enhancement, training program, and facilities development, as well as change management and user adoption for large ERP initiatives. Joyce recognizes that a company’s workforce is its largest and most valuable asset, and she works with companies to help them realize maximum benefit from their workforces. |
Natural Gas: Public Enemy #1 or The Key to the Sustainable Future
This session looks at the role of natural gas in a lower carbon economy.
Natural gas is positioned to continue to lead our nation into a better energy future. A critical contributor to environmental advances over the last 25 years, natural gas has also been a driving force in the best economic boom in generations. In addition, it has a significant role in national security.
However, despite the facts, there is a growing opposition that is more organized than ever, inciting communities and even states to ban the presence of natural gas.
Natural gas is not the enemy of a sustainable future; it is the key to a sustainable future.
SGA Chairman Don Raikes will lead a robust discussion of the state of the natural gas industry and the role that natural gas has in a clean energy future. And how, now more than ever, Americans are seeing firsthand the critical role that energy plays in meeting our daily needs.
You don't want to miss this opportunity to hear directly from the leaders in the 21st-century energy economy, and what to expect moving forward.
PHMSA Gas Mega Rule Phase 1
PHSMA published Phase I of the Gas Mega Rule on October 1, 2019 which includes new requirements for MAOP reconfirmation, the expansion of assessment requirements beyond HCAs and other items related to safety, risk and records. Since these rules are mandated safety requirements, the session will discuss how pipeline operators are implementing new practices and expanding integrity management principals beyond HCAs. The session will include the new requirements for MAOP, TVC and MCAs as well as a process to define objectives and create a plan.
PHMSA Compliance Deadlines: An operator must develop and document procedures for completing the MAOP Reconfirmation requirements by July 1, 2021; complete all required
actions on at least 50% of pipeline mileage by July 3, 2028; and complete all required actions on 100% of pipeline mileage by July 2, 2035, or no longer than 4 years after the operating condition
of a pipeline segment changes subjecting the segment to the requirement to reconfirm MAOP, whichever is later.
Learning Objective(s): Examine requirements, define objectives and create a plan.
Target Audience(s): Operating company associates at all levels of the organization will benefit from the presentation & interactive discussions.
Speaker/Instructor(s): Jeff Wiese (former Director at PHMSA), TRC Companies; Mel Huey, Duke Energy; DeWitt Burdeaux, TRC Solutions
Leading Inclusively in a Virtual World
As we continue to navigate these unprecedented times, we must enhance our commitment to embracing, respecting, and valuing differences. Working during this uncertain time requires leaders to lean into inclusive leadership principles which support psychological safety and well-being. This webinar will discuss strategies to help leaders lead inclusively in today’s virtual world. You will learn: Ways to support an inclusive remote working environment How to manage unconscious bias and how to create communities of support virtually Practical tips for protecting mental health |
Instructor Information: Tommi Paris, MPA, CDP, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Southern Company Gas Tommi Paris is a Certified Diversity Professional, certified through the Society for Diversity, and has almost 10 years of work experience in D&I, employee communications, culture, and engagement initiatives. Tommi is the Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Southern Company Gas, which was recently awarded the Roosevelt Thomas Champion of Diversity Award by the American Association for Access, Equity and Diversity for fostering equal opportunity as well as exhibiting outstanding commitment to diversity. She has responsibility for 9 employee resource groups with 16 active chapters in 4 states. Through creative platforms and engagement activities such as D&I Talks, D&I Days and cultural heritage programs, Tommi creates workplace experiences for employees to elevate their D&IQ in an effort to continuously build an inclusive work environment. Employees who work with Tommi can attest to her level of expertise as she enjoys creating workplace experiences that reveal and reinforce the fact that workplace diversity is an asset to the business; experiences that honor the richness of our stories; and experiences that inspire us to be better together by exploring and applying principles of workplace inclusion. Tommi believes that because you and I spend more than a third of our lives at work, we should spend our time in a place where we are valued for who we are and what we bring to the business. Tommi also referees NCAA Division I women’s college basketball, so she frequently practices conflict resolution and diffusing tension; she considers this one of her superpowers. |
COVID-19 Crisis Communication and Building Stakeholder Trust
When faced with a crisis, it’s essential to deliver clear, authentic messages to your target audiences and position yourself as a leader. Effective crisis leadership requires well-honed communication skills to keep stakeholders informed and focused. The current COVID-19 crisis has created lots of uncertainty, but on April 9 at 11 am MST / 12 pm CST, three industry communication authorities will share their crisis communication expertise to help the natural gas industry serve their stakeholders, safeguard communities, and build trust. This one-hour live online panel, “COVID-19 Crisis Communication and Building Stakeholder Trust,” will feature a discussion with: Tisha Schuller, Principal of Adamantine Energy, Debbie Schramm, President of Saxum Communication and Suzanne Ogle, APR, IRC, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Southern Gas Association. Moderated by Nicolle Billmyre, Senior Director of Learning and Professional Development, the Southern Gas Association, this webinar will examine: You will learn: Communication tools to respond to the changing, uncertain effects of COVID-19 Establishing your place as a trusted information source both internally and externally How to determine what information to share with stakeholders The importance of keeping your message consistent across platforms and developing a reliable communication cadence |
Instructor Information: Tisha Schuller, Principal of Adamantine Energy Tisha Schuller founded Adamantine Energy to provide thought leadership to future-proof energy businesses against rising social risk. Tisha consults private clients from Fortune 500 energy companies to non-profit environmental organizations in energy policy, business strategy, politics, and community engagement. She also serves as the Strategic Advisor for Stanford University’s Natural Gas Initiative. In 2017, Tisha chaired Stanford’s symposium to reduce energy poverty in the developing world using natural gas. Previously, Tisha served as President & CEO of the Colorado Oil & Gas Association and as Principal and Vice President with Tetra Tech, a national environmental consulting and engineering firm. She has a B.S. from Stanford University. Tisha serves on many academic and non-profit boards including The Breakthrough Institute, The Energy for Growth Hub, The Denver Museum of Nature & Science Institute for Science & Policy Strategic Council, Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin, and the Colorado Wyoming Red Cross. She is a member of the National Petroleum Council, an advisory board to the Secretary of Energy under both the Obama and Trump administrations. Tisha’s book, Accidentally Adamant was published in 2018. Tisha authors a weekly series entitled Both of These Things Are True. Suzanne Ogle, APR, CEO Southern Gas Association Suzanne Ogle serves as Chief Executive Officer of Southern Gas Association (SGA) and President of the Gas Machinery Research Council (GMRC). With more than twenty-five years of experience in the oil and gas business and more than a decade of membership and volunteer leadership with the Independent Petroleum Association of America, Suzanne is passionate about the industry. Over her professional career, Suzanne has designed and implemented sales, marketing, communication and leadership development strategies across the oil and natural gas value chain for companies including Approach Resources, Wilbanks Energy Logistics, Regency Energy Partners, Valerus and Exterran. Suzanne is a member of the National Investor Relations Institute (NIRI) and the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). She earned the Accreditation in Public Relations credential from PRSA in 2009 and the Investor Relations Charter credential from NIRI in 2018. She holds an Advanced Marketing certificate from Southern Methodist University, both a Finance Management and a Business Analytics certificate from Cornell University and an Executive Leadership for Energy Professionals certificate from the University of Houston. She received a Master of Education in educational psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in business marketing from California Lutheran University. Debbie Schramm, President Saxum Communication With more than 30 years of communications experience, Debbie leads Saxum operations. Saxum’s clients rely on her counsel and experience to craft their communication plans and strategies. Debbie has a unique ability to identify the right combination of experience and talent to build high performing teams. Debbie has compiled an almost unmatched breadth and depth of strategic communication experience. Debbie spent 10 years leading communications for a $16 billion global energy and chemical corporation. Prior to this, she served as chief of staff to the Oklahoma City mayor after the tragedy of the 1995 Murrah Federal Building bombing. Debbie also served as VP of Communications for the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce for more than 10 years. Saxum is an issues-based marketing communications agency. We are experts at uncovering insights, developing engagement strategies and executing campaigns that motivate audiences to action. |