GREDELL Engineering Resources, Inc. staff member Gary Pendergrass, P.E., R.G., recently presented at the Missouri Waste Control Coalition (MWCC) conference. The theme for this year’s conference was “Now Entering The Twilight Zone of Waste Control”.
Mr. Pendergrass presented on Effective Community and Media Relations at the 2021 MWCC Environmental Conference held July 11 – 13, 2021. Communicating clearly and effectively has never been more important than in today’s world. Cameras are everywhere, and social media is instantaneous. The wrong word or awkward phrase can go viral at the speed of light; sometimes with profound impacts on your project, your company, or your family. This presentation will teach you the skills necessary to successfully navigate the pitfalls of community and media interaction. Effective communication is not about being slick or evasive – it is all about being clear and direct, and communicating the message you intend. The “dos and don’ts” of effective communication will be illustrated using real world examples in slides and videos. “There are weapons that are simply thoughts, attitudes, prejudices, to be found only in the minds of men.” The Twilight Zone, Season 1, Episode 22.
Mr. Pendergrass has an M.S. in Geological Engineering, Missouri University of Science & Technology; B.S. in Geological Engineering, Missouri University of Science & Technology; and B.S. in Engineering Geology and Stratigraphy, Missouri State University. Mr. Pendergrass has more than 35 years of experience in management of major engineering and environmental projects, and management of diverse professional and technical groups. In his role at GREDELL Engineering Resources, Inc., Gary serves as Senior Project Manager & Engineer in the Springfield, Missouri office, managing geotechnical, geological and environmental projects. Over the course of his career, he has led major projects involving dam inspection and rehabilitation, dam stability and flood routing, abutment and foundation grouting, dam design, water sourcing and supply, water quality, observation well and piezometer installation, karst evaluation/engineering, geophysical investigation, landfill development, site remediation, power plant construction, and litigation support.
