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WIU Communication Chairperson Pete Jorgensen facilitates a discussion on implementing sustainability in various industries with participants.
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(Left to right) Audrey Adamson, executive director of Outreach and Quad Cities campus operations, Chris Carpenter, WIU-QC Communication professor, Peter Jorgensen, WIU Communication chairperson, and Ted Avtgis, WIU-QC assistant professor of Communication.
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WIU Communication Professors Facilitate Key Discussions at The Second Annual AEMP Sustainability Summit

June 27, 2024

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL - - Two Communication professors from Western Illinois University-Quad Cities, Ted Avtgis and Chris Carpenter, and one from WIU-Macomb, Pete Jorgensen, recently facilitated key conversations on sustainability and its future impact on the industry at the second annual AEMP Sustainability Summit, hosted by John Deere Construction & Forestry.

The summit, at Deere & Company World Headquarters in Moline, is an invite-only event focused on end-users of heavy equipment, particularly equipment managers. With nearly 100 participants expected, the event aimed to facilitate discussions on sustainability practices within the construction and forestry industries.

Professors Avtgis, Carpenter and Jorgensen bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the summit. Avtgis researches organizational risk and crisis communication. Carpenter researches promoting behavior change and the diffusion of new ideas. Jorgensen focuses his work on helping organizations identify and overcome barriers to effective communication.

"We were excited to take our expertise into the community to help our industry partners advance their environmental goals. We see our participation in this event as part of a growing initiative at WIU-QC to provide more services to the QC region's businesses and nonprofits," Carpenter said.

The summit featured a range of activities including keynote speeches, panel discussions and breakout sessions, all designed to provide attendees with actionable insights and strategies for advancing sustainability within their organizations. Professors Avtgis, Carpenter and Jorgensen were instrumental in facilitating these discussions, ensuring a productive and engaging experience for all participants.

As industries continue to evolve and face increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices, the role of effective communication cannot be overstated. This summit represents a unique opportunity for industry leaders to come together, share knowledge and collaboratively shape the future of sustainability.

For more information on WIU's Communication program, visit wiu.edu/Communication.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing