In a recent meeting of the RAQC Board, held on August 1, 2025, participants gathered to reflect on a recent workshop aimed at addressing environmental concerns and industry engagement. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of collaboration as board members shared their insights on the effectiveness of the workshop's breakout sessions, which encouraged brainstorming on various strategies.

One board member expressed appreciation for the workshop format, highlighting the value of small group discussions that allowed for deeper exploration of ideas. However, there was a shared sentiment that more industry representatives should have been present. The absence of key stakeholders was noted, with concerns that industry groups often engage only when they perceive direct impacts on their operations. This observation sparked a discussion about the need for proactive involvement from these groups to ensure that environmental initiatives are both effective and economically viable.

Another participant echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face interactions during the meeting. They noted that the real value lay in the opportunity to connect personally with others, understanding their concerns and priorities. This human element, they argued, is crucial for fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration moving forward.

As the meeting concluded, there was a collective agreement on the need for ongoing discussions and the importance of including diverse voices in future workshops. The board members left with a renewed commitment to engage industry representatives more effectively, ensuring that environmental strategies are not only innovative but also practical and inclusive. The next steps will involve refining these strategies based on the feedback gathered, with hopes of attracting broader participation in future sessions.