Mark Jacobs Receives Top Speaker Award at Joint MNAFPM-IFSMA Conference

For the first time, the Minnesota Association of Floodplain Managers (MNAFPM) and the Iowa Floodplain and Stormwater Management Association (IFSMA) hosted a joint conference in Austin, Minnesota, from November 13-15. This landmark event brought together experts and professionals dedicated to advancing floodplain and stormwater management. 

Albert Schmidt with Mark Jacobs holding their top speaker award trophy

Albert Schmidt (left) posed with Mark Jacobs holding the Top Speaker Award. 

We are thrilled to announce that Mark Jacobs (HEI) and Albert Schmidt (City of Sioux Falls) were honored with the prestigious Top Speaker Award for their insightful presentation, “A Proactive Approach to Floodplain Management Using 2D BLE Models.” This award trophy, uniquely handcrafted each year, symbolizes floodplain management. 

In addition, Albert received the IFSMA Floodplain Advocate of the Year award (pictured below), recognizing his outstanding contributions to the field. HEI is proud to collaborate with Albert and the City of Sioux Falls on impactful projects that enhance community resilience. 

Albert Schmidt with his Floodplain Advocate Award plaque

The conference was a tremendous success, providing HEI’s team with invaluable opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals and share innovative solutions. We remain committed to reducing flood risk and fostering safer, more resilient communities. Thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth and voted for our team’s presentation. We look forward to connecting with MNAFPM and IFSMA professionals next year.  

Collage2

Web Group Pic

Subscribe
for more HEI News
related stories

Recent News

HEI Experts Take the Stage at Two Conferences

November 6, 2026

From watershed-scale water quality solutions to flood resilience and communicating engineering in the age of social media, our team is...

Kessler Leads Panel Discussion at MN AgriGrowth Fall Summit

October 21, 2026

Minnesota’s water resources and agricultural future are closely connected, making collaboration and thoughtful conversations essential as we look ahead. At...

HEI Presents at MN GIS/LIS Consortium Annual Conference

October 21, 2026

We’re excited to have Kiah Sagami presenting at the 36th Annual Minnesota GIS/LIS Consortium Conference! HEI’s Kiah Sagami will be...

Scroll to Top

Grant Research

We begin by thoroughly researching available grant opportunities to identify those best suited to your specific project needs. Our team leverages our deep understanding of federal, state, and local grant programs, as well as foundation grants, to ensure a comprehensive search. We evaluate eligibility criteria, funding priorities, and timelines to match your project with the most appropriate funding sources. This targeted approach maximizes the potential for securing financial support for your project.