Detroit Post Events

All Upcoming Detroit Post Events

May Tour and Lunch

Time: Arrive and check in at the front gate 8:30AM – 9:00AM
Presentation and Tour: from 9AM to 11:30AM

(please be prompt as the late arrivals will not be able to join the group mid tour)

Lunch: Krzysiak’s House Restaurant 12:00 – 1:00pm

Where: Consumers Energy – 2742 Weadock Highway Essexville, MI 48732

Cost: $50 per person for non SAME Members, $40 for SAME Members, and $20 for Government Employees

Registration Deadline: Buy your tickets on Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/e/karns-power-plant-state-of-the-art-solar-farm-array-tour-tickets-1320325131009?aff=oddtdtcreator by COB Thursday May 15^th.If you would like a PDH for attending, please e-mail Angelique Bartreau at same.detroit@gmail.com after the luncheon.

Presenter Biography:

John R. Billette, P.E.

Principal Engineer – Generation Design

Consumers Energy

John R. Billette, P.E. A versatile engineer responsible for managing projects throughout Michigan, from initial planning and design to construction and close-out. Acts as either a Project Engineer or, on smaller projects, a Lead Engineer and Project Manager, overseeing all technical aspects and ensuring quality deliverables. This includes budgeting, scheduling, managing consultants, reviewing construction documents, and ensuring compliance with codes and regulations – with a particular expertise in pipeline design.

Mr. Billette excels at problem-solving, clear communication (with a touch of humor!), and leading teams of engineers and technicians. Adept at juggling multiple projects and deadlines, proactively identifying and resolving issues, and mentoring colleagues. Ultimately, ensures projects are completed accurately, efficiently, and to a high standard, taking ownership from conception to completion.

Follow the Detroit District LinkedIn page for updated event information

https://www.linkedin.com/company/same-detroit

SAME Detroit Post Annual Golf Classic

Save the Date – Upcoming Events

June 18 – Presentation at USACE Headquarters in Detroit.

August – Off

PAST EVENTS

SAME holds events monthly, except the month of August. Below is a selection of a few recent events.

State of the Detroit District 2025 – Annual Update

The Detroit District Commander Lieutenant Colonel Wallace W. Bandeff presented the State of the Detroit District to the SAME Detroit Post in person at the DoubleTree Suites Detroit Downtown – Fort Shelby. The Commander presented work the district is looking forward to accomplishing in the coming year.

January Luncheon and Presentation: PFAS-Impacted Soil Management

The SAME Detroit Post held a luncheon presentation titled “Cost-Effective, Sustainable Treatment Alternatives for PFAS-Impacted Soil on Wednesday” on January 15^th, 2025. Joe Quinnan (Senior Vice President at Arcadis) presented to a packed audience of regulators, consultants, and small business owners at the Engineering Society of Detroit offices in Southfield.

Thank you to everyone who came to December’s SAME Holiday Social event at Palazzo di Bocce

We had a great evening with delicious food, wonderful company, and exciting competitive games of bocce!

Enjoy a fantastic holiday season!

US Army DEVCOM Tour – November

On November 13, 2024, the SAME Detroit Post toured the the Army DEVCOM Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) in Warren. The GVSC is the center of excellence for Department of Defense (DoD) ground vehicle systems modernization and sustainment. The mission at GVSC is to accelerate delivery and sustainment of ground system capabilities to our partners ensuring overmatch for our Warfighters. The facility tour showcased numerous capabilities across numerous technical areas and gave participants an introduction to the breadth of GVSC’s expertise. Tour stops included system integration laboratories, electronics and architecture, robotics, survivability and protection, prototype integration facility, durability and test lab, modeling and simulation, powertrain and electrification, energy storage, and fuel cells. Thank you Dr. LaLonde for hosting us!

Rehabilitation of Sanford, Secord, Smallwood, Edenville, and Sanford Dams Presentation and Lunch – October

Troy Naperala (VP of GEI in Traverse City) presented on the overview of the project and was joined by representatives of Spicer and Four Lakes Task Force for the presentation.

Selfridge Air National Guard Tour and Lunch – September

The SAME Detroit Post toured the Selfridge Air National Guard Base on Wednesday September 18^th, 2024. Once again, the Post field trip was informative and educational. We learned a lot about the base’s history, aircraft, mission, and construction projects. A huge thank you to Major Stephen Klenke, PE, for being our host!

SAME Detroit Post Annual Golf Classic

SAME Detroit Post held it’s Annual Golf Classic on July 25, 2024, and a blast was had by all! All proceeds will go to support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Scholarships for Local Students. Thank you to everyone who participated, and a special thanks to our sponsors!! Photos are available on our Flickr Site .

US Army Corps of Engineers Detroit Project Office Tour at Historic Fort Wayne

June 26, 2024
The Detroit SAME Post attended an excellent tour and presentation of USACE’s Detroit Project Office, given by Mr. Patrick A. Kuhne, Operations Project Manager. Completed in 1850, Historic Fort Wayne has served the city of Detroit through many eras, including as a primary induction center for Michigan troops entering battle in every conflict from the Civil War to Vietnam. Today the USACE operates on 9 acres of the property.

SAME Soo Locks Tour

May 23, 2024
The Detroit SAME Post toured the Soo Locks in Sault St. Marie, Michigan. The tour was very well attended, and the group had a great time, both on the tour and at the social / cocktail hour afterwards! A special thanks to our Soo Locks Tour sponsor Blood Hound Underground Utility Locators.