‘Lead Tennessee Radio’ features TNBA’s government affairs team

Capitol Strategy Group represents members’ interests in Nashville

In a new episode of “Lead Tennessee Radio,” Tennessee Broadband Association Executive Director Levoy Knowles discusses legislative priorities with TNBA’s government affairs team.

Kim Adkins and Steve Buttry of Capitol Strategy Group act as liaisons between state government and lawmakers in Nashville to promote issues affecting TNBA and its members.

Some of the most important issues lawmakers will address during the current legislative session include financing broadband expansion in unserved rural areas and potential tax cuts for the business community.

Adkins says it is vital to residents in rural Tennessee that TNBA is involved in the legislative process.

“If you don’t have a seat at the table, you are on the menu,” Adkins says. “State leadership understands we need to be part of the discussion.”

In the podcast, Adkins and Buttry discuss the roles of the government affairs team and the importance of promoting the TNBA as broadband experts and partners in efforts to make rural Tennessee a better place to live.

Buttry says one of the most important things TNBA members can do, regardless of whether they are chief executives or general managers, is make personal introductions to their state representatives.

“We are the tip of the spear during the legislative session,” he says. “But when legislators can put a constituent face on an issue we are discussing, that makes all the difference in the world.”

“Lead Tennessee Radio” is a podcast produced by the TNBA. The podcast is an opportunity to discuss issues facing the Volunteer State with state officials. Previous episodes feature Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, and Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge, along with other state lawmakers. It can be found on apps such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

“The decisions made in Nashville have a direct impact on the lives of our members and those they serve,” Knowles says. “’Lead Tennessee Radio’ is a great opportunity to discuss real issues with state decision-makers and present their thoughts to those affected.”