Gearing up for an eventful autumn

In the July midsummer lull, I find everyone’s catching their breath a bit in the broadband world. Industry shows are slowing down, and our association members are squeezing in vacations before school starts. The fall meeting circuit will begin before we know it, and strategic meetings will soon be popping up on calendars in preparation for planning for next year.

As for me, I enjoyed a lovely full week with the grandkids at Granny and Popi’s Tennessee farm before summer ends.

I also attended NTCA—The Rural Broadband Association’s Smart Rural Community Live event in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The dynamic sessions covered telehealth, agriculture technology and rural economic development. And we explored the importance of storytelling and the benefits of Smart Rural Community designation. I even moderated a session on recruiting and retaining young people in rural communities with young professionals Cadie Bergan, of Lead for America, and Jarad Plair, with U.S. Sugar, Farm Bureau Federation.

Looking forward to fall, we’re making plans for the joint KYRBA/TNBA conference Oct. 10-12. We’ve sent out requests for speaker proposals already, and registration is now open. We’ll be meeting at the beautiful Franklin Cool Springs Marriott. It’s a new location for the joint conference, and the gathering will include golf at the Towhee Club nearby.

Registration details have also been sent, and don’t miss out on one of the 100 tabletop showcase spots. We look forward to seeing everyone!

In the meantime, I wish all of you safe travels for work and play. Enjoy those wonderful vacations — the best days of summer are upon us!