A fall full of connections

As our beautiful Tennessee summer wraps up, it seems everybody is on the go again, and I’m no exception. With that said, I’m happy to share some of the recent happenings that have kept me busy in support of #ConnectingTN.

First, I was honored to attend NTCA’s Women in Telecom Fly-In in Washington, D.C., on July 18. Our group met with staffers and elected officials to discuss important topics affecting our entire industry, like Universal Service Fund reform and the continuation of the FCC’s Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program, which funds the replacement of certain network equipment across the nation.

In addition to my visit to Washington, D.C., I’ve been busy recording upcoming episodes of our podcast, “Lead Tennessee Radio.” We have a slate full of dynamic upcoming guests and topics. Up next is Lea Ann Gore, marketing and sales manager for Twin Lakes to talk about their community grant program. We’ll also visit with Cadie Bergan, recruitment manager for Lead for America, and KYRBA Executive Director Tyler Campbell will talk about the upcoming KYRBA/TNBA Fall Conference & Supplier Showcase. Wrapping up this month’s episodes, Joseph A. Marco, adjunct cybersecurity technology instructor at Motlow State Community College talks about SkillsUSA program and competition.

As our podcasts have ramped up, we’re preparing for the KYRBA/TNBA Fall Conference & Supplier Showcase. I encourage you to move fast if you haven’t snagged a tabletop booth yet as space is running out. Tyler and I are currently working to put together the speaker lineup. Visit our Supplier Showcase page today to snag your hotel room using the group rate!

The TNBA marketing committee met on August 7 with our state broadband director Taylre Beaty. Topics on the agenda included statewide digital skills programs and state funding. Back to school is also top of mind for the students in our community so the group ended the day discussing broadband for back-to-school initiatives.

I hope you enjoy the last of your summer. I know I will as a busy fall approaches!