Our Industry

Why I’m Grateful

Here we are in November already! As Thanksgiving approaches, it feels like the year has flown. But for me, and many of you, it’s a time to reflect and express gratitude.

At the top of my mind right now are the sponsors, attendees, vendors and speakers who made the KYRBA/TNBA Fall Conference & Supplier Showcase 1 of the best. We received numerous compliments on the format and content, and we can’t pull these together without the presenters who introduce valuable topics during the general and breakout sessions. It is a pleasure to work together with KYRBA Executive Director Tyler Campbell on our joint fall conference. Here’s to 30 years of connecting and many more to come.

I’d be remiss if I left out my appreciation of the Franklin Cool Springs Marriott and Encore staff who helped us plan the conference, feed us during the event, and ensure our sound and video work. And thanks to the staff at Towhee Golf Club for hosting over 120 golfers and for ordering up perfect weather. Finally, I want to thank the volunteers who work at the golf course and at the registration desk—things can get hectic at times with that many conference attendees and golfers roving about.

I’m also grateful to have peers as friends and contacts. It’s nice to know I can reach out with an email or call when I have questions or need directions. The National Council of State Telecom Executives provides this type of support. They gathered this past week. Networking at conferences and meetings shines a light on how special our industry is, and I’m grateful to have been a part of it for many years.

Finally, I’d like to thank so many of our members who are providing assistance to our friends at SkyLine SkyBest, based in North Carolina. It will be a long recovery phase, but the SkyLine folks are making progress in bringing restoration to the area after the recent hurricane damage.