Providing Possibilities All Summer Long
By Carrie Huckeby
As we welcome summer, the season is ripe with opportunity for our members and communities to connect and come together. At the heart of TNBA, we promote collaboration and connectivity, uplifting each other on both an organizational and individual level. Never is this more clearly on display than at our Annual Convention & Showcase, and this year was no exception. It was wonderful to see so many friendly faces in Franklin and feel the energy and engagement that make this event so valuable.
That same spirit of connection and community extends far beyond our annual gathering. Several of our members are also sharing the love for the places we all call home by supporting events and activities bringing together folks of all ages. You can read more about these efforts in our Broadband Works article.
Annual Convention Highlights
Our mission in hosting this event is to create an environment of opportunity. It’s our hope that all attendees walk away with something that supports them in their role furthering our mission to keep Tennessee connected, be it a critical insight, a product, a contact or even just an idea.
We also aim to support our members through education, facilitate conversations and connections, and leverage our members’ expertise on issues across local, state, and federal levels. This year’s programming highlighted key issues such as cybersecurity, the economic outlook, the role of the Universal Service Fund, and the current status of the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program.
We were proud to include a powerful leadership session led by Ken Coleman, of Ramsey Solutions. Tennessee Rep. Ryan Williams also spoke, providing the chance for our audience to directly hear about wins and challenges from a lawmakers on the front line.
We invited students and instructors from Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology this year to mingle with members and build their networks, as they prepare to launch three new telecommunications programs, thanks in part to the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.
The convention wrapped with a vendor showcase and a networking opportunity. The roar of more than 350 voices expressing awe over the displays of 64 showcase salons brought a smile to my face as vendors demonstrated fiber equipment and highlighted the multitude of broadband and telecommunication careers.
Finally, I’d like to express my deep appreciation to our sponsors, board members, and their companies. Our association is strong because of their unwavering support, and events like this wouldn’t be possible without them. The TNBA Annual Convention pulls the many pieces together, creating true and lasting opportunity.
Looking Ahead
Speaking of events, the KYRBA/TNBA Fall Conference & Supplier Showcase is right around the corner, once again at the Franklin Cool Springs Marriott from October 14 through October 16. Registration opens on July 1. We invite everyone to submit speaker proposals by July 15. I cherish the opportunity to gather with our Kentucky neighbors and learn from one another, and I can’t wait to see you all there.
Board News
As the seasons change, so does our board membership. We say a bittersweet farewell to Charlie Boring, who is exiting as TNBA president. We welcome Mark Patterson, of Highland Telephone Cooperative, as he sheds the “vice” from his title to take Charlie’s place. We wish Alan Morse a happy retirement from the board, and offer a warm welcome to Mark McHale, also of Ritter Communications, as he steps into Alan’s shoes (and what shoes to fill!).
Broadband Holidays
Several national holidays this month illuminate how #broadbandworks to keep our communities connected, and the role people like you play in making that happen. June 6 was National Higher Education Day, focusing on the roles digital literacy and accessibility play in helping trade, technology and college students earn their degrees. June 20 is World Wi-Fi Day, underlining the critical nature of our mission to bring connectivity to people in every corner of the world. June 30 is Social Media Day, focusing on all the ways that social platforms allow us to share our stories and shape our relationships, no matter the distance.
Of course, all of our members stay busy in the summer, keeping our communities connected and ensuring that service remains reliable. Don’t forget to stop and smell the flowers along the way.
Enjoy your summer!