Summer’s end is around the bend

As summer begins to wind down, August brings a season of preparation and momentum. Students are heading back to school, harvest season is about to begin across Tennessee and our industry is gearing up for a busy fall.

We’re looking ahead to an exciting conference season. Registration is now open for the KYRBA/TNBA Fall Conference, with a theme of “Bridging Legacy & Innovation: Stories of Connection.” Please join us as we celebrate our achievements and accomplishments of the past, while looking to the future of broadband in Tennessee.

We’re also looking forward to gathering with colleagues across the country at the NTCA Fall Conference, where we’ll enjoy collaborative sessions on how to navigate emerging technologies and find future-focused industry solutions. These gatherings are critical for engaging in meaningful conversations to gain a fresh perspective and form potential partnerships.

Recently, I had the privilege of representing TNBA at the NTCA Women’s Fly-In in Washington, D.C., where we met with Federal Communications Commissioner Olivia Trusty, along with members of the U.S. Senate, to advocate for the continued success of rural broadband.

I was also honored to receive the D’Avanzo Communications Leadership Award from our marketing partner, Pioneer Utility Resources. It was a complete surprise and served as a reminder of how truly blessed I’ve been in my 40-year career. I’ve worked with so many talented people who have mentored, collaborated with and supported me through the years. I can’t think of anything more fulfilling than to share the stories of our industry and our communities. Thank you for being a part of it and for keeping Tennessee connected. Wishing you a successful harvest season and a fun final few weeks of summer. I’ll see you all this fall.