Page 8 - Jan-Feb2019

enjoyed music, a barbecue lunch and a cornhole
tournament. Bird Scooters provided a short oval
course to offer participants a chance to try out the
scooters currently available for rent on Nashville’s
city streets. In addition, Elephant Armor was on
hand to give a demonstration of their products.

The Metro Nashville team brought home
the trophy for Best Overall Team in this year’s
Equipment Rodeo.

Host Branch Reception

The Host Branch Reception was held Monday
evening and opened with an invocation by
TCAPWA President-Elect Phillip Jones. Butch
Spyridon, President of the Nashville Convention
and Visitors Corporation, welcomed the crowd,
and Peter Laviolette, head coach of the Nashville
Predators hockey team, gave the keynote speech.

Laviolette praised all the Public Works
professionals assembled for their dedication and
hard work. He gave an inspiring speech about
his work with the Predators and the team’s first
division title win in April of last year.

Technical Sessions

On Tuesday, Oct. 23, 12 technical sessions were
available for conference participants on a wide
variety of topics. TCAPWA session topics included
transportation utility fees, fleet management, a
TDOT roundtable discussion, and a presentation
by City of Nashville about their drive towards zero
waste. SWANA topics included the role of drones
in solid waste management, recycling jobs for
adults with disabilities, and the Tennessee materials
marketplace.

Awards Luncheon

The Tuesday Awards Luncheon opened with
introductions by Conference Committee Chairman
John Anderson. TCAPWA President Ryan
McReynolds recognized this year’s scholarship
winners: Jesse Groves and Marshall Hopper. Then,
Vice President Justin Holland, Phillip Jones and
McReynolds presented the TCAPWA Awards (see
story on page 16).

The audience was on the edge of their seats for
the silent auction results and door prize drawings,
and many lucky folks went home winners.
TCAPWA Executive Director Mark Miller gave the
closing remarks.

Closing Night Outing

Tuesday evening, conference attendees gathered
on the rooftop bar at The Valentine for drinks,
hors d’oeuvres and live music. The saloon is one of
Nashville’s hottest evening haunts, themed after a
1920’s Prohibition-era saloon.

Then, the lucky ticket holders traveled to
Bridgestone Arena to watch the Nashville Predators
take on the San Jose Sharks. Even though the
Predators fell to the Sharks 5-4, the game was an
exciting, fun outing for all.

8 TPW January/February 2019