Page 14 - NovDec2021 Vol39No5

ST. LOUIS By Klair Kimmey
PWX: Stronger Together in St. Louis

The Tennessee Chapter was well represented at APWA PWX in
St. Louis this year. After missing last year due to COVID, attendees
were cautious (but eager!) to be back together again. Approximately
thirty members and spouses (including three of Tennessee’s best
equipment operators) attended the Aug. 28-Sept. 1 event.
Many attendees took the opportunity to speak with Public Works
professionals from outside Tennessee and learn from their best
practices. Networking opportunities made it clear that industry
leaders are facing similar issues, no matter where they are located.
The three General Sessions were packed with information. The
Opening General Session featured a highly inspirational keynote
address from Ben Nemtin, best-selling co-author of “What Do
You Want To Do Before You Die?” and a star of MTV’s “The
Buried Life.” If you’ve never heard of Ben Nemtin, please take the
time to search for him online. He has accomplished so much in
his 37 years.
The second General Session was a solid panel discussion on
Community Resiliency Challenges as a result of natural
disasters of all types.
The third and closing General Session was titled “Adapt,
Overcome, and Win as One: Stronger Together Through
Challenge and Change.” The closing session keynote presenter,
Robyn Benincasa, is another individual you definitely should
look up online.
An award-winning speaker, Benincasa shared insights from her
career as a firefighter and as an extreme sports competitor (the
latter which has taken her all over the world.) Her high-energy and
dynamic insights closed the conference on a high note.
The Equipment Roadeo featured two events, both of which were
new to the participants. The Tennessee operators, Kevin White
and Tony Hudgens from Chattanooga, and Chris Morris, Metro
Nashville, gave it their best shot. After the “real” operators finished
their competition, three “guest operators” had an opportunity to try
their luck.
Past President Bo Mills, Germantown, was one of these. He
took his time, but of the three guest competitors, he showed the
most skill (and attitude.)
The trade show was huge – almost 80,000 square feet of exhibit
space! For those interested in learning about new equipment and
technology, this was the place to be.
Due to COVID and social distancing, a traditional awards
ceremony was not held at the conference. However, in
recognition of the Tennessee Chapter’s PACE Award win again
this year, Tennessee chapter representatives had a celebratory
photo taken with President Mary Joyce Ivers.
Tuesday evening was reserved for Chapter dinners. Many
thanks to Kimberly Strong, Chattanooga, for coordinating the
Tennessee Chapter gathering at the Gateway Arch Dockside,
where around 30 folks showed up for fabulous food, great
company and of course a few more photos together.
PWX wrapped up on Wednesday with most folks heading
home. Some couldn’t leave without first trying the barbecue
and pecan pie from Salt + Smoke – a highly recommended BBQ
restaurant near the hotel. It did not disappoint.
PWX will be in Charlotte, NC, August 28-31, 2022.
14 TPW November/December 2021