Page 24 - Nov-Dec2022 Vol 40 No 5

CHARLOTTE, NC By Klair Kimmey
PWX: Ready & Resilient in Charlotte

The Tennessee Chapter was well represented at APWA PWX in
Charlotte, NC this year. Approximately 50 members and spouses
(including several of Tennessee’s best equipment operators) attended
the August 27-30 event.
Attendees took the opportunity to speak with their Public Works
counterparts from the U.S., Canada and a variety of other countries,
learning about 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 Seth Mattison titled “Navigating What’s Next:
Leadership Insights for the New World of Work.” Preceding the
Keynote Session, APWA Past President Stan Brown took the stage to
make the official hand-off of duties to new president, Keith Pugh.
The second General Session was an interactive panel discussion
titled “An Industry Discussion: Exploring Public Works Workforce
Innovations.” The discussion focused on a current hot topic,
exploring workforce innovations in Public Works. Panelists delved
into what they have been doing to address current workforce
challenges, including innovative ways they are attracting talent or
removing employment barriers for underrepresented populations.
The third and final General Session was titled “How to Gain
and Maintain a Competitive Edge.” The closing session keynote
presenter, Julia Landauer, has an impressive list of credentials: First
American woman to earn a podium spot in the NASCAR Euro
Series; first female champion, NASCAR Track Championship,
Motor Mile Euro Series, 2015; 2017 Forbes 30 under 30 in the sports
category; only female member of the highly selective NASCAR Next
class 2016-2017; and contestant on season 26 of CBS’ reality TV
show Survivor.
An award-winning speaker, Landauer shared insights from her
career as a racecar driver which she started at a very young age and
her time on Survivor (spoiler alert, she didn’t win.)
The Equipment Roadeo featured two events, both of which were
new to the participants. The Tennessee operators, James Edwards
from Knoxville along with Jim Merriman, Tim Merriman, and
Buster Payne, all from Alcoa, gave it their best shot.
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.
The Awards Ceremony was back this year after being sidetracked
by Covid in 2021. Tennessee Chapter was recognized with the PACE
Award win again this year. Representatives walked onto the stage for
a photo with APWA Past President Stan Brown and APWA CEO
Scott Grayson.
Tuesday evening was reserved for Chapter dinners. Many thanks
to Mark Miller for coordinating the Tennessee Chapter gathering
at Church & Union, where around 50 folks showed up for fabulous
food and great company.
PWX wrapped up on Wednesday with most folks heading home.
Some stayed for a little sightseeing and a museum visit. The weather
was beautiful, so it was hard to pack up and head home.
The next PWX will be in San Diego. I hope Tennessee shows up in
force again in 2023.
24 TPW November/December 2022