Page 22 - NovDec2023 Vol41 No5

TCAPWA EVENTS AND HIGHLIGHTS
West Branch Lunch & Learn By Ethan Skaggs

Valve insertion products and methodologies were
topics covered in the September 12 West Branch
Lunch and Learn, with more than 30 chapter members
in attendance.
In standard West Branch Lunch and Learn fashion,
the Chapter meeting began with a “State of the
Chapter Update” from current Chapter Past President,
John Fox and West Branch Director Ethan Skaggs.
Chapter leadership reported on the great work the
Chapter has ongoing for our membership, including
scholarships and award nominations, TPWI classes,
and the upcoming TCAPWA Annual Conference to
be held in Nashville.
Fox and Skaggs also shared insight into the
happenings at the regional and international levels,
encouraging our chapter members to enhance our
engagement at all levels throughout APWA. The West
Branch also highlighted outstanding achievements
of two of our West Branch members, Bo Mills and
Tiffany Howlett.
Bo Mills
Mills was selected as one of 2023 APWA Top 10
Public Works Leaders of the Year. He has served the
Public Works Department for the City of Germantown
for his entire professional career. He also has served in
a variety of roles for TCAPWA, ultimately as Chapter Link to Video
President. Mills went on to lead as APWA President,
and continues to serve the organization in many ways.
Tiffany Howlett
Howlett was awarded this year’s TCAPWA
Scholarship. She is the Sanitation and Administration
Coordinator with the City of Germantown. She is
in Graduate School at the University of Memphis
Link to
majoring in Public Administration, Public Success Story
Management and Public Policy.
Valve Insertion
John Foley with Hydra-Stop provided a hands-
on look at the 6" valve and how permanent, 4"-24"
insertion valves can add site-specific control points
to full-flow lines without system shutdowns. If you’re
unfamiliar with valve insertion and want a quick
introduction, please review a short video (see link
provided). For more information, view this Success
Story (link provided) to hear how another utility has
utilized insertion valves for their projects.
Branch members shared lunch and workshopped
the value of this technology, best practices, and shared
experiences. In standard fashion, our friends at
Stringfellow, Inc., Hydra-Stop, and Branch leadership
provided the always-coveted door prizes. The meeting
wrapped up with conversations of plans for members
to attend the upcoming Annual Conference and
TPWI classes.

22 TPW November/December 2023