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CHICAGO, IL By Klair Kimmey
PWX 2025 in Chicago - Amazing!

The Tennessee Chapter was well
represented at PWX Chicago, with more
than 60 members and spouses (including
two of Chattanooga’s best equipment
operators) attending the August 16-20
event in the “Windy City.”
Attendees took the opportunity to
meet with, and learn best practices from,
their Public Works counterparts in the
U.S., Canada, and a few other countries.
Networking opportunities made it clear
that industry leaders are facing similar
issues, no matter where they call home.
Though PWX officially began on
Sunday, Saturday was a busy day for those
attending committee meetings, the Young
Professionals Summit or playing golf in the
PWX Tournament.
Young Professionals Summit
For the second time, APWA offered each
chapter the opportunity to send Young
Professionals to PWX to attend the YP
Summit. Tiffany Howlett, Germantown,
represented the Tennessee Chapter. She
met with other YPs from the U.S. and
Canada for networking, skill-building, and
enriching interactions with experienced
leaders.
Committee Meetings
The Council of Chapters met in a
general session followed by roundtable
discussions focused on the strengths of
Chapters in each Region. The Region III
table discussed several things: Tennessee’s
magazine; North Carolina’s ideas for
promoting Public Works Week, and how
Kentucky used the APWA New Initiative
Grant to engage new members. most memorable phrases was, “If you is more distracted and disconnected
This was a great opportunity for ain’t dead, you ain’t done.” than ever before, the most radical act of
each of the Chapter representatives to Tuesday’s General Session was leadership is presence. Dr. Carrington
connect and compare their successes and titled, “Reimagining the Impossible.” It unpacked the science and soul behind
challenges. featured world-renowned magician and what it means to truly “show up” – for
General Sessions mentalist Keelan Leyser who delivered an your team, your clients, and most
electrifying performance that combined
importantly, for yourself.
The three General Sessions were
packed with information, humor and digital illusions with takeaways tailored Equipment Roadeo, Technical Sessions
to the world of Public Works. Leyser
inspiration. The Opening General explored how a shift in perception can and Trade Show
Session on Sunday was led by Dr. Bertice spark breakthroughs in the “why” behind The Equipment Roadeo, held on
Berry, sociologist, and best-selling our work, offering a fresh perspective on Monday, again featured two events this
author. Dr. Berry was the closing speaker the impact of purpose. year, Caterpillar backhoe and Bobcat
in 2024. I was thrilled they asked her to Wednesday’s Closing General Session mini excavator. The tasks were again, all
return. She spoke to a full house on the was titled “The Power of Presence: Why new to the operators and challenging –
topic of “People. Purpose. Presence.” Showing Up is the Game Changer” with the mini excavator task was to move a
Her energy and enthusiasm touched Dr. Judy Carrington. In a world that metal bar through a wooden maze with
everyone in the audience. One of her
24 TPW November/December 2025