Page 7 - Conference2020 Vol38 ?No4
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Bob Freudenthal: TCAPWA continues to is so good at supplying. I continue to work plans, operations, meeting methods,
provide an excellent outlet for professional attend and to be an APWA member?for all or a complete revamping of actual service
development, networking, and of those reasons.?? delivery, Public Works will meet the
organizational growth for the profession. challenges head-on in a manner that
The success of TCAPWA’s branch meeting Phil Pindzola:??TCAPWA provides two exemplifies their ability and commitment
format is an example of expanding the valuable services for the profession. to public service. Simply put; it’s what we
association’s footprint to more members First, the monthly newsletter and do every day.
of the Public Works community. quarterly meetings provide valuable Ronnie Hammonds: From what I’ve seen,
Another example of serving the industry insight into what other communities are Public Works has handled the situation
professionals is through the association’s doing. Secondly, the Institute provides a in an excellent manner – changing work
use of tools, events, and opportunities structured program to groom professionals schedules, how work is set up, and/or how
provided by the APWA national offices. to better enable them to serve and possibly crews do their work. All basic services
The use of these APWA assets expands the grow in the profession. have continued without let-up. And it
knowledge base and networking capability doesn’t appear the citizens have noticed a
of every Public Works employee. COVID-19 has changed some of the ways change in service delivery.
Ronnie Hammonds: Providing educational we do our work and even how we?meet?to Phillip Jones: I think, based on what I’ve
services to not only directors but to plan our work. How do you think the Public seen, Public Works departments are
front line personnel. Providing excellent Works field is handling this “brave new stepping up in a big way. But we’re used
networking opportunities to members. world?” to working through crisis. COVID-19 is
Phillip Jones: Connecting public works a different kind of crisis, and one that is
professionals across the state is so Bill Kilp: Public Works professionals are going to take much longer to pass, but I’ve
meaningful, because it allows us to confronted?with challenges and difficult been impressed with the way we continue
constantly check in and evaluate how we’re tasks every day. The Covid-19 challenge is to function, despite some pretty significant
doing and why we do things the way we just another one they have figured?out how operational changes.
do. Being able to pick up the phone and to deal with.?It is obvious the challenge Mark Miller: Fluid, ever changing. You got to
call a colleague in another city or county has been met because every community be willing to adjust and adapt.
and troubleshoot an issue or ask advice I am familiar with continues to receive Bo Mills: Our ability to meet in person has
is invaluable. This organization brings us prompt response from their Public Works likely changed for a year or two, however
all together and makes us part of a larger professionals. the need to have friendships with our
community. vendors, other public works professionals
Mark Miller: We all know what others have Calvin Clifton: Public Works professionals and for education and training have
to do, listen, listen, listen even if we know are a resilient and resourceful not ceased.?Nothing has ceased for
they are crazy. bunch!?Public services have continued Public Works.?Our charge to maintain
Bo Mills: Our growth in education throughout the COVID pandemic with infrastructures, collect garbage and keep
through the Public Works Institute, very few complications.? Whether it be a community clean cannot be pushed
excellent branch meetings and of course a natural disaster, a pandemic, or most away.?It is a present need and must be
an outstanding annual conference, have anything 2020 can bring, these professional accomplished. I do worry about? burnout
reinforced to me the benefits of APWA men and women will continue to rise to for Public Works professionals who are
membership.?The education, the TPW the occasion and take care of their own not able to get away?and learn, share and
Magazine, the exhibitor exchanges and the communities they serve! build friendships with others within their
and networking, including the social profession. Over time the frustrations will
opportunities, have made friends for life Bob Freudenthal: As with any significant build and cause way?too much stress on
for me and are all part of the service to the community event, Public Works those that provide such critical services. I
Public Works professional that our chapter professionals approached the situation by
examining the situation and determining Continued on page 8
the best course of action to continue
delivering services that met the needs of
their communities. Whether it’s adjusting
BO MILLS - 2005 CALVIN CLIFTON - 2010 RONNIE HAMMONDS - 2014 PHILLIP JONES- 2019
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