Page 6 - Jan/Feb2017

TCAPWA/SWANA CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS By Molly Gilbert

2016 Conference Overview

From November 8-10, 2016, more than 350
professionals in the Public Works field and equipment
vendors from across the state gathered in Memphis for
the annual Tennessee Chapter of the American Public
Works Association and Solid Waste Association of
North America Conference. The agenda included award
recognition ceremonies, networking mixers, a tour of the
1916 Gayoso Pumping Station, a golf outing, educational
technical sessions and the popular Equipment Rodeo.

“This conference allows area Public Works
departments to come together and talk or combat
challenges,” said Robert Knecht, Director of Public
Works City of Memphis. “We were fortunate to host the
conference and show what is going on in Memphis.”

Different municipalities in Tennessee host every year,
and the conference typically heads to the Mid-South
every four years. Holding the conference in downtown
Memphis seemed to attract a larger crowd with the
surrounding amenities of Beale Street, the Bass Pro
Pyramid and the newly opened Big River Crossing. The
weather was also impeccably cooperative with sunny
skies and mild temperatures as a steady breeze rolled
across the Mississippi River.

“We join together and share stories – it’s a great way
to renew and foster our professional relationships,”
commented Bill Kilp, Director of Collierville Public
Services and SWANA West Tennessee Public Director.

Thank you to our sponsors and vendors, to our host
city of Memphis, to the Chairman John Anderson
and the entire Conference Committee for their hours
of planning and hard work. Special thanks to Bonnie
Dodson and Kimberly Strong, and to the many
volunteers who made this conference possible.

6 TPW January/February 2017