Enrich Your Network: TN Utility Professionals of Tomorrow

J.W. Griffin | Source Water Protection Technician Tennessee Association of Utility Districts

Have you ever come across an issue at work and thought, 'What am I supposed to do now?' Would it not be nice to have a colleague to call? Maybe someone close to your age? Created in 2018, TAUD's Tennessee Utility Professionals of Tomorrow (TUPT) is a networking group designed with the younger utility professional in mind (ages 25-45).

Members of this group can be either utility members or associate members and work in any of the many fields that can be found in the utility industry. Even though "professionals" is in our name, not all members of the group are engineers or accountants. We are also operators and clerks. We use the term because that is how we see our careers. We look at our work as more than just a job; we're here to make the drinking water better and the streams it is sourced from safer.

The idea for this group is simple: to build an organization that facilitates networking and growth for the next generation of water and wastewater system personnel. We strive to involve the TUPT group in all that TAUD has to offer. This group will provide the utility professionals of tomorrow the opportunity to share our failures and our successes in an effort to learn and grow from one another.

We plan to accomplish this goal in a few ways. First, we will begin hosting stated meetings. We are also planning to host meetings in each of the three grand divisions of Tennessee. This is an area that we plan to expand in 2020 in order to bring the group closer to members that may not be able to attend TUPT events held during TAUD conferences. These meetings will give members the ability to network and exchange knowledge. After all, knowledge is the key to success! If any member of the group would like to share a presentation, these meetings will provide an ideal time. Some meetings will be formal, others more casual. During these meetings we will also share updates from TAUD and enjoy light refreshments.

Also, the group will be hosting special gatherings throughout the year. These gatherings can be as simple as meeting in the hotel lounge for happy hour during a

Pictured: (top) TUPT members on a special behind-the-scenes tour of Ripley's Aquarium in Gatlinburg; (bottom) J.W. Griffin & Cody Lovett at the Business of Running a Utility Conference; (right) J.W. Griffin, Cody Lovett, & Kate MacIndoe at a TUPT member dinner

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conference, or a larger group outing that will be a great environment for getting to know one another and our families. In 2019, two social events were held for the Utility Professionals of Tomorrow. During TAUD's Utility Technology Conference in March, members gathered at Mellow Mushroom in Pigeon Forge for a networking and social hour. Members from James C. Hailey & Co. sponsored appetizers for us to enjoy. In September, TUPT members attending NRWA's WaterPro Conference toured Yazoo Brewery and were able to share in a new experience as a group. Members of the group from American Flow Control, Rye Engineering and Smith, Seckman, Reid sponsored the behind-the-scenes brewery tour, as well as the refreshments afterward. These outings have been a great way to socialize with our friends and colleagues from other water systems and industry suppliers. Getting involved with TAUD is vital for our future, both personally and professionally. At the 2019 Operator Expo, Seth Rye of Rye Engineering spoke to the TUPT group about the importance of getting involved and shared with us his experience in how valuable the TAUD network is. I can also say that being involved with TAUD has given me the ability to grow in ways I never thought were possible. This group is here for you to experience the same on your journey as a utility professional.

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Currently, the TUPT planning committee is developing its event calendar for 2020. We are using our successes in 2019 to compile an agenda for 2020 that will allow us to reach even more utility professionals at more events. We plan on coming to a city near you!

If you have an idea that you believe will be beneficial for the group, we encourage you to let us know! Your feedback and involvement in TUPT is the driving force for our future. For more information about the Utility Professionals of Tomorrow group, please contact J.W. Griffin (jwgriffin@taud.org or (731) 819-2679) or Committee Administrator Ali Hite (alistephens@taud.org or (615)900-1000).

The TAUD Tennessee Utility Professionals of Tomorrow is defined as any person between the ages of 25-45, or new to the water industry (within the last 10 years). Persons that best fit this group are those that are currently in a leadership position (or will be in the future) with a utility or outside agency. Members of TUPT work at water or wastewater plants, utility offices, engineering firms, regulatory agencies, manufacturers, educational institutions, sales firms, and more.