Wow, what a year! With our State Conference wrapped up and holidays right around the corner – followed quickly by the 89th Legislative Session, ready or not – I’m wondering how it’s flying by so fast!
But, I’m not gonna lie; getting through it and having a wonderfully successful conference wrapped up is a good feeling! Thank you to everyone who helped make it happen: the “fairies” who helped put it together and reminded me when I needed to get things done and kept me on task, the amazing and supportive sponsors, the incredible vendors, our great lineup of speakers, and definitely those of you who attended! I hope everyone took something away from it that will help you be even better in your service to your counties than you were before.
Finally, I have to mention the fellowship. I am certain that there hasn’t been a single conference that I haven’t made a contact somewhere in the state who helped me with an issue at home.
Other great takeaways from this year, for me at least, are how we have come together with our issues that need attention and help from the state. We have been able to talk through them and brainstorm proposed solutions that we can take to our legislators and advocate together for improved legislation to help counties thrive and be efficient and effective on behalf of our constituents. Through each of the CJCAT conferences, along with the V.G. Young and TAC conferences, we’ve formed a consensus with each other in hopes of finding constructive solutions for our legislators to carry forward.
Truly being immersed in this process for the past few years has given me a new perspective on “how the sausage is made,” so to speak, between the county and state levels. I’ve gained a much deeper understanding and respect of the process than I had before, and I am excited about continuing to engage with each of you, our associations, and our other affiliate associations (sheriff’s, treasurers, JPs/constables, etc.) who are all working for the same purpose of doing our best by our counties. Though we may be in different lanes of traffic, we are on the same highway and headed the same direction.
Over the past few years as an officer at the regional level and at the state level, serving on the TAC Board, and having completed both the V.G. Young Institute and TAC Leadership 254 education development courses, I have no doubt that I have grown professionally and personally. These experiences have and continue to make me a better wife, mom, daughter, colleague, and servant of my community. Thank you all so much for these opportunities and for allowing me to serve in this capacity. It’s been such an honor, and I am excited to continue to serve, advocate, mentor, and help in any way I can.