by Charles R. Jordan, MPA, LEED GA
Management Analyst II, City of Largo, Florida
Member, APWA Diversity Committee
This year will be my fourth consecutive APWA International Public Works Congress & Exposition in Denver, Colorado. Each year, I find I am more excited for it than the previous year. As a newer member of APWA, and a young professional in public works, the last three Congresses (and I know the upcoming one as well) have been a vital part of my growth as a future leader in public works, and is probably my favorite reason for being a member of the American Public Works Association.
My first experience with Congress occurred in 2008, in New Orleans, Louisiana, as a member of the Emerging Leaders Academy, Class I (the Best Class). I was met as a First Timer with my very own orientation, got invited to a number of receptions, and had a technical and meeting schedule that made my normal work day seem like vacation. I was completely overwhelmed, not only because this was my first true experience with an event like Congress, but also because of the sheer magnitude of our national convention. I made networking contacts, broke bread with coworkers and new friends, learned the latest technology and programs that my peers were working on, and was able to meet with representatives from companies in the largest congregation of public works vendors in the world. Needless to say, it was an event unlike anything I had experienced or expected at that point in my career.
However, that feeling of being overwhelmed did not last long because of the relationships I quickly built with those other professionals that were around me. Not only members of my Emerging Leaders class, but public works directors, national APWA leaders, and colleagues of various ages, backgrounds, and organizational cultures. I stood side by side with public works professionals from large cities like New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, and at the same time from the Small Cities and Rural Communities group, all with equal footing in terms of the profession.
My anxiety with this new atmosphere went away as my attention was directed at the amazing educational program that the Congress provides its attendees. As a traditionally educated professional, I did not get to learn the technical aspects of managing government infrastructure in the classroom. Like most college degrees, I studied the theory behind the science, making it difficult for me to understand those aspects of my job. However, the technical sessions at Congress taught me the basics, as well as the latest trends, in the best practices that our organizations share throughout the country. With that technical knowledge, I was able to walk out onto the gigantic trade show floor and understand the need and benefits of the equipment and services those vendors provide.
The part of Congress that is most beneficial to me is the aspect that no one can put a price tag on: the endless number of networking contacts and good friends you make due to the social opportunities, the tours, and the receptions that occur in the after-hours to provide all of us the opportunity to grow and get to know one another. Every year I look forward to seeing those friends that I have built strong connections with that live on the complete opposite end of the country from me. I look forward to it because we share common interests, common backgrounds, and we are all professionals hoping to make our communities better through our service.
This is the same experience YOU can have, by attending Congress in Denver. These are the benefits you can receive, by coming and being an active participant in everything that Congress offers. Who knows…you could meet your next boss, or next employee. You could find the exact piece of equipment you were looking for that meets your budget. Or perhaps, you will learn something that will make your community a better place to live, work and play. It is for this reason that I will be in Denver for Congress 2011, and I do not intend to miss a Congress anytime in the near future. I hope to see YOU there!
Charles R. “Chas” Jordan can be reached at 727-587-6740 or cjordan@largo.com.