Date, Location... Now What?

After the first couple of meetings of the SuperTech Steering Committee, we found ourselves a little overwhelmed. We have the date and we have the location, but now what?   As we sat down around our long oval table, the one problem we got stuck on was “how do we actually figure out the scenarios to create for the competition?” We glanced around, waiting for the answer to magically make itself known to us, but it didn’t come. As we all shook our heads, I said, “it’s time to call in the reinforcements.”   Actually, I didn’t really say that, but you get the idea. It was the perfect moment for me to pull out the stack of business cards I gathered at TMC's SuperTech in Nashville.  Fortunately for me, I didn’t have to twist any arms. I had several great conversations with Carl Tapp and Mike McBurney. Tapp helped established the competition in Arkansas, and McBurney works for Mitchell1. Also, DC Collins from Haldex has been on board since day one and offered some great advice. The knowledge and wisdom of these three is something I hope Nebraska members will aspire to someday. I’m sure it will take quite a bit of time for us to catch up.  Another group that has been instrumental in our planning thus far has been the United States Postal Service. Bonne Karim, manager, facilities & retail branch, NCED, met with me at SuperTech and took me under her wing. Karim also arranged for three of her co-workers to meet with some of the STSC members to get advice for the competition. Karim has also gone above-and-beyond in answering my numerous questions by phone and e-mail. She has the patience of a saint!  My point in all of this is that for those of you thinking your state may want to get involved but aren’t sure where to begin, all it takes is one phone call or one e-mail to get the ball rolling. And from personal experience, I can guarantee you that once you get that ball rolling; it’s not going to stop!