Page 11 - Tennessee 811 Magazine 2021 Issue 4

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It was the total opposite. I got volunteers from all the stakeholder groups.” Deadlines were set, met, and it all came together nicely.
The first week of September, we
finally got to see Allyson’s vision come together. The members of the Utility Association of Gibson County showed up in force with supporting vendors in an area near the front of the fair that became known as the “safety triangle.” Every night of the fair, volunteers from these companies promoted damage prevention and invited people to come back and join us for the main event
on Wednesday, September 1st. Promo items were given out and some great conversations with the community about the importance of calling 811 were had.
The 811 in the 731 event itself was a huge success. For an outside event,
we had great weather and excitement was buzzing amongst the spectators and volunteers. Our attendance was over 300 people, and we gave out over $3,000 dollars in door prizes. Trenton Light and Water warmed up the crowd with an electricity safety demonstration trailer. Hunter Wright, 2020 Pro Late
Model Rookie of the Year at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, was a hit with adults and children alike, and the crowd loved when he fired up his racecar’s engine in the arena. Special guest Travis Aslinger from the Tennessee Public Utility Commission thanked the crowd for their attendance and helped explain the importance of this kind of safety event. Allyson connected with the crowd on the local level by tying everything back into the community that GCUD and the other utilities serve. When Allyson handed me the microphone, I was just thankful to play a small role
in the success of the event, and we got started with a demonstration of the right way to dig safely after calling 811.
Then the action began and a couple
of guys really stole the show when
we reset to do things the wrong way. Jason Morgan and Kevin Smith, both employees of GCUD, played the role of a couple of careless contractors who performed excavation the wrong way. As the emcee, I had to keep a straight face and make sure I was explaining what was going on despite their silly antics. Allyson noted, “I was a little concerned. I didn’t want it being too funny and take away the seriousness of the safety
message. But those guys nailed it!” When the lights and sirens started up, the message became clear, and we need to give a special round of thanks to
the emergency response agencies that volunteered their time and equipment. The help of Gibson County Fire Chief Brian Cathy and Sheriff Paul Thomas were invaluable. Both the Director of Gibson County EMA, Ricky Graves, and Assistant Director Paula Powers did a wonderful job coordinating the different agencies’ participation. We don’t have space here to recognize everyone who donated time, energy, and funding to make the event happen, but Allyson
and the rest of us involved in the event really appreciate your help.
Though it was a collaborative effort, the event wouldn’t have happened without Allyson’s ownership of the project. I asked her what she believes contributes to the success of a leader and she shared a few of her thoughts. “Learn as much as you can, “she said. “Soak up the information. Be inquisitive and ask questions. I wouldn’t be successful as an individual or a manager if it wasn’t for my entire team. I truly am blessed with a great staff that genuinely cares.”
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2021, Issue 4
Tennessee811 • 9