President ’s Message
LEAVE THINGS BETTER THAN YOU FOUND THEM K E I T H P U G H , P E , P W L F, A P W A P R E S I D E N T
Leave things better than you found them. This was my Dad’s favorite saying. He (and my mother) always taught us to serve others and have an impact by leaving things better than we found them.
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t is hard to believe that it’s been almost a year since taking over the helm of APWA during PWX in Charlotte. Time has flown by. What an honor to lead an organization filled with so many folks that I consider mentors and friends. I would like to personally thank you for all you do for the industry, your peers, and our communities. This association is strong because of our common interest in community service, and we are truly connecting the world through public works.
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Throughout the year, I’ve spoken with chapters about the four things I always consider to be goals in my own life. • Leave things better than you found them. This was my Dad’s favorite saying. He (and my mother) always taught us to serve others and have an impact by leaving things better than we found them. • Be prepared and put yourself in a position to say yes. Take advantage of training opportunities. Stretch yourself to learn new things. The
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skills that make you successful today aren’t necessarily the same skills that will bring you success tomorrow. Be in a mode of continuous learning, and make sure you strategically place yourself in positions to say yes to opportunities when they are available. Also, be strategic when saying yes. No is a perfectly acceptable answer, and up isn’t the only way to move forward. Find a hobby that energizes and refreshes you. We cannot perform at our best if we are constantly in a state
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