TACD hosts 78th annual convention

By Katherine Burse, state public affairs officer

The Tennessee Association of Conservation Districts held their 78th annual convention in Knoxville, Tennessee, themed “A Change Today Creates a Standard for Tomorrow.” The three-day meeting attracted soil and water conservation districts, producers, and partners from all corners of the state to network and attend presentations. Southeast Regional Conservationist James Tillman and Tennessee State Conservationist Sheldon Hightower served as guest speakers during the general session on the initial day.

NRCS hosted an all-employee meeting, which included a workshop titled, Coaching Skills for Leaders, which taught participants how to understand the distinctions between coaching, consulting, counseling, and mentoring; enhance listening skills; learn the power of questioning; learn how to give effective, useable feedback; and practice their coaching skills.

Washington County Soil and Water Conservation District received the Conservation District of the Year Award; Greg Quillen, district conservationist in Washington County received the Outstanding District Conservationist Award; and Kinsley Graves, soil conservationist in Washington County received an Outstanding Soil Conservationist Award.