The Tennessee Chapter was established in 1954 and currently has 428 members from across the state. The chapter is divided into five geographic branches consisting of the West Tennessee Branch, Middle Tennessee Branch, Upper Cumberland Branch, Lower Middle/East Tennessee Branch, and the Upper East Tennessee Branch. Each branch holds quarterly luncheon meetings featuring lunch and a technical session on a subject relative to the public works official. The chapter holds an Annual Joint Conference each fall with participation from the Tennessee SWANA chapter. The conference typically features over 50 vendor exhibits and 30 technical sessions. In 2003 the chapter established the Tennessee Public Works Institute for providing educational sessions and certifications to all levels of public works employees across the state. TPWI holds various 4-Day schools throughout the year in the following subject areas: Maintenance Technologies for Public Works Field Personnel, Public Works Construction Inspection, and Public Works Supervision. In 2008 TPWI will add a Public Works Administration 4-day school. John Calvert, retired TCAPWA Chapter Administrator serves as director of TPWI. The intent of TPWI is to offer educational 4-day schools applicable to all level of Public Works employees at very low affordable by any local government agency in Tennessee. This is accomplished by using an all volunteer staff of 28 instructors and with financial support from TCAPWA to help lower attendee costs.
