Mrs. Gribble Goes to Washington...

Back in March I had the opportunity as part of my new role on the SMRP Board of Directors to attend the annual fly-in on Capitol Hill. There were about 20 member volunteers who attended and our goal was to speak with lawmakers about funding technical education through things like Pell Grants. Workforce development is a big pain point for our industry as the workforce is aging. So it was really cool to get an opportunity to go advocate for programs that will help educate the next generation of workers - and promote the value of the skilled trades.

My group got to actually meet with Congressman Glenn Thompson from Pennsylvania. The SMRP staff were shocked that our first meeting was actually with the Congressman and not just one of their staffers. Unfortunately that was the only one we actually met with.

Then we got to meet up with Senator Mark Warner's office - I was pretty excited about this but unfortunately we didn't get to meet the Senator. His office was decorated with all things Virginia - it was pretty cool.

Then on our way to meet with Senator Tim Kaine's office we actually spotted him in one of the underground tunnels!! I was so excited and luckily the SMRP staff person who was with our group had no problem flagging him down and asking him for a photo. Was a highlight of the day for sure.

We also met with Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky & Senator Sherod Brown of Ohio.

It was definitely a unique day and it really made me appreciate the country we live in and the access we have to those making the decisions. Aside from going through security check-points you don't have to have an appointment to just knock on the door of your representatives - pretty lucky!