Newsletter
President's Message
As I reflect on the past few months, I am reminded once again of the strength of the Texas solid waste community and the value of coming together to learn, share ideas, and support one another.
Our 2026 TxSWANA Annual Conference in El Paso was a tremendous success, offering outstanding educational sessions, meaningful networking, and valuable engagement with our industry partners. On behalf of the Chapter, I extend a special thank you to El Paso Environmental Services Director and TxSWANA Secretary Nicholas Ybarra and his entire team for their hard work and hospitality. Nick and his team did an exceptional job, and we are grateful to them for making this year's event so memorable.
One of my favorite TxSWANA traditions is our annual Road-E-O, held this year June 5–6 at the 121 Regional Disposal Facility in Melissa and hosted by the outstanding solid waste team at the North Texas Municipal Water District. The Road-E-O showcases the skill and professionalism of the men and women who operate the equipment that keeps our communities clean every day, with competitors demonstrating their abilities through challenges that reflect our profession's realities. While we enjoy recognizing top per-formers, the event's true value lies in promoting safe work practices, professional development, and camaraderie among peers. Thank you to everyone who competed, volunteered, and helped make it another outstanding and safe competition.
I also want to recognize our conference and Road-E-O sponsors. Their partnership allows us to deliver high-quality educational programs, networking opportunities, and professional development resources for members throughout Texas, and we sincerely appreciate their continued investment in our industry.
Summer has arrived, bringing the challenge of working safely in extreme heat. As temperatures rise, we must stay focused on protecting employees through training, hydration, rest, and vigilance. At Dallas Sanitation, our "100 Days of Summer Safety" campaign keeps heat safety top of mind all season, and I encourage members to discuss summer practices in their workplaces and share successful strategies with peers. TxSWANA's Safety Management and Resource Team (SMART) is an excellent forum for that exchange; to get involved, connect with SMART Committee Chair David Vartian.
One of TxSWANA's greatest strengths is the active involvement of its members. Whether you are new to the industry or a longtime member, I encourage you to find a way to participate. Serving on committees, supporting events, and sharing expertise are among the best ways to grow your network, develop leadership skills, and help shape our profession's future. I also encourage you to take full advantage of SWANA's broader resources, which support professionals at every stage of their careers. One of the premier opportunities is SWANA's annual conference, RCon, which this year will be held September 29 through October 2 in St. Louis.
Thank you for your continued support of TxSWANA and for the important work you do every day in service to your com-munities. Have a safe and productive summer. I look forward to seeing you at future TxSWANA events.
-Clifton Gillespie
Calendar of Events
Upcoming Board Meetings
Other Events
2026 R-Con - Sep 29 - Oct 2, 2026 - St. Louis, MO
