It’s that time of year when the kids head back to school, and we begin to yearn for the days of cooler weather. In fact, Labor Day weekend marks the “unofficial end of summer.” While most of us think of backyard barbecues, baseball games, camping trips, or end-of-season vacations, Labor Day is so much more than that. The First Labor Day dates back to 1882 when tens of thousands of labor union workers took unpaid leave and marched through New Your City to demand shorter workdays and better working conditions. Did you know that there was a time when employees were punished for talking or singing as they worked? As you celebrate with friends and family this Labor Day, I hope you take some time to reflect on how far we’ve come, thanks to those who have fought for fair treatment.

I hope you were able to join us for our Lagers & Leadership on July 27 for an intimate conversation with Sandy Wesch, or our August Program on August 11 with Lauren Prieur, City of Fort Worth Interim Director for Transportation and Public Works, and others from her team as they shared a City of Fort Worth Capital Delivery Update.

By now, you should have received your invitation for our 20th Annual Golf Tournament on October 25 at Cowboys Golf Club. Registration is currently open and spots are filling up fast. Early “Birdie” Registration will end on September 23. All proceeds from the tournament benefit our Professional Development Programs and Scholarship Funds.

Other upcoming events include our Fall Professional Development Event: “Speaking so That You Can be Heard” with Mary Lyons on September 20 at NCTCOG and our next Membership Mixer on October 6 at Burns & McDonnell’s Dallas Office for “Strategic Networking.” I look forward to connecting with all of you at one of these events. Until then, continue to stay safe, take care of yourself, and respect each other. And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.