Last week I had the honor of spending time on the road, traveling across North Carolina and meeting with fundholders, board members and community leaders in eastern North Carolina. Each road trip is always different, and this one was no exception.

It was a wonderful week on the road. I had the pleasure of being a part of conversations, big and small, with a host of folks who care deeply about our great state and are invested in making our communities stronger. Many of the conversations had on the road are serious, while some are just plain fun. They all leave me with something to think about.

This week’s highlights are no different, including:

• The power of a well-worded, grammatically correct thank you note
• How a community foundation works and is structured
• How to instill manners in your ten-year-old
• The knowledge that sometimes you can’t wait for others to solve your community’s issues: you have to roll up your sleeves and do it yourself
• How one community’s residents came together after Hurricane Matthew to rebuild and help their neighbors
• Which angle is best to shuck an oyster
• The tax advantages of establishing a fund with a community foundation
• How to build a successful small business in a community in which you are a newcomer
• The environmental advantages of buying and using a metal straw
• The wish to give back to the community that helped in your successes
• The merits of flounder gigging
• The best place to find a new sun hat

Nothing beats connecting with people in person, face to face. It’s one of the simplest joys of my job.

North Carolina is full of people who leave me thinking, bring a smile to my face and are always a good time to be around. I can’t wait for my next trip. See you on the road!