01/27/2017

· Big day in Nashville on Monday when the Governor issues the “State of the State” address late afternoon. Always an exciting time and means lots of work to be done on budgets, MTAS’s included. Hopefully some good news about appropriations and tax collections. Stay tuned.

· We all got Gail White’s e-mail message about the IPS Outside Consulting Certification. While there’s still plenty of time to get it knocked out, please take care of this soon. Thanks to those who have already done so.

· As it does every year, TML highlights up to six Tennessee towns and cities at its annual conference in what it calls “City Hall”. And MTAS staff have always assisted by nominating those towns and cities for TML. It’s time to get those nominations to TML. Please send your nominations to Debbie Kluth (
dkluth@tml1.org ) as soon as possible. If you have questions, Debbie can be contacted by phone at 615-255-6416.

· A reminder for Knoxville (and East Tennessee) staff, Dr. Noma Anderson, President DiPietro’s advisor on diversity and inclusion, will visit the IPS / MTAS offices on Monday, February 6 ^th from Noon to 1:30 p.m. Dr. Anderson would like to meet as many folks as can be available. And yes, lunch will be served so let Armintha know about your attendance so you’re not in line right behind the person to get the last serving.

· A belated 39 ^th Happy Birthday to Pat Hardy. His big day was this past Tuesday.

· Some service anniversaries next week…Michelle Terry joined MTAS on January 30, 2012. Rick Whitehead came on board February 1, 2004 and John Grubbs signed up February 2, 2015. Thanks to all three of you for what you do every day for our customers and MTAS.

· Lastly, remember a few things…
o What each of you do every day for our customers and each other is recognized and appreciated. Really! It is!
o “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

· While on leave earlier this week, I played golf in high 70’s weather and bright sunshine…on the Georgia coast. Forecast for Sunday in Goodlettsville…cold and snow showers. Ouch!

Jim Thomas, Executive Director


(O) 615. 532.4950 (C) 615.972.9219

jim.thomas@tennessee.edu

www.mtas.tennessee.edu