05/06/2016

· So, what “winter” have we experienced over the past few days? Whippoorwill? Locust? Nuclear? Blackberry? Dogwood? Redbud? Whatever it was, just bring on summer!

· A few weeks ago, I participated in a survey training about sexual harassment and I think some others in MTAS did also. Earlier this week, I got an e-mail reminding me that there was a “Part 2” to the survey that I needed to complete. When I clicked on the link in the reminder message, it took me to a page that had a long list of entities who were completing various surveys and I was supposed to click on the one for my survey. I couldn’t find an option for me so I sought Judie Martin’s help and she sent me this link
http://us9.campaign-archive2.com/?u=d896b38de9dd8fd3c043073b3&id=4f23082829&e . This one worked for me so if you had a similar experience, give it a try.

· On August 15 ^th and 16 ^th , the TML Risk Management Pool will host a risk and insurance symposium. Details about it can be found here
http://thepool.xmimeetings.com/ . Registration is free and 130 participants can be accommodated. So, if you’re interested, might be good to register soon.

· Next Wednesday, May 11 ^th , Ronnie logs his 23 ^rd year with MTAS. He joined MTAS in 1993. Ronnie, we appreciate what you’ve done for all of us and our customers. Thank you and congratulations!

· Details for the listening sessions for the IPS Strategic Plan continue to develop. July 26 ^th at the UT West Tennessee Research and Education Center in Jackson from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Two (2) sessions in the Nashville area (locations still being finalized) on July 27 ^th …one from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and another from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. July 28 ^th in Knoxville at the Knoxville Police Department from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. I hope everybody already has these sessions on your calendars and plan to attend at least one of them. Our attendance and that of a lot of our customers is critical to the development of a practical, workable plan.

· 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
o …and Honna celebrates Mother’s Day by sharing it with her birthday (May 8 ^th ). Happy birthday, Honna! You’re 39 ^th , right?
o Pebble Beach (California) Golf Links is considered by some to be the best public golf course in the United States. Don’t have to be a member to play it. Just call and get a tee time, show up with your clubs and playing partners, plop down the $535 greens fee…and play away. Yes. I said $535. In spite of that, it’s a bucket list thing for me.

· Looks like summer finally returns this weekend. I hope it’s a comfortable one for all.

Jim Thomas, Executive Director
(O) 615. 532.4950 (C) 615.972.9219

jim.thomas@tennessee.edu

www.mtas.tennessee.edu