Good Morning MTAS,

I was so glad to see (almost) everyone at the MTAS staff retreat in Franklin. A huge thanks goes to the retreat planning committee for handling all the details. Members were Armintha, Frances, Gary, Michelle T., Paige and Rex. Extra thanks to Frances for chairing the committee. I am excited to hear and implement your ideas for a future of excellence at MTAS.

Here’s an overview of last week, some of which I mentioned at dinner on Monday night. On Thursday, June 21 ^st , the Supreme Court ruled that internet retailers can be required to collect sales tax on internet transactions. Up until now, a previous court ruled that a retailer had to have a physical presence in the state to be required to collect the tax. So, why am I mentioning this? The TN Department of Revenue estimates that this will bring in an additional $200 – $450 million in revenues. This will impact our customers, and it will impact MTAS.

Also, the 21 ^st happened to be the first day of summer and Gary’s birthday. Happy summer and happy birthday to Gary!

Additionally last week the UT Board of Trustees met and approved a 2.5% pool for merit and market increases. I have a strategy drafted to implement this salary increase and you’ll be getting your specific information shortly. I appreciate the University’s leadership recognizing that we need to stay competitive in the wage market and the need to reward exceptional performance.

In honor of the official start of summer, here’s a brief scene from the 1987 movie Summer School starring Mark Harmon. Mr. Shoop is the gym coach who has been told he’s teaching summer school. He walks into a disorderly classroom:
"Shoop: Please take your seats.
Chainsaw, Dave: Where should we take 'em?”

I hope you enjoyed your time together with each other this week. You are valuable to your customers, MTAS and me.
Margaret