09/09/2016

· Brett and Becky, know that our thoughts are with you and your families.

· So, I turned on the early Knoxville news when I woke up this morning. There was a live remote broadcast from Bristol Motor Speedway. It was 6:00 a.m. and the story highlighted a tailgate party already underway …a day and a half before tomorrow’s game. Hope those folks are able to find the speedway tomorrow night.

· Lots of birthdays and service anniversary dates recently…
o Becky Smeltzer joined MTAS August 20, 2001
o Gary Jaeckel joined MTAS on September 1, 1999
o Kurt Frederick joined MTAS on September 1, 2002
o Steve Wyatt joined MTAS on September 1, 1998
o Chris Shults joined MTAS on September 2, 2014
o Nancy Gibson joined MTAS on September 5, 2006
o Sandy Selvage joined MTAS on September 7, 1993
Ninety-nine combined years of service by a great group of people. Thanks to each of you for your contribution in making MTAS what it is today.

· Remember the Post-It Notes…the ones we used when we participated in the strategic plan listening sessions. Well, they’ve been transcribed and next week, the steering committee will convene to read and make sense out of several thousand comments that we and our stakeholders provided. That committee will work Wednesday through Friday with goal being to distill all that information down to the major themes to be addressed by the strategic plan. Stay tuned for updates on the progress the steering committee makes.

· Earlier today, the IPS Leadership Academy III graduated from its two-year work experience. Rick and Honna were part of the class. Over the two years, the class dove deeply into the entire University system to get a better understanding of it. It also created and participated in lots of discussions…some off the cuff and some lead by a facilitator about leading organizations in today’s cultural, political and economic environment. As it stands right now, the plan for Leadership Academy is that it take a year-long break before the next class convenes. Congratulations to this class and thank you for the investment of time you provided to its success.

· Earlier this week…and like you…I got the e-mail notice about this year’s Campus Chest Campaign. Uncharacteristically, I immediately went ahead and opened the online form and renewed my commitment and directed my donation a nonprofit in the Nashville area that Sissy and I have supported for many years. Folks, I was amazed at how much better this online method was to work with than in previous years. So, if you decide to participate…and I hope you do…check it out. Two minutes and you’re done. Again this year, Armintha will serve as our agency coordinator and she can give / mail you a paper copy to use if you choose.

· 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 Billy Graham once said, “The only time my prayers are never answered is on the golf course”. Well, my response is simply, “Amen!”

· A comfortable weekend for all, I hope!

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

jim.thomas@tennessee.edu

www.mtas.tennessee.edu