10/14/2016

· If you are a fan of Tennessee or Alabama football there are two rules to live by: Don't get married on the third Saturday in October, and try not to die -- because in either case, the preacher might not show. Beano Cook. ESPN Classic. October 17, 2001

· Thanks to Herb for helping folks in the Nashville office get some relief on downtown parking cost. It’s very much appreciated. For what it’s worth, even with the stipend, out-of-pocket will still be at least $80 a month. More like $100 for most. The “It” city is also the expensive city.

· The MTAS Advisory Board met at Fall Creek Falls last week. Even though attendance was light, it was a productive and information rich meeting. It was the last meeting for two long time members, Mitchell Moore and Keith McDonald. Mitchell will retire from the City of Athens and the city management profession on December 31 ^st and Mayor McDonald announced he would be retiring from the board at the end of the year. He has two years left on his current term as mayor of Bartlett. Both have been great contributors to their cities and the advisory board. Both served as chair of the board at different times during their service.

· The Muscatello Rogers Golf Tournament earlier this week netted $6,000+ for the intern scholarship fund. Thanks to Marty Spears at CTAS for coordinating the event. Patrick, thanks for your help with promoting the tournament and some of the logistics.

· Oops! Almost forgot. Only 71 shopping days left 'til Christmas!

· I was really happy to see the update on the Community Chest activity earlier this week. MTAS over the top on its dollar goal and approaching 100% participation. Great job!

· MTAS will host the monthly IPS Leadership Team meeting next Wednesday in Nashville.

· Also, the agency executive directors have been invited to next Tuesday’s IPS Feedback Committee meeting. I plan on attending and it will be my first time to do so. Looking forward to it. Should be interesting.

· Really happy to say that CMFO has been approved for academic credit in two of Tennessee State University’s graduate degree programs in the College of Public Service. More to come about this soon. There are several administrative things needing to be worked out between MTAS, TSU and the Comptroller’s office before TSU launches it. I think this will open up some expanded educational opportunities for many city government folks who have successfully completed CMFO and kept their certification current.

· Quiet week next week for birthdays and service anniversaries.

· 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 Let’ s see . Tomorrow Tennessee and Alabama play. The Predators skate tonight for the first time this season. The first stop on the 2017 PGA tour is in Napa Valley this weekend. The Titans have a really good chance to beat a really bad Cleveland team Sunday. What a sports weekend in Tennessee.

· I hope it’s a comfortable weekend for all!

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

jim.thomas@tennessee.edu

www.mtas.tennessee.edu