12/02/2016

· There’s nothing to be said that can make the last few days any better. Surprise. Amazement. Tragedy. Grief. Sorrow. Dread. Fear. Our friends and our customers and the people they are duty-bound to serve have suffered in ways that we probably don’t completely understand right now but it’s starting to become “real” each time Cindy and Larry Waters tell us what’s tough to hear. Too real!

· “Coincidence” is another word that’s struck me the last couple days. Casta Brice is the HR Director in Tullahoma (tornado Tuesday night) and is a member of the MTAS Advisory Board. Mitchell Moore, city manager in Athens is also a member…tornado Tuesday night. Pigeon Forge’s public works director, Mark Miller, is an advisory board member as is Ron Sharp, Gatlinburg’s city attorney. I’ve spoken with all of them. They’re all fine. Their cities aren’t.

· 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

Only good thoughts and prayers for comfort for so many who have been hurt this week.

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

jim.thomas@tennessee.edu

www.mtas.tennessee.edu