Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Best friend

All fire personnel recently received training on Pet Basic First Aid and Pet Resuscitation. The training included hands-on skills practice with new pet medical equipment that was procured and placed on fire engines.

The training and equipment are sanctioned by the American Veterinarian Association and enhances our firefighters resuscitation efforts when providing medical care for pets.

The new devices fit over an animal's snout and clip into the hand-operated air pump already used to resuscitate humans. There are two sizes mainly designed for dogs and cats, but could likely fit pets as small as a gerbil.

While the Fire Department will not respond to emergency medical calls for pets it will be prepared to provide emergency medical assistance to family pets when needed at emergency scenes.

Another good reason to live in Bristol.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Route 66

With the opening of the Anderson Street bridge over the Norfolk Southern railroad tracks a few years ago, the rerouting of US 421 in the downtown area began its journey through the State of Tennessee, Commonwealth of Virginia, and the Federal Highway Administration.

For you locals, you'll recall all the twists and turns as the road wound its way through the central business district in the past. Not so anymore - the new route through the downtown is Commonwealth Boulevard/Volunteer Parkway to Anderson Street to the Anderson Street Bridge, connecting to Pennsylvania Avenue. And the reverse if you're northbound.

US 421 is one of the great roads before the dawn of the interstate system. It runs over 900 miles from near the shores of Lake Michigan to the Atlantic Ocean in North Carolina. And of course an important midway point is here in Bristol.

I had the opportunity this past week to jog the mother road of the early highway system - US Route 66. Immortalized in song and TV, the road runs 2,500 miles from Chicago to LA (are you humming yet?) It's now Historic Route 66 in many areas since its removal from the federal highway system 25 years ago - hence a safe and pleasant jogging route.

Get your kicks on Route 66 - and US 421 too. Just be careful - it's still a major roadway serving our community. peace

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Public good

The concept of public good inherently implies some private loss - that's why some decisions of city council are so difficult.

But the greater good is what it is all about.

Local government 101.

Friday, November 25, 2011

Black friday

Well I know nobody is reading this on this most secular of all holidays - black Friday.

A day when many set their alarms early for a trek to find deals and steals of the shopping year.

It's also the day retailers hope their financials go from red to black and their toils over the year are finally justified and rewarded.

I hope you visit many of our fine local, independent small businesses today and throughout the year for it is they that are there for you everday and in everyday life - and add so much to the character and ambience of our city.

They're our friends and neighbors and their success is truly ours as a community as well.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Roses

Technology is a wonderful thing.

It enriches our lives, opens up new possibilities and vistas, and makes the impossible possible.

Remember first generation mobile phones that could hardly pass the carry-on baggage size limitations of today? Remember mimeograph machines, the friend of every elementary school teacher? How about your old Commodore 64; pong arcade game; and transistor radios - all marvels of their time.

Life was simpler then, fuller then somehow. We seemed to take more time to smell the roses.

Life is like that in Bristol. Yes we have cutting edge technology - but we have more - a lot more. We still take time to smell the roses - another good reason to live in Bristol.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

A good start

Over the past several months I've posted a running tally of our local sales tax receipts which is a major funding source of city government.

For the 6th month in a row now we've recorded an increase over the same period last year. The combined receipts for this half-year period are up 7.7%.

This is welcome news after seeing our sales tax receipts fall and remain flat for the past several years as a result of the recession of 2007.

While we still have much to do to strengthen our economy the data is improving suggesting the start of our return to normal times.

Of course normal isn't good enough - but given where we're coming from - it's a good start.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Overflowing

While driving down the Volunteer Parkway today my attention was drawn to the built environment and what I saw made me smile.

Over the past few years a number of new commercial buildings have been constructed and other older structures have found new uses and have been nicely upgraded; several remnants of a former era have gone the way of the wrecking ball; the right-of-way maintains a pleasing and kept look; and overall the landscape reflects the positive image that we've been working hard to convey.

The list of specific projects is long and reflects a continual rebirth consistent with the ebb and flow of a dynamic community.

Rather than reflect on what wasn't there - I found myself reflecting on what was.

A glass is either half full or half empty depending on your view of the world. Let's see things as half full as the power of positive thought is contagious and momentum builds upon itself.

With such power behind it - it won't be long before our glass is overflowing.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Sometimes

I spent a few hours raking leaves today which is the perfect activity to let my mind wander.

I don't know about you, but when I'm mentally at idle, my thoughts turn to work.

Sometimes I think of new approaches to address old issues; sometimes I think of new things we need to be doing; and sometimes I replay events that could have gone better if only done in another way.

Today I thought a lot about a great opportunity to improve our economy and ways to advance it successfully.

They say we are in control of our own destiny. But sometimes you need a helping hand.

So reach out at every opportunity and give that helping hand - you'll both be better off because of it.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Dust

I just happened to drop into the H.P. King Building yesterday and was utterly amazed about the construction underway.

Work and workers were everywhere - and I mean everywhere. I didn't count them but there must have been 50 workers on site - if not more.

Dust was thick in the air as hardwood floors were sanded, drywall was hung, and the other crafts and trades were busy at their plies.

Of course - I wore a solid black suit that day - bad idea. But it wasn't a planned visit - just a spur of a minute thing.

The first tenant in the building - the Six20 State restaurant - is just a mere few weeks away from opening. And other neat uses should be announced soon for the remainder of the first floor and upper floors in this signature downtown building.

Stay tuned Bristol - you too are going to be amazed.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Youth Council

Bristol Virginia City Manager Dewey Cashwell and I had the pleasure of visiting with the Bristol Youth Council at their Piedmont Avenue meeting place on Thursday.

It was invigorating to feel the enthusiasm and energy of this group of high school students participating in an activity that they thoroughly enjoy.

After a couple of groundbreaking exercises: my favorite sport is hockey; my favorite hobby is mowing the grass (yes, I know...don't go there); and my favorite thing about Bristol is Steele Creek Park (downtown was a really, really close second), we jointly participated in a SWOT analysis of the community.

The insight of the youth group was right-on; Dewey and I couldn't disagree a bit with the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing our community.

Following a 90 minute session with full participation, we called it a day.

Bristol, Washington County Virginia, and Sullivan County Tennessee - rest assured that your future is in good hands as represented by the participants at the Bristol Youth Council. peace

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Relationships

Another banner news day in Bristol with a ribbon cutting ceremony for the latest Seaman Corporation expansion project in the Municipal Industrial Park.

The community celebrated the $7 million expansion project that included new state of-the-art coating equipment, mixing equipment, and weaving and knitting machinery for its high performance specialty fabrics.

Bristol was in competition with Ohio to land this latest investment which increases the capital footprint of Seaman locally and protects jobs that would have otherwise been lost to Ohio.

The company also expects to add positions to the Bristol plant as business ramps up with the newest equipment in the future.

As always, it took the good work of many to bring about this economic victory - coupled with a great corporate citizen like Seaman that understands the value of relationships and execution.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Call center

The city was the recipient of good news today following a lot of hard work by many - Sprint will be bringing more than 600 jobs across the state line following construction of a new state-of-the art call center in Bristol.

The city was in competition with sites in Virginia, North Carolina, and Kentucky for this new call center. Construction on the new 48,500 square foot building is slated for the first quarter of 2012 and the center is anticipated to be fully operational in early 2013.

Among the good news with this announcement is the fact that our area could have lost over 600 jobs had a decision been made by Sprint to relocate to outside the region. By retaining them here, the jobs will stay here - plus the city will have a major employment center on SR 394 that could be the genesis for more activity in this business corridor.

Thanks go out to our many economic development partners - and in particular the State of Tennessee - for putting together a winning proposal.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Challenge

It's always good to combine healthy living activities and team building activities together - and even better when you win doing it.

This year, the City of Bristol is proud to recognize its own with a second place overall finish in the 2011 Bristol Health Challenge.

In addition to overall second place, our team took second place for total workouts (825) and total weight loss (150 pounds) during the eight-week challenge.

Wow - that's an average of almost one workout every day by every member for eight weeks straight. Now that's commitment. And at 150 pounds lost, our average team member shed 10 pounds during the challenge - way to go.

Here's to Alan, Billy, Charlie, Darlene, David, David, Jack, Jeremy, Kristi, Mandy, Matt, Megahn, Sandra, Tim, and team captain Mike.

You all should be proud - we sure are.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Daylight

It's always darkest before the dawn goes an old saying.

We've come through alot; and have more to go.

But don't be fooled by the night - daylight is coming.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Friends

Have you thanked your friends lately for being your friend?

For being there through thick and thin and in-between; for giving you advice and counsel and just plain old support; for straightening you out when you zigged but should have zagged.

Friends come in different shapes and sizes - family are friends (and much more of course); neighbors are friends; and work associates are friends to name a few.

As public employees, we also have thousands of friends that depend on us every day. Some we come to know personally, others we never meet.

But friends all nonetheless. Let's all be that friend everybody can count on - everyday.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Equalizer

I was in Steele Creek Park today and couldn't help but think about how a great public space like this one is a great equalizer - everybody is fully at home.  No matter from what walk of life - everyone fits so naturally.

Yeah, great public parks are like that.  Glad we have ours.  peace

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Veterans Day parade

Today was a beautiful crisp sunny day in Bristol for the annual Veterans Day parade.


This 45-minute tribute to past and current members of the armed forces is always inspiring and unites the parade participants and parade watchers in a wave of patriotism.  You just feel good at this event.

We owe a deep debt of gratitude to all of our servicemen and servicewomen that have protected our freedoms and defended our nation from harms way.

Thank you veterans - past and future.  Your commitment to our country is of the highest calling.

Friday, November 4, 2011

Small business loans

On April 1 of this year the city, working with local banks and People Incorporated, launched a new Downtown Bristol Revolving Loan Fund.  The loan program was established to stimulate redevelopment in downtown Bristol on both sides of the state line.

Six banks - Bank of Tennessee, BB&T, Citizens Bank, First Tennessee Bank, Green Bank, and Highlands Union Bank - graciously agreed to capitalize the loan fund with $135,000 in bank funds.

As of September 1, three loans totalling $45,000 have been made for downtown business activity.  As importantly, 13 other inquiries are actively being worked with the prospect of additional loans being approved under this program.

This loan pool is another example of the city and private sector partnering together to achieve a common outcome - in this case small business growth and job creation.

As additional funds are loaned from the fund, we are hopeful that the fund can be recapitalized with additional bank funds to achieve even great results.

Special thanks and recognition go out to our bank partners in making this loan program a reality.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Diligence

Interesting City Council meeting last night.

City Council awarded several bids, approved a change to the process for acquiring beer permits and renewing temporary beer permits, and approved on first reading (two are required for passage) an amendment to our dog tethering ordinance.

Several grants were also accepted including $14,682 from the U.S. Department of Justice to purchase 30 bulletproof vests and $39,999 from the Governor's Highway Safety Office to purchase ten radar units and undertake traffic safety enhancement activities.  The bulletproof vest grant requires a local match of a like $14,682 while the highway safety grant is 100% funded with no local match.

It's always nice to stretch our local budget funds with outside funds.  Our staff remains diligent in identifying such opportunities and have been quite successful in attaining grant funding in the past.

Let's hope they remain successful in the future.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Milk-Bones

Lulabelle, Oscar, Phoebe, and Boomer were among the dignitaries in attendance at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Bark Park.

Following the fine words of Mayor David Shumaker and Parks and Recreation Director Terry Napier, our special guests were treated to a dog biscuit to commemorate the occasion before frolicking in the play area.

Unlike other commemorative gifts given at special ceremonies to special dignitaries - these gifts didn't last long.




Milk-Bones - nice.