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.
Friday, November 11, 2011
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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