Quote of the Day:
“I just wanted to feel like a winner.”
- Tennessee Titans head coach Jeff Fisher on Tuesday while wearing Peyton Manning's Indianapolis Colts jersey before introducing Manning's former coach Tony Dungy at a Nashville charitable event. Fisher spent most of the rest of the afternoon apologizing to irate Titans fans.
Tennessee News Clips
Education
Economic talks focused on education
October 21, 2009 Jackson Sun
The West Tennessee Megasite and a new initiative to help find funding for those wanting a secondary education dominated discussions at the sixth annual West Tennessee Economic Summit.
Memphis City Schools line up merit-pay PR worth $1.4 million
October 21, 2009 Memphis Commercial Appeal
Memphis City Schools has signed short-term contracts worth $1.4 million with several consultants, including a local public relations agency, as the district moves toward merit pay for teachers and getting rid of those who miss the mark.
Metro Schools Director Focused on Recruiting Teachers
October 20, 2009 Nashville Public Radio
Metro Schools Director Jesse Register says better pay and possibly a free Master’s degree will recruit and retain better teachers.
Politics
State lawmakers step to the fore of state sovereignty movement
October 20, 2009 Nashville City Paper
Tennessee lawmakers stepped to the front of the state sovereignty movement Tuesday, voting to enlist legislators from around the country to try to curb the power of the federal government.
Four Republicans file for Dist. 83 seat
October 21, 2009 Memphis Commercial Appeal
If everyone turns in a petition, at least four Republicans may be seeking the state House seat that was held by Brian Kelsey.
Business
Tennessee to reform municipal financing
October 21, 2009 Tennessean
The state on Tuesday adopted new guidelines to overhaul the way local governments borrow money to build roads, schools and other municipal projects, aimed at shielding them from the type of risky deals that sank the financial markets last year.
Healthcare
Fight Over Medicare Cuts Plays Into Larger Debate
October 21, 2009 Wall Street Journal
Senators battled Tuesday over legislation to forestall a cut in Medicare payments to doctors, trying to seize the advantage in the larger health debate.
Obama Takes a Health Care Hiatus
October 20, 2009 New York Times
As Congressional leaders and White House officials huddle behind closed doors to settle their differences on health care legislation, one of the most powerful voices in the debate — President Obama’s — has grown noticeably quieter.
Economy
Income levels rise in 36 states
October 20, 2009 Nashville Business Journal
Personal income rose in 36 states and the District of Columbia during the second quarter of 2009, a sharp turnaround from the 49-state decline in the first quarter.
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Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Ten Counties Launch Workforce Development and Education Initiative
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 20, 2009
CONTACT:
Joe Barker
jwbarker@swtdd.org
731.668.6402
Ten Counties Launch Workforce Development and Education Initiative
“STEP” Program to Support Development of Megasite
Jackson, TN – Representatives from local government and area business leaders announced today the formation of STEP (Southwest Tennessee Educational Pathways), a college access initiative designed to boost workforce development in a ten-county region. The announcement came as part of the annual West Tennessee Economic Development Summit held at Jackson State Community College.
Modeled after the highly successful Ayers Foundation Scholarship Program, the STEP college access program will be implemented in two phases. First, an infrastructure of mentors will be recruited and trained to assist students in navigating the college admissions and financial aid processes. Secondly, participating counties will work to provide “last dollar” scholarships to fill in the tuition gaps for students after all other sources of financial aid have been accessed.
“The regional cooperation in this effort is unprecedented. We came together to explore ways to capitalize on the megasite and it became clear that improving the area’s workforce was crucial to enticing further economic development”, said Joe Barker, Executive Director of the Southwest Tennessee Development District.
STEP has engaged the Ayers Foundation to provide expertise through analyzing existing community resources, recommending how these resources may be leveraged and aligned, and developing training programs for mentors.
State Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development James Neeley who attended the launch said “I am impressed with how local leaders have come together to address workforce needs. We at the department were happy to be a partner in this effort and support this initiative. It’s a great example for other communities”.
Local governments located in the following counties are participating in the STEP initiative: Chester, Decatur, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Lauderdale, Madison, McNairy, and Tipton.
CONTACT:
Joe Barker
jwbarker@swtdd.org
731.668.6402
Ten Counties Launch Workforce Development and Education Initiative
“STEP” Program to Support Development of Megasite
Jackson, TN – Representatives from local government and area business leaders announced today the formation of STEP (Southwest Tennessee Educational Pathways), a college access initiative designed to boost workforce development in a ten-county region. The announcement came as part of the annual West Tennessee Economic Development Summit held at Jackson State Community College.
Modeled after the highly successful Ayers Foundation Scholarship Program, the STEP college access program will be implemented in two phases. First, an infrastructure of mentors will be recruited and trained to assist students in navigating the college admissions and financial aid processes. Secondly, participating counties will work to provide “last dollar” scholarships to fill in the tuition gaps for students after all other sources of financial aid have been accessed.
“The regional cooperation in this effort is unprecedented. We came together to explore ways to capitalize on the megasite and it became clear that improving the area’s workforce was crucial to enticing further economic development”, said Joe Barker, Executive Director of the Southwest Tennessee Development District.
STEP has engaged the Ayers Foundation to provide expertise through analyzing existing community resources, recommending how these resources may be leveraged and aligned, and developing training programs for mentors.
State Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development James Neeley who attended the launch said “I am impressed with how local leaders have come together to address workforce needs. We at the department were happy to be a partner in this effort and support this initiative. It’s a great example for other communities”.
Local governments located in the following counties are participating in the STEP initiative: Chester, Decatur, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Lauderdale, Madison, McNairy, and Tipton.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Clips and quote
Quote of the Day:
“No one has got the backbone or the guts to even talk about revenue enhancement.”
- House Speaker Emeritus Jimmy Naifeh (D-Covington) during a meeting to brief House leaders on the status of the state budget as tax collections continue to fall. (knoxnews.com)
Tennessee News Clips
Politics
A C Wharton wins with 60 percent of vote; turnout less than 25 percent
October 15, 2009 Memphis Commercial Appeal
Shelby County Mayor A C Wharton cruised to victory on Thursday with 60 percent of the vote, spanking 24 opponents in the special election to replace longtime Memphis mayor Willie Herenton.
Tea-Party Activists Complicate Republican Comeback Strategy
October 16, 2009 Wall Street Journal
The rise of conservative "tea party" activists around the country has created a dilemma for Republicans.
Wharton’s Memphis win to set off scramble for interim Shelby County leadership
October 15, 2009 Memphis Commercial Appeal
Sometime in the next few days, A C Wharton will submit a resignation letter to the Shelby County Commission, setting in motion a chain of events that will ripple through local government for months.
Education
Students Held Back Did Better
October 15, 2009 New York Times
A long-awaited study analyzing the Bloomberg administration’s student-promotion policy says that fifth graders who were held back did better in subsequent years, and that specialized instruction for struggling students showed moderate success.
School board questions teacher training plans
October 16, 2009 Chattanooga Times Free Press
Plans to send teachers and principals to educational conferences and development training opportunities came under harsh criticism from the Hamilton County Board of Education on Thursday night.
Stimulus
Early stimulus reports show gain in teaching, construction jobs
October 16, 2009 Stateline
Teachers, construction workers and public safety officials appear to be the initial winners from the states' share of the $787 billion federal economic stimulus package, according to the first quarterly reports filed by states to show how many jobs the rescue plan saved or created.
Healthcare
Funding and Middle-Class Relief Are Keys to Health Bills
October 16, 2009 Wall Street Journal
Don't be fooled by the turmoil. This is the week the odds tipped ever so slightly in favor of a health overhaul passing Congress.
Smoking Bans Reduce Heart Attacks and Disease
October 15, 2009 New York Times
Bans on smoking in places like restaurants, offices and public buildings reduce cases of heart attacks and heart disease, according to a report released Thursday by a federally commissioned panel of scientists.
Wellness Incentives Could Create Health-Care Loophole
October 16, 2009 Washington Post
Get in shape or pay a price.
Economy
State eyes $1.1 billion in budget cuts in ’10
October 16, 2009 Chattanooga Times Free Press
Tennessee may have to slash as much as $350 million more from its budget next year on top of $753 million in already planned reductions.
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“No one has got the backbone or the guts to even talk about revenue enhancement.”
- House Speaker Emeritus Jimmy Naifeh (D-Covington) during a meeting to brief House leaders on the status of the state budget as tax collections continue to fall. (knoxnews.com)
Tennessee News Clips
Politics
A C Wharton wins with 60 percent of vote; turnout less than 25 percent
October 15, 2009 Memphis Commercial Appeal
Shelby County Mayor A C Wharton cruised to victory on Thursday with 60 percent of the vote, spanking 24 opponents in the special election to replace longtime Memphis mayor Willie Herenton.
Tea-Party Activists Complicate Republican Comeback Strategy
October 16, 2009 Wall Street Journal
The rise of conservative "tea party" activists around the country has created a dilemma for Republicans.
Wharton’s Memphis win to set off scramble for interim Shelby County leadership
October 15, 2009 Memphis Commercial Appeal
Sometime in the next few days, A C Wharton will submit a resignation letter to the Shelby County Commission, setting in motion a chain of events that will ripple through local government for months.
Education
Students Held Back Did Better
October 15, 2009 New York Times
A long-awaited study analyzing the Bloomberg administration’s student-promotion policy says that fifth graders who were held back did better in subsequent years, and that specialized instruction for struggling students showed moderate success.
School board questions teacher training plans
October 16, 2009 Chattanooga Times Free Press
Plans to send teachers and principals to educational conferences and development training opportunities came under harsh criticism from the Hamilton County Board of Education on Thursday night.
Stimulus
Early stimulus reports show gain in teaching, construction jobs
October 16, 2009 Stateline
Teachers, construction workers and public safety officials appear to be the initial winners from the states' share of the $787 billion federal economic stimulus package, according to the first quarterly reports filed by states to show how many jobs the rescue plan saved or created.
Healthcare
Funding and Middle-Class Relief Are Keys to Health Bills
October 16, 2009 Wall Street Journal
Don't be fooled by the turmoil. This is the week the odds tipped ever so slightly in favor of a health overhaul passing Congress.
Smoking Bans Reduce Heart Attacks and Disease
October 15, 2009 New York Times
Bans on smoking in places like restaurants, offices and public buildings reduce cases of heart attacks and heart disease, according to a report released Thursday by a federally commissioned panel of scientists.
Wellness Incentives Could Create Health-Care Loophole
October 16, 2009 Washington Post
Get in shape or pay a price.
Economy
State eyes $1.1 billion in budget cuts in ’10
October 16, 2009 Chattanooga Times Free Press
Tennessee may have to slash as much as $350 million more from its budget next year on top of $753 million in already planned reductions.
Click here to Subscribe or Unsubscribe.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Former Executive Director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Joins Southern Strategy Group
Southern Strategy Group is proud to announce Electra Theodorides-Bustle has joined its Tallahassee, Florida office as its newest partner. Electra brings more than 15 years experience in executive, legal, and policy making positions.
Paul Bradshaw, the firm’s founder, said, “Electra brings to the firm deep subject matter expertise on a range of topics including law enforcement and the operation of state government. Combine that with her remarkable energy and stellar reputation among decision makers, and you have the perfect partner for our lobbying firm.”
Most recently, Electra served as the Executive Director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles where she was unanimously appointed by Florida’s Governor and Cabinet. As Executive Director, Electra was responsible for all activities of one of the nation’s largest safety and consumer oriented agencies, which includes the Florida Highway Patrol, the Division of Driver Licensing, and the Division of Motor Vehicles as well as a large information technology and administrative and business support divisions.
Prior to being appointed Executive Director, Electra served as Assistant Commissioner for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for three years and oversaw critical areas including legislative affairs office, sexual predator registry, the Capitol Police, criminal justice officer, records and discipline, and the State’s criminal history and fingerprint databases.
Electra also has a diverse legal career in the public sector serving as Assistant General Counsel for the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, General Counsel for the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office and Deputy General Counsel for the Florida Sheriffs Association. Electra also represented the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation and the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives.
Southern Strategy Group first opened its doors in 1999. Since then, the Tallahassee, Florida based business has grown to be one of the largest government relations firms in the United States, with over 17 affiliated offices throughout the country. For more information, please visit http://www.sostrategy.com/.
Paul Bradshaw, the firm’s founder, said, “Electra brings to the firm deep subject matter expertise on a range of topics including law enforcement and the operation of state government. Combine that with her remarkable energy and stellar reputation among decision makers, and you have the perfect partner for our lobbying firm.”
Most recently, Electra served as the Executive Director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles where she was unanimously appointed by Florida’s Governor and Cabinet. As Executive Director, Electra was responsible for all activities of one of the nation’s largest safety and consumer oriented agencies, which includes the Florida Highway Patrol, the Division of Driver Licensing, and the Division of Motor Vehicles as well as a large information technology and administrative and business support divisions.
Prior to being appointed Executive Director, Electra served as Assistant Commissioner for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for three years and oversaw critical areas including legislative affairs office, sexual predator registry, the Capitol Police, criminal justice officer, records and discipline, and the State’s criminal history and fingerprint databases.
Electra also has a diverse legal career in the public sector serving as Assistant General Counsel for the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, General Counsel for the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office and Deputy General Counsel for the Florida Sheriffs Association. Electra also represented the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation and the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives.
Southern Strategy Group first opened its doors in 1999. Since then, the Tallahassee, Florida based business has grown to be one of the largest government relations firms in the United States, with over 17 affiliated offices throughout the country. For more information, please visit http://www.sostrategy.com/.
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