Page 21 - Jan/Feb 2023 Vol 40 No 6

MURFREESBORO By Ronnie Hammonds
TN Public Works Institute in 2022

In 2022, the Tennessee Public Works
Institute kicked off its 19th year, with
plans to hold three separate classes:
• October: Maintenance Technology for
Public Works Employees
• November: Public Works Administration
• December: Basic Supervision in Public
Works
As in the past, we offered a low
cost registration, to be subsidized by
TCAPWA. Cost included three nights
lodging, all meals from lunch on Tuesday
to breakfast on Friday, and all materials. A
lower registration fee also was offered to Public Works Administration
commuters who only had lunch and did
not spend the night.
However, because Maintenance
Technology Class registration was very
low (less than 10), this class was canceled.
Usually the class averages 20 registrants.

Public Works Administration
The second class, Public Works
Administration, was held as scheduled,
featuring a broad overview of skillsets
needed in Public Works as employees are
given more responsibilities. These topics
include developing employees and work
teams, organizing and planning, effective Public Works Supervision
delegation and communication skills and
public service. Additional subjects covered
include Public Works risk management nature of supervision, developing as John Calvert (who continues as an
(reviewed by Public Partners Entity), employees and work teams, effective instructor). Through more than 54 classes,
budgeting and cost accounting, basic delegation, why supervisors must be good TPWI has helped over 1000 participants
purchasing procedures, fleet maintenance, communicators, workplace challenges, statewide.
facilities maintenance, pavement nature of change, qualities of leadership, TPWI has been fortunate that
maintenance, succession planning, and how to develop new employee orientations instructors have volunteered their time
emergency preparedness plans. (geared toward helping new employees and are supported by their cities and
This class had 15 participants from ten know what your department does and the organizations who encouraged them to
different cities statewide. Instructors were community work it does to help provide help with the classes. Public Partners
Kenny Wiggins (retired Alcoa), Chester a sense of belonging), and how to develop Entity, MTAS and the Tennessee Concrete
Darden (PPE), John Calvert (Pavement presentations about various topics. Association have partnered with TPWI
Technology, retired Oak Ridge), John This class had 25 participants from since its inception. TPWI is always on the
Chlarson (MTAS), Brad Peters (MTAS), 11 different cities. Instructors were: lookout for new instructors, and would
and Ronnie Hammonds (TPWI Director, Kenny Wiggins, Mark Miller (Pigeon love your suggestions.
retired Kingsport). Forge), Bryon Fortner (Sevierville), John In the upcoming year, TPWI will update
Chlarson, Bo Mills (Germantown), and and add modules in each class, where
Public Works Supervision Ronnie Hammonds. appropriate. Please let TPWI know what
The year’s final class, Public Works classes (Maintenance Technology for Public
Supervision, was geared towards newer TPWI: Bright Future Ahead Works, Public Works Supervision, Fleet
managers, supervisors who want to add Overall, TPWI reached 35 different Maintenance, Construction Inspection and
to their knowledge, and line workers who individuals this year, with 15 different Public Works Administration) you’d like to
wish to become supervisors. cities sending employees to participate. see in 2023.
Topics included: personality profiles Founded in 2003, TPWI’s success has You can contact the TPWI at
and how they affect teams and employees, been aided by Public Works leaders such RonnieHammonds1957@yahoo.com.

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