Page 22 - JulyAug Vol43 No2

TENNESSEE PUBLIC WORKS INSTITUTE By Bryon Fortner
Basic Supervison in Public Works

The 2025 Basic Supervision in Public attendees, we have ever held in the
Works Class of the Tennessee Public history of the program. The next TPWI
Works Institute (TPWI) was held April class, Maintenance Technologies was
22-25 at the Tennessee Association held on May 6-9. Two additional classes
of Utility Districts Training Station are scheduled for 2025: Construction
in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Thirty Inspection in July and Public Works
students attended the class, representing Administration in November. While
13 different local governments and/or the July class is full, there are still spots
utilities from all over the state. available in the Administration session.
Class modules included: Personality The attendees are asked to complete
Types, the Nature of Supervision, evaluations at the end of the session.
Qualities of Leadership, Liabilities and We appreciate the feedback (and the
Risks as a Supervisor, Why Supervisors compliments.)
Must Be Good Communicators, “Thank you all for what you do. I would
Organizing and Planning, The Importance not be where I am today without the help
of Delegation, The Nature of Change, and guidance from others.”
Challenges in the Workplace, and “Class was excelleent and very “Had a great time. Very Informative.”
Developing Effective Employees and informative. Overall, great week and great “The knowledge of the instructors was
Teams. There were lots of opportunities people.” impecable. Learned a lot of things I didn't
for interaction and small group exercises “Enjoyed all speakers. We appreciate know before. Would recommend for
for discussion and networking. you all!” others.”
We would like to thank our class “Great information. I really appreciate
instructors: Scott Jenkins, City of all of the staff and instructors.” TPWI is a program of the Tennessee
Knoxville; Bo Mills, City of Germantown; “Good mix of different perspectives and Chapter of APWA. You do not have to
Calvin Clifton, Mattern and Craig; interactions of different areas of work.” be a member to attend a class. You also
John Eskew, UT-MTAS; John Chlarson, “Great meeting others from different do not have to be a member to become
UT-MTAS; and Bryon Fortner, Charles cities!” an instructor. Please reach out to John
Blalock and Sons, Inc. “The class was great. Instructors Chlarson or Klair Kimmey if you would
This is the first of four classes scheduled were clear and straightforward. like to become more involved with TPWI.
for 2025 and is the largest class, at 30 Accommodations were great.” Email: info@tnpublicworks.com
22 TPW July/August 2025