Page 13 - Sept-Oct 2025 Vol 43 No 4

“I watch how others operate the place finish in two categories and an an opportunity for the Public Service
equipment and learn from them. Overall, average finish of 1.7 overall. crews to connect with our large supply
I just have fun,” he said, and he found Joining Ogle on that team going to providers and their second- and third-
himself on the podium for several events, Germantown are Elie Muncey, James party suppliers – with a long-term goal
proving that his strategy worked well! Edwards, Jeremy Ferguson, Todd Heier, to increase annual spending with small
Kiera Johns, Urban Forestry Tree Jeff Hamilton, James Burress, and Shannon businesses.
Service Technician, competed for the first Hodge. They represent the Horticulture, Our Finance Department counterparts
time in the equipment rodeo. She said the Service Areas, Construction, and Transfer helped arrange the vendors and also
event “was not only fun, but it also was a Station Divisions. attended the rodeo for the first time. They
great learning experience. I started (work) In addition to a day of friendly loved it. It’s certainly a different experience
in January and have little experience with competition and camaraderie across from handling bids, procurements,
heavy equipment. I was able to try a lot the Public Service Department, we also contract compliance, and all the other
of new things in an easygoing, low-stakes showcased some of the cooking expertise things that make up a typical day in
environment.” housed within our department. Our Finance!
“I met experts from other divisions Facilities crew, headed up by Chef Bill In Knoxville, we focus heavily on
and learned what they do and how they Hinton, Facilities Services Manager, operator training and safety. This event
do it,” she said. “Trying new things is smoked 130 pounds of pork butt and highlights the work we are doing and
intimidating, but everyone was kind, prepared coleslaw and beans for the the diverse skillsets found in the Public
patient, and very encouraging!” 300+ employees and guests. Competitors Service Department.
This year, the top eight competitors were working up their appetites certainly Our crews work hard every day, keeping
selected from the all-around to attend enjoyed the high-quality spread. our city in tip-top shape. We are thankful
September’s State Equipment Rodeo in Another new addition to this year’s for their dedication and look forward to
Germantown. Isaac Ogle was Knoxville’s rodeo was hosting small business suppliers competing against the State’s best operators
overall winner, with an impressive first- for a “mini-supplier fair.” This created in September. Go Team Knoxville!

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