Message From the President - December 2020

Message from the President

Now that we’ve entered the final month of 2020, I would be remiss if I did not recognize the growing number of active COVID-19 cases throughout our state, and acknowledge the strain this places on our members as you work to provide essential services to your community. Public Entity Partners has labored with you throughout this year, and we’re still hard at work, responding to your loss control and underwriting questions, while continuing to handle the liability, property and workers’ compensation claims that are submitted each day. During this pandemic, we encourage you to always make the health and safety of your employees and team members your highest priority, and take the necessary steps to ensure they are protected as much as reasonably possible.
 
Last week, I was able to meet with Anthony Haynes, the new Executive Director of the Tennessee Municipal League (TML). He comes to TML after serving as vice president for government relations and advocacy for the University of Tennessee over the past eight years. He brings more than 30 years of government relations experience and established relationships with Tennessee General Assembly members to his new role, which will be of great benefit to TML as the organization works to introduce new legislation on behalf of the cities it serves. Please join me in extending our welcome to Mr. Haynes, and our congratulations to TML as they begin this new chapter together.
 
I am exceedingly grateful for the work our PE Partners team is able to provide to our members, and would actually characterize it as a calling. The programs and services offered by PE Partners help to make a difference in communities across the state. Earlier this year, we shared the top five reasons you should choose Public Entity Partners as your risk management partner. The number one reason is “Your Experience with Our Team.”  For more than 40 years now, our team members have devoted their careers to working with and for local governments throughout Tennessee, and we are proud to partner with each of you to provide the absolute best in risk management products and services.
 
Perhaps you’ve noticed a central theme running through this month’s message — the priority we place on people, and our importance to each other. While 2020 has been a challenging time, we are thankful for the renewed perspective of just how much value we bring to each others’ lives. Hall of Fame journalist Germany Kent, author of the bestselling book, “The Hope Handbook,” perhaps says it best: “It’s a funny thing about life, once you begin to take note of the things you are grateful for, you begin to lose sight of the things that you lack.”
 
It is our hope that the challenges of 2020 have helped us all reflect on the importance of the people in our lives, and have instilled gratitude for those who helped us through the year. There is much to be grateful for — and to look forward to.
 
Happy Holidays from our family to yours.
 
Stay safe,

  
Michael G. Fann