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Living Here > Government > News & Information
News

Welcome to the new "News" section of the Town of Collierville web site. Below are links to stories that have made appearences on the home page of this web site. Click on a link to be taken to a specific story or just browse through the whole page and catch up on Town of Collierville news.

 

Collierville Students Pledge to Recycle

The Collierville Environmental Commission (CEC) will partner with Collierville elementary and middle schools to increase participation in curbside recycling, and provide a positive experience with environmental awareness.For the third year, the CEC will sponsor a contest encouraging students to sign forms pledging to do their part in making Collierville a more environmentally friendly place to live.  The 3 core values of the plege is the rule of the 3 R's: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.  There will be a winning grade level at each school, and the students in that grade level will receive a pizza party provided by Papa John's Pizza located in Collierville. These forms will be sent home with students and are due November 15.

 

Town Employees Recognized & Appreciated

On October 16 Town of Collierville employees joined together at the HW Cox Park for a barbeque lunch catered by Corky's. 

Town Aldermen, as well as department directors expressed thanks and recognition for what all the employees do for the Town of Collierville.

"We know our employees' dedication and day-to-day hard work is a huge part of what makes this town a success," said Mayor Linda Kerley.  "It is important that we take time out and let our employees know that they are appreciated and that their hard work is recognized."

Elain Hurdle, Human Resources Analyst, left, and Mayor Linda Kerley drew employee names for door prizes

 

Town of Collierville Finance Department,

16 Years of Excellence

This year marks the 16th year that the Town of Collierville's Finance Department received The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA), for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR).  The GFOA serves approximately 16,000 government finance professionals.

"I am proud of the Town of Collierville Finance Department staff," said Jane Bevill, Finance Director.  "This award is a reflection of their commitment to high standards and professionalism."

About 300 organizations, including state, city, county, utility and colleges may submit reports for grading, having to meet certain award criteria; however, just 50 receive the award.  The high standards of the program include demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full disclosure" to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR.

Continuing to stay on top of the latest in their field, Accounting Supervisors Mark Pendley and David Crum, Accountant Linda Whitten and Finance Director Jane Bevill are attending the annual Tennessee Government Finance Officers Association Conference in Tennessee in the month of October.

 

Community Connections Allow

for Support of Education

"I've been a member of the Collierville Chamber of Commerce for years, I got a phone call from Chamber President, Fran Persechini, saying "We got a new member Bill - Memphis Catholic High School - and I think you might be interested in one of their programs," said Bill Ray, Assistant Vice President of External Affairs for AT&T.  Ray picked up the phone and called the school to learn about a new work study program called Education That Works.

"I couldn't see how we could use them, with employment issues we face as a large corporation, but given our strong interest in education, we wanted to somehow support this program.  Fran knew AT&T would...and it's a good thing she called because I immediately thought of the years I've worked with Nina Wingfield, Director of the Collierville Animal Shelter, and thought maybe they would be accepting of putting students "to work".  That's exactly what happened."

"What is so neat is that you've got the President of the Chamber knowing each member and their interest enough to help one another out.  It's really a win win situation for everyone involved.  Maybe this connection will be what opens the students' eyes to a career they haven't thought of.  I'm glad AT&T could support the work study students", Bill Ray added. 

From left to right: Tammy Halbach, Collierville Animal Services; Collierville Mayor Linda Kerley; Bill Ray, AT&T; Ted Schreck, Director of Work Study at Catholic High School; student Justin Kelley and Fran Persechini, President Collierville Chamber of Commerce

The Town of Collierville businesses support education, not just of students in Collierville, but of students outside of Collierville as well.  AIMS Logistics and Fed Ex also support students in this program by allowing the students "to work" at their locations.  Currently there are four students working at the Collierville Animal Shelter performing clerical duties and pet care.  Sponsor companies provide one to four students with an entry-level position where they utilize their computer and communication skills in exchange for a $5,000 tuition grant for each student.  The program runs through each school year and is in its second year.

"As a Collierville resident and business leader, it's good to know we can help students prepare for their future, as well as groom a new generation of business leaders," said Ray. 

Town of Collierville Pitches in,

Operation Safe Surrender

Mayor Linda Kerley, Town of Collierville, and Captain Jeff Ablen, Collierville Police Department, delivered food to the New Salem Missionary Baptist Church in Memphis to feed Memphis and Shelby County Police as they worked hard on a four day Fugitive Safe Surrender Initiative. 

The initiative provides fugitives on the run a one-time opportunity to take their first step toward a second chance by surrendering to authorities, consulting with an attorney and meeting with a judge, all while inside a church.  After the four day initiative ends, intensive fugitive sweeps will begin.

"The Fugitive Safe Surrender Initiative is great, and we feel the least we can do is feed the Police as they encourage these fugitives to surrender, getting them off our streets," said Mayor Kerley.

Captain Ablen, left, and Mayor Kerley collected food donated by the following stores:

  • Collierville McAlister's
  • Fino Villa
  • Collierville O'Charley's
  • Collierville Chick-Fil-A
  • Collierville Corky's
  • Kroger, New Byhalia Rd
  • Collierville Domino's Pizza
  • Collierville Papa John's Pizza
  • Sam's Donut Shop
  • Oh' Susannah's
  • McDonald's, Houston Levee Rd

Collierville Improves Traffic Flow,

Saves Town Money

The Town of Collierville made final payment last week to White Contracting Company for the construction of a new road, Wolf River Boulevard, coming in under budget at about $300,000 thanks to Town Chief Engineering Inspector Robert Gerrard and Engineering Inspector Ricky Hobbs.  Garrard and Hobbs worked hard and kept a close eye on pay items so that the project came in under budget.

The new road will improve traffic flow for Collierville commuters by about two miles, connecting Houston Levee Rd with Shelton Rd, paralleling the Wolf River.  Previously, commuters had to drive through residential areas and school zones from Shelton Rd by way of Frank Rd and Houston Levee, whereas now they have a direct route through Collierville almost to Humphreys Boulevard at Baptist East Hospital in East Memphis.

Germantown Engineer Support Supervisor James Pope says Germantown is scheduled to do its part of the project starting early 2009.  Germantown's part will connect to Wolf River Boulevard all the way to Humphreys Boulevard, the two mile missing link between Farmington Boulevard and Kimbrough.

Wolf River Boulevard in Collierville is now a two lane road, and eventually will be six lanes, some of which are scheduled to be completed in 2010.

 

Town of Collierville Shares Important Information with Crye-Leike

The Town of Collierville hosted a Crye-Leike Sales Meeting where Town Administrator James Lewellen shared important information with agents that concerned real estate customers need and want to know.

"We feel it is important for agents and potential Collierville residents to know, despite the real estate crisis, that Collierville remains stable in comparison, because of how our Town is managed," said Lewellen.  "Collierville provides stability, community involvement, recreation, alternatives to transportation such as the Greenbelt and much more."

James Lewellen spoke to about 100 or so Crye-Leike realtors and brokers about how real estate is a long-term investment and that Collierville is a great choice given the quality of life offered, the solid economy and the stability.  Lewellen spoke about continued development, new businesses, new residential areas, as well as the importance Collierville places on public safety and education.

"We visit Collierville annually if not more often to hear James speak," said Crye-Leike Realtor, Polly Shipley.  "He's always willing to help anyone and gives us details we wouldn't necessarily know about otherwise.  Last year we brought a client over who was debating a real estate investment in either Collierville or Germantown.  They ended up buying in Collierville and said "Where else can you walk in to City Hall, speak directly to local government, and get that kind of information." 

Lewellen said there are signs of increasing real estate crisis in the years to come, but that Collierville isn't really worried because it remains a good place to live and work.

 

Todd Frazier Promoted to Battalion Chief

Collierville Fire Chief Jerry Crawford announced this week the promotion of Todd Frazier from Lt./Paramedic to Battalion Chief.  Todd Frazier began his career with Collierville Fire & Rescue in 1986 as a Firefighter.  During his tenure, he has held the positions of Firefighter, Firefighter/Paramedic, Driver/Paramedic and Lt./Paramedic.  Chief Frazier has been a licensed Paramedic for 16 years.  As Battalion Chief he will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Fire Department which consists of 5 engine houses.

Battalion Chief, Todd Frazier

"I am pleased to be able to promote someone with Todd's experience, training and well rounded knowledge of our operations," said Crawford.

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