Ubits Spring 2023
p Employees applaud during one of the TPU Connects presentations in the auditorium.
Employees gather at TPU Connects, our first all-employee meeting and conference Early this spring, TPU held its first all-employee meeting and conference, TPU Connects. Hundreds of employees joined the inaugural event in person or virtually at the administrative campus. The event refreshes the former pre-pandemic allemployee meetings by making them more robust. The day included updates from the utility’s Executive Leadership Team, a keynote address from Dr. Wendy Fraser, a researcher and the author of Trust Repair: It IS Possible, breakout sessions led by utility staff, an information fair, time to network, and the day’s pinch hitter, a visit from the Tacoma Rainiers mascot, Rhubarb the Reindeer. Director of Utilities Jackie Flowers and the executive team held three all-employee meetings to reconnect with employees in person for the first time in over three years. They each candidly shared the challenges endured over the past few years and the many things on the horizon for our utilities.
p TPU Connects attendees listen to a panel discussion, TPU’s Big Projects, during one of the day’s nine break out sessions.
Jackie kicked off the three all-employee meetings by thanking employees, recognizing their work and endurance, acknowledging the ongoing efforts to complete the Class & Compensation Study adjustments, increases in threats and crime impacting those working in the community, the increasing number of retirements, customer arrearages, supply chain issues, and more.
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All of that means we have a continuously changing work environment. If you feel frustrated, burnt out or overwhelmed, you’re not alone. It’s been a tough few years. Given all that transition, we’ve had a chance to exercise our adaptive muscle…,” stated Jackie. “Employees are our most valuable resource. We could not do what we do without you. Everyone in the organization, no matter their role, is critical to our mission of providing services vital to quality of life.” Continued on next page...
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Welcome Deputy Director Yoon
Grants support water line replacements
Service Awards Honorees