Tennessee Matters

Dreams of Joy's mission is to fulfill the final dreams of adults, aged 21 to 65, who are facing a terminal illness. The organization was founded seven years ago by Mindy Bess, after she lost her father to brain cancer at the age of just 42 years old. That experience inspired her to start dreams of joy so that others wouldn't have to face the same heartbreak.

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) was created to improve life in the Tennessee Valley region by providing electricity, managing natural resources, and supporting economic development. It builds and operates power plants, helps control flooding, and protects the environment. TVA also works to make energy affordable and reliable for homes and businesses across the region.  On this episode, TVA's energy savings expert Ashley England joins our host John Clark to talk about ways to reduce your utility bills this winter.

The Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging (TDDA) is dedicated to helping older adults and people with disabilities lead independent, meaningful lives. With a mission rooted in inclusion, lifelong wellness, and access to vital resources, TDDA works to ensure every Tennessean—regardless of age or ability—can thrive and stay connected to their communities. Commissioner Brad Turner joins John Clark to spotlight some of the powerful services and opportunities the state offers that many folks may not even know exist.
Website: https://www.tn.gov/disability-and-aging.html

If you're planning to dig in Tennessee—whether it's for a fence, garden, or construction—Tennessee 811 is your go-to call before you break ground. It’s a free service that connects you with utility companies so they can mark underground lines and help you avoid hitting anything dangerous. State law requires anyone planning excavation or demolition to contact Tennessee 811 at least three working days in advance to help prevent damage to underground infrastructure and ensure public safety.  Recently John Clark spoke with Tennesse 811's Damage Prevention Liason Jason Fryer for this episode of TENNESSEE MATTERS. 
Website: https://www.tenn811.com/

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) was established in 1933 as part of President Roosevelt's New Deal to address economic development and infrastructure needs in the Tennessee Valley region. Today it provides electricity for nearly 10 million people across seven southeastern states, primarily through hydroelectric, nuclear, and fossil fuel power plants. TVA also plays a key role in managing natural resources, including flood control, navigation, and land conservation.  On this episode of Tennessee Matters, John Clark talks with Justin Maierhofer, TVA's Senior VP & Chief of Government Relations. Website: https://www.tva.com/

The Tennessee Valley Authority, or TVA, is a government agency that was created during the Great Depression in 1933 to help modernize the Tennessee Valley region. Its main goals are to provide affordable electricity, manage natural resources like rivers and forests, and support economic development.  On this episode of TENNESSEE MATTERS, Ashley England of TVA EnergyRight joins John Clark to talk about ways to save money on your energy bills this summer.   #tva #TVAEnergyRight

Under the leadership of President Randy Boyd, The University of Tennessee System has broken records in enrollment and graduation rates, expanded research efforts, and made substantial infrastructure investments.  Alongside its dedication to higher education through its campuses across the state, The University of Tennessee System is also focused on addressing the state's most pressing challenges. Through UT's Grand Challenges, the university invests up to $5 million in innovative, community-focused projects aimed at strengthening rural communities, overcoming addiction, and advancing K-12 education. In this episode of TENNESSEE MATTERS, John Clark is joined by University of Tennessee President Randy Boyd and UT System Strategist John Lacey, who helps lead the Grand Challenges initiative.

The Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) aims to operate safe and secure facilities while providing effective community supervision to support successful reentry across the state. TDOC is actively working to reduce recidivism through evidence-based programs, community partnerships, and reentry services while managing fully functional communities inside the walls.  For this episode of Tennessee Matters,  Heather Stanford, Asst. Commissioner of Human Resources and Staff Development joins John Clark to talk about the opportunities to find a meaningful career with TDOC.  Website: https://www.tn.gov/correction.html Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TNDepartmentofCorrection