letters to the editor
Sisco’s work praised
Regarding the retirement of Bettye Sisco, President[CEO] of Farragut West Knox Chamber of Commerce:
There are not enough adjectives in Roget’s Thesaurus to describe the dedication, high energy and exemplary work ethic of Bettye Sisco, President [CEO] of the Farragut West Knox Chamber.
My husband and I moved to Farragut just a few months after the Chamber was chartered. At that time, occasionally, there was a “snide remark” around town, “What’s a Chamber going to do, recommend which fast food restaurant to patronize?”
By the time Bettye Sisco was hired, previous Executive Director, Betsy Morrow, the Board and committees had built the membership to approximately 100+ members.
Under President Bettye’s leadership, [and with] the Boards/committees efforts in the past 17 years, the membership now exceeds 700 !
In 2013-2014, while Bettye was Board Chairman of the Ten-nessee Chamber of Commerce Executives, she was instrumental in having their state convention in Farragut!!! Without a doubt, that focused a HUGE spotlight on the Town of Farragut.
Ribbon cuttings, annual auctions, net working events, holiday open houses, etc., etc., etc. are attended by literally hundreds of members.
Through the years, Bettye has very effectively worked with the Town of Farragut: i.e., most recently, to obtain/approve a five-year memorandum to have $18,000 annual funding to achieve even greater heights.
She will certainly be missed; but, we have to place our confidence in the current Chamber Board of Directors to hire the most qualified replacement.
Her retirement is a well deserved and well earned “status”.
HATS OFF TO MISS BETTYE !!!
Joan Haines McIntee
Tellico Village
Our late editor/publisher praised by ex-employee
I just wanted to express a few thoughts about the passing of farragutpress editor/publisher, Dan Barile. I worked for Dan at the farragutpress in 2004-2005 as a reporter/writer for the business, school and worship sections of the paper. Although I was at the press for a short time, I must say that it was the best job I have ever had and Dan was by far the best boss I have ever worked for. Don't get me wrong ... he drove me crazy, but he pushed me, believed in me and my writing and made me believe in myself as a journalist.
Dan had a quick wit about him and a very dry sense of humor ... which I totally appreciated. We shared a love of our Catholic faith and I remember calling him after Pope John Paul II passed away and again when Pope Benedict was elected. He saw that it was me calling him and picked up the phone saying, “We have a new Pope.” A common bond that I will always remember.
The town of Farragut has lost a treasure with the passing of Dan Barile. The day that I found out, I happened to run into farragutpress reporter, former co-worker and friend, Alan Sloan, at Ingles and I just said, “Alan, I am so sad.” Alan and I reminisced about our time with Dan, shared stories, memories and a few laughs. I was meant to be at the grocery store at that time. I needed to see Alan that day and share our memories of Dan.
I have often thought of stopping by the farragutpress while driving around town just to say hello to Dan ... but I never did and now I am sorry and I wish that I had. I will miss you Dan. The Farragut community will miss you Dan. You were a “stand-up guy.” You told it like it was, pulled no punches, gave meaningful advice without knowing it and even though you portrayed this tough, no nonsense exterior. You cared, you really cared and for that I will be forever grateful. Rest in peace my friend.
Judy Briody
Farragut
