The total services delivered through our agencies increased $41.2 million over the past five years. Services for our Education and Employment Programs and Health Care Services were cut. All other service groups gained funding. Transportation is our fastest growing service group.

Lower personal income levels, higher unemployment, and increasing poverty levels are a consistent trend throughout our primary service areas.

The demand for job specific training and a higher skilled workforce increases. Yet fewer residents in rural Tennessee pursue a post-secondary education. The decline in quality jobs for our rural areas continues.

We expect rural economic conditions will worsen, widening the "class distinction" gap. And, as our population ages, we find a greater percentage of elderly people residing in our rural areas, increasing the demand for elderly services.

Technology is driving changes in the way we operate and will change dramatically over the next five years. Our current technology becomes obsolete at a faster rate and increases our technology costs. Our key partners support new technology that is proven to meet their needs. New technology requires an improved infrastructure of networks, hardware, communication capability, and maintenance support. Advanced technological skills are required.

The need for social services is much greater in the rural areas we serve. With rising fuel costs and other operating expenses, the cost to deliver services will increase. Yet everyone expects more services with fewer funds. More programs require performance based contracts. New administrations introduce new priorities and new programs. Funding levels and programs change quickly – we must be flexible and act quickly. We must embrace change.