Dear Editor,

My name is Tom Brewington, President of Unified Marine and I am writing this letter on behalf of David Nirenberg, CEO and owner of Unified Marine and Unified Marine employees.

Unified Marine moved to the city of Newport and Cocke County from Southwest Florida three years ago. The company has experienced solid growth, which has enabled us to hire new employees, whom many call Newport and Cocke County their home. Within our company mission statement we state the following, "To continue to improve the quality of life for our employees, as well as our community." We do this by compensating our employees fairly, providing opportunity for job growth, providing a full benefit package that includes 100% paid health insurance, reimbursement for continued education and providing a safe and rewarding workplace environment. We give back to the community in many ways:

*Feed My Sheep – monthly and annual donation.

*Bread Basket – annual donations.

*Imagination Library – annual donation.

*Friends of the Animal Shelter-Newport – semi-annual and annual donation.

*Supporting local clubs and organizations with donations throughout the year – Kiwanis Club, Newport Fire Department, Cocke County Partnership, Del Rio Fire Department, Newport Sheriff Department, Newport Police Department and Boys & Girls Club of Newport.

2. Unified Marine Employees volunteering and participating in local events:

*Entered float in Holiday Parade.

*Rural Are Medical (RAM) – three employees volunteered with providing vaccines to cats and dogs.

3. Unified Marine does business with local businesses:

*Newport Paving and Ready Mix

*Newport Ford

*Jenkins Insurance

*Lakeway Container

*Lakeway Pallet

In addition, we just recently worked with the Cocke County Partnership and leased the NPI building, due to our company growth.

I make note of the above not to receive recognition, but to point out our involvement in and commitment to the community. We most times operate under the radar by keeping a low profile by limiting press releases and related communication.

We truly believe Unified Marine is a big asset to Newport and Cocke County and we want to continue to build that working relationship. With that said, we would not be a good business partner if we did not voice our opinions and thoughts on matters that we care for and feel strongly about.

We were informed that there is a proposal to reduce the amount of money budgeted to the Newport Animal Shelter. A reduction of funds would affect their overall operations and the normal activities provided by a shelter would be limited, such as listed below:

*Pick up strays and take in dropped off unwanted animals. If the enforcement officers do not pick up strays and people do not have a place to drop unwanted animals, your city and county will become over-run by neglected animals.

*Sponsor adoption programs and teach the public about the importance of neutering. You will have an increase of neglected animals and a lot more animal pregnancies.

*Related programs that provide a second chance to animals and a positive response from most all citizens.

Animal Shelters is a public service that is needed, much the same as other public services that are available. The answer is not to cut funding on a much needed service, that if cut will have short and long term consequences, but to look at other public services that are not as vital as animal control.

I have heard individuals are proposing to go back to the old ways of doing things, such as euthanizing animals one to three days after they are brought in or dropped off. The old way may have been acceptable in the past, but no longer can be accepted. Pets are in most all homes and pet market has multiplied numerous times due to the love of animals. From television shows to magazines and books, everywhere you look animals are out front. The baby boomers have raised their children and are now replacing their empty nest with pets, which is a very large segment of the population. I don't think Newport and Cocke County would like to set the example for other areas to follow, which is going back to the old ways, especially to future citizens and businesses. Feelings run very deep with most everyone when you talk about euthanizing animals, so I caution you against doing so. Unified Marine does not support the funding cuts because the end result is not acceptable.

I appreciate your time in listening to me and the thoughts and opinions of Unified Marine and its employees. I thank you in advance for the time and consideration you will give this matter.

Best Regards,

Tom Brewington