Watching the evolution of the Memphis in May International Festival, it is easy to lose sight of who is in the crowds by the river with us.

It turns out a lot of them aren’t from Memphis, strictly speaking. The irony is for all of our more high-profile efforts to bring in visitors from the larger region, we have built quite the model for nearly 40 years while we were having what many of us regarded as our annual big party for ourselves by the river.

2. US Job Postings Fell in March; Hiring Slowed - Wednesday, May 08, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. employers posted fewer job openings in March compared with February and slowed overall hiring, underscoring a weak month of job growth.

The Labor Department said Tuesday that job openings fell 1.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted 3.8 million jobs. Total hiring declined 4.3 percent to 4.3 million.

3. Memphis in May Founder Receives Beale Street Note - Saturday, April 27, 2013

The founder of the Memphis in May International Festival will get a brass note in the Beale Street Entertainment District just before the opening weekend of this year’s festival.

Lyman Aldrich started the festival in 1976 as a way to promote business ties between the city and other countries. The 1976 festival honored Japan as the city was courting the Japanese company Sharp Manufacturing to open a Memphis plant.

4. Memphis in May Founder Receives Beale Street Note - Friday, April 26, 2013

The founder of the Memphis in May International Festival will get a brass note in the Beale Street Entertainment District just before the opening weekend of this year’s festival.

Lyman Aldrich started the festival in 1976 as a way to promote business ties between the city and other countries. The 1976 festival honored Japan as the city was courting the Japanese company Sharp Manufacturing to open in the city.

5. Housing, Manufacturing Give US Economy Lift - Wednesday, March 27, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – Gains in housing and manufacturing propelled the U.S. economy over the winter, according to reports released Tuesday, and analysts say they point to the resilience of consumers and businesses as government spending cuts kick in.

6. Strong Auto Output Boosts US Factory Production - Monday, March 18, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – A strong increase in auto output boosted U.S. factory production last month, the latest sign that manufacturing is helping drive economic growth after lagging for much of 2012.

7. Expert: Memphis Has Big Story to Tell - Monday, February 11, 2013

Memphis area commercial real estate brokers were not only brought up to speed on the latest numbers and trends Thursday, Feb. 7, at the Memphis Area Association of Realtors Commercial Property Forecast Summit – they were also briefed on how to tweak their marketing strategy to recruit business by a former executive with the Federal Reserve.

8. US Service Firms Grew More Slowly in January - Wednesday, February 06, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – Growth at U.S. service companies slowed slightly in January behind weaker new orders and business activity. But hiring improved, a bright sign for the economy.

The Institute for Supply Management said Tuesday that its index of non-manufacturing activity dipped to 55.2 in January. That’s down from 55.7 in December, which was the highest level in nearly a year. Any reading above 50 indicates expansion.

9. Signs of the Times - Friday, January 18, 2013

Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr. called the Electrolux Memphis manufacturing plant a “monster plant” this week after a tour of the $266 million manufacturing center in Frank C. Pidgeon Industrial Park.

10. US Economy Could Withstand Brief Fall Off ‘Cliff' - Thursday, December 13, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – It's the scenario that's been spooking employers and investors and slowing the U.S. economy:

Congress and the White House fail to strike a budget deal by New Year's Day. Their stalemate triggers sharp tax increases and spending cuts. Those measures shrink consumer spending, stifle job growth, topple stock prices and push the economy off a "fiscal cliff" and into recession.

11. Apple's Softer Side Emerges Under CEO Cook - Monday, December 10, 2012

NEW YORK (AP) – "Those jobs aren't coming back."

That's what Steve Jobs reportedly told President Obama when asked at a dinner in early 2011 whether Apple would consider moving some of its manufacturing from China to the United States.

12. US Manufacturing Shrinks in November to 3-Year Low - Tuesday, December 04, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. manufacturing shrank in November to its weakest level since July 2009, one month after the Great Recession ended. Worries about automatic tax increases in the New Year cut demand for factory orders and manufacturing jobs.

13. Bright Starry Nights - Tuesday, December 04, 2012

It’s been in the works for an entire year. More than 130,000 visitors are expected to drive through the Starry Nights holiday light show at Shelby Farms Park this year. And when they do, they’ll see the handiwork of volunteers who have been building dozens of set pieces starting as early as February.

14. Tame US Prices, More Confident Builders Aid Growth - Wednesday, October 17, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – The outlook for the U.S. economy brightened a little Tuesday after reports that consumer prices stayed tame and homebuilder confidence rose to the highest level in six years.

15. US Trade Deficit Rose to $44.2 Billion in August - Friday, October 12, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. trade deficit widened in August from July because exports fell to the lowest level in six months. The wider deficit likely dragged on already-weak economic growth.

16. Economic Uncertainty Hurts Business Travel - Wednesday, October 10, 2012

NEW YORK (AP) – U.S. companies are continuing to cut back on employee travel plans amid uncertainty surrounding the health of the economy.

Americans are expected to take 438.1 million business trips this year, down 2 percent from last year, the Global Business Travel Association said Tuesday. Overall business travel spending is expected to be up 2.6 percent, but that's only because trips are more expensive.

17. US Service Firms Grow at Fastest Pace in 6 Months - Thursday, October 04, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. service companies grew in September at the fastest pace in six months, helped by a sharp increase in customer demand.

The Institute for Supply Management, a trade group of purchasing managers, said Wednesday that its index of non-manufacturing activity rose to 55.1, up from 53.7 in August. Any reading above 50 indicates expansion.

18. Data Suggest US Economy Growing Only Modestly - Friday, September 28, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – A spate of data Thursday painted a mixed picture of the U.S. economy: Demand for long-lasting manufactured goods fell and slightly fewer people signed contracts to buy homes. At the same time, the job market looked a little better.

19. Electric Charging Stations Create Driver Options - Friday, September 28, 2012

Twelve of the parking spaces outside the visitors center at Shelby Farms Park come with a roof.

Construction of the solar-assisted electric and hybrid vehicle charging stations was completed in September.

20. Blooms to Come - Wednesday, September 12, 2012

The Yoshino Cherry trees along Cherry Road in Audubon Park still have a fall and winter before they bloom again in April.

When they do, there will be three new cherry trees blooming nearby in the Japanese Garden at the Memphis Botanic Garden. And there will be five new ones in the row of trees on Cherry Road as well as five more on Mud Island.

21. Brown Joins REACH As Vice President - Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Stephen Brown has joined REACH Human Capital as vice president of business development. In his new role, Brown will assist companies in selecting and training employees.

22. Future Looking Bright At Bartlett’s ECE Solar - Monday, July 30, 2012

Most people who install solar panels to their home understand that it’s an investment that takes awhile to pay off.

Being in the business of installing solar panels is much the same. Still, Bill Turberville of Electrical Contracting Enterprises LLC, 3080 Stage Post Road in Bartlett, said he’d rather be the first in that market than the last.

23. Fred’s, Other Retailers Report Tepid Sales - Friday, July 06, 2012

NEW YORK (AP) – Shoppers, worried about jobs and the overall economy, pulled back on spending in June, resulting in tepid sales for many retailers, including Memphis-based Fred’s Inc.

24. As US Economy Steadies, Bank Closings Become Rarer - Friday, July 06, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – Fewer U.S. banks are failing than at any time since the financial crisis erupted in 2008. The healthier banking industry is helping sustain an economy slowed by lackluster hiring, weak manufacturing and Europe's debt crisis.

25. US Manufacturing Shrinks for First Time in 3 Years - Tuesday, July 03, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. manufacturing shrank in June for the first time in nearly three years, adding to signs that economic growth is weakening.

Production declined, and the number of new orders plunged, according to a monthly report released Monday by the Institute for Supply Management.

26. Consumer Spending Flat in May - Monday, July 02, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. consumers spent no more in May than in April after seeing almost no gain in their pay. The lack of growth in consumer spending and wages suggests that a faltering job market is slowing the economy.

27. US Gas Prices Cheapest Since January - Wednesday, June 27, 2012

The price of gasoline has dropped to the lowest level in five months, giving drivers some relief ahead of the July 4 holiday.

The national average fell to around $3.40 per gallon on Tuesday. Gas is now below $3 in South Carolina and under $4 in every other state in the continental U.S.

28. Weak US Job Market Weighing on Broader Economy - Friday, June 22, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – The sluggish job market is weighing on the U.S. economy three years after the Great Recession ended. And the signs suggest hiring may not strengthen any time soon.

A measure of the number of people applying for unemployment benefits over the past month has reached a six-month high, the government said Thursday. The increase suggests that layoffs are rising and June will be another tepid month for hiring.

29. US Employers Post Fewest Job Openings in 5 Months - Wednesday, June 20, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – Employers in April posted the fewest job openings in five months, suggesting hiring will remain sluggish in the months ahead.

The Labor Department said Tuesday that job openings fell to a seasonally adjusted 3.4 million in April, down from 3.7 million in March. The March figure was the highest in nearly four years.

30. Jobs Lost to Recession Trickle Back, But Wages Lag - Monday, May 07, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. job growth slumped in April for a second straight month. It suggested an economy that is growing steadily but still sluggishly, which could tighten the presidential race.

31. Memphis in May Symbolizes City - Monday, May 07, 2012

Japan was the first country honored by the Memphis in May International Festival.

The reason was simple. The Sharp Manufacturing plant had just opened in the then-remote Hickory Hill area of Shelby County, making televisions and microwave ovens.

32. US Factory Orders Fell in March by Most in 3 Years - Thursday, May 03, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – Demand for U.S. factory goods dropped in March by the most in three years, driven lower by a sharp fall in volatile orders for commercial aircraft. Still, more recent data suggest the decline may be temporary.

33. Sharp Marks Production of 3 Millionth Solar Panel - Tuesday, May 01, 2012

Less than two years after its executives marked the making of the 2 millionth solar panel at the Memphis Sharp Manufacturing plant, the company on Monday, April 30, marked the production of the 3 millionth solar panel by Sharp Electronics Corp.

34. Experience Helps Harckum Lead Versant, CSCMP - Monday, April 30, 2012

When supply chain executives from different businesses in Memphis get together, they talk about each other, said Glen Harckum, chairman of the local Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals.

35. US Economic Outlook Brightens as Retail Sales Rise - Tuesday, April 17, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – Americans bought more electronics, started home improvement projects and updated their wardrobes last month, inspired by warmer weather and a healthier job market.

U.S. retail sales rose 0.8 percent in March, the Commerce Department said Friday.

36. Solar Energy Gets Boost With Two New Arrays - Monday, April 16, 2012

April is proving to be a banner month for alternative energy as two solar arrays formally opened within days of each other last week.

The West Tennessee Solar Farm in Haywood County is the largest in the state with 21,000 panels.

37. Growing Power - Wednesday, April 11, 2012

The outlook is as bright as ever for the local solar industry. Two large solar arrays are opening this week in Memphis and Haywood County, while industry leaders are gathering here this week to tout solar power and its growth in Tennessee in recent years.

38. Obama Call for Manufacturing Revival a Tough Goal - Monday, February 13, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Barack Obama is making a strong election-year push for an economic revival "built on American manufacturing." But he faces an uphill slog, with little consensus even within his own party on how to do it.

39. Obama Uses Tax Proposals for His Political Message - Tuesday, January 31, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – Aiming tax increases at millionaires and companies that ship jobs abroad may help frame the fairness theme of President Barack Obama's re-election campaign, but it's a plan that stands virtually no chance of passing Congress.

40. Unemployment Claims at 352,000, Fewest Since 2008 - Friday, January 20, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – The number of people seeking unemployment benefits plummeted last week to 352,000, the fewest since April 2008. The decline added to evidence that the job market is strengthening.

41. Tennessee Solar Study Says Need to Stay Aggressive - Friday, December 09, 2011

KNOXVILLE (AP) – Tennessee's solar and related industries provide more than 6,400 jobs in a growing green economic sector, but the state needs to stay aggressive in supporting and pursuing the ventures, a report released Thursday shows.

42. Stronger Factories, Lower Prices Lift Economy - Thursday, November 17, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. manufacturing is recovering from a slump, and inflation may be peaking.

Data issued Wednesday point to an economy growing slowly but steadily. Still, surging oil prices and a possible European recession threaten to drain the economy's momentum.

43. West Tenn. Solar Farm By I-40 Nears Completion - Monday, October 31, 2011

This was supposed to be the month that the West Tennessee Solar Farm in Haywood County was completed.

But while the farm’s growing set of solar panels by Interstate 40 has been getting the attention of passing motorists in recent weeks, the panels have been the easiest part of the undertaking being spearheaded by the University of Tennessee Research Foundation.

44. Businesses Ordered More Long-Lasting Goods - Wednesday, October 05, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Businesses ordered more computers, communications equipment and other big-ticket items in August, a hopeful sign for the slumping economy.

Orders for capital goods, which are considered a good measure of business investment plans, rose 0.9 percent in August, the Commerce Department said Tuesday. It was the second gain in three months.

45. Unemployment Rates Fell in Majority of US Cities - Thursday, September 29, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Unemployment rates fell in roughly two-thirds of U.S. cities last month, despite zero job growth nationwide.

The Labor Department said Wednesday that unemployment rates dropped in 237 of the nation's largest metro areas in August from July. They rose in 103 and stayed the same in 32. That's an improvement from July, when rates fell in 193 areas and rose in 118.

46. Economy Shows Signs of Moving Past August Shocks - Friday, September 02, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. consumers and businesses are not so worried that the economy is about to tumble into a recession after all.

Manufacturing grew a little slower in August than the previous month, but it didn't contract as some had feared. Shoppers spent more at retail stores during the crucial back-to-school season. And fewer people applied for unemployment benefits last week, a sign that layoffs have slowed.

47. Let There Be Light - Monday, August 29, 2011

This fall, a group of 1,000 Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division customers move deeper into a three-year, futuristic-sounding “Smart Grid” test project that began this past January.

They volunteered last year to get new automated meters for their homes, and half of them got a wireless digital counter top readout for inside their homes that allows them to watch their electricity usage. With a computer dashboard readout they can also follow trends for energy usage over time, and the device even suggests scenarios for cutting costs.

48. Small Spending Cuts to Have Little Economic Impact - Tuesday, August 02, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – The first phase of a deal to raise the government's borrowing limit would pose little threat to the economy in the short term because almost none of the spending cuts would occur before 2014.

49. IDB Approves Six Projects in Finale - Friday, July 22, 2011

Jill Iglehart teared up at the end of the last working meeting this week of the Memphis-Shelby County Industrial Development Board despite vowing not to.

“This has been an excellent board,” said Iglehart who was appointed 17 years ago. “It has been a privilege and an honor to serve with you. We are adjourned.”

50. AP: Western States Lag in Recovery - Wednesday, July 20, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Western states hit hardest by the housing crisis are feeling the greatest economic stress two years after the recession ended, according to The Associated Press’s monthly analysis.

51. Service Sector Grew in June at Slower Pace - Thursday, July 07, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. service sector, which employs nearly 90 percent of America’s work force, expanded for a 19th consecutive month in June. But growth slowed from May, a sign that the economy remains sluggish.

52. Factories Busier in June After Spring Slump - Monday, July 04, 2011

NEW YORK (AP) – U.S. factory activity picked up in June after a sluggish May, helped by lower gas prices and some easing of supply disruptions.

The Institute for Supply Management, a trade group of purchasing executives, said Friday that its index o activity rose to 55.3. The sector has now grown for 23 straight months. Last month's growth was the slowest in 20 months.

53. Brighter Day - Wednesday, June 22, 2011

With the flip of a switch Tuesday, June 21, at the corner of South Mendenhall and East Raines roads, the Sharp Manufacturing Co. Memphis plant upped its solar power generating capacity.

54. Inflation Slows in May as Gas Prices Fall - Thursday, June 16, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Falling energy prices cooled overall inflation in May, offering some relief to consumers who have been coping for months with high gas prices.

Overall consumer prices rose 0.2 percent, the smallest increase in six months, the Labor Department said. It was the first drop in energy costs in nearly a year.

55. Trade Group Says US Service Sector Grew in May - Monday, June 06, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. economy's service sector, which employs 90 percent of America's work force, grew in May for an 18th straight month, posting slightly faster growth than in April.

56. May Manufacturing Activity Cooled to 20-Month Low - Thursday, June 02, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. manufacturing activity expanded in May at the slowest pace in 20 months, the latest sign that a sharp rise in energy prices is hampering economic growth.

The Institute for Supply Management, a trade group of purchasing executives, said Wednesday that its index of manufacturing activity fell to 53.5 percent in May from 60.4 in April.

57. GOP Frosh Take Care of Districts in Defense Bill - Tuesday, May 24, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Hard-charging Republicans who rallied voters last year with cries of "Stop the spending, ban the earmarks" are quietly offering a more familiar Washington refrain now that they're in Congress – not in my backyard.

58. Factory Output Dropped on Japan Supply Disruptions - Wednesday, May 18, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. factories in April produced fewer goods for the first time in 10 months. A temporary parts shortage stemming from the Japanese earthquake forced automakers to cut back output.

59. Service Sector Expanded in March at Slower Pace - Wednesday, April 06, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. service sector expanded in March for the 16th straight month, although growth slowed from the previous month's pace, which was the fastest in more than five years.

60. Road to Blues City Brewery Rough - Thursday, March 31, 2011

The plan by City Brewing Co. of La Crosse, Wis., to buy the 40-year-old Memphis beer brewery that is now Hardy Bottling Co. didn’t begin this year.

61. Oil Spike: Comparing Yesterday to Today - Tuesday, March 08, 2011

OIL THREATENS - Political strife in the Middle East interrupted our market rally. Increasing oil prices, in anticipation of supply disruptions, have increased corporate input cost assumptions and decreased consumer spending assumptions.

62. Factory Activity Grows at Fastest Pace in 7 Years - Wednesday, February 02, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Factory activity expanded in January at the fastest pace in nearly seven years, as America’s manufacturers reported a sharp jump in new orders.

Still, builders spent less on projects in December, pushing annual construction spending down to a decade low.

63. Green Hope Strengthens at Sharp Manufacturing - Wednesday, February 02, 2011

In the last two years, a lot of dignitaries have taken the tour of the Sharp Manufacturing Co. plant in Hickory Hill to fly the flag of clean energy and solar energy in particular.

64. Factory Activity Grows at Fastest Pace in 7 Years - Wednesday, February 02, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Factory activity expanded in January at the fastest pace in nearly seven years, as America's manufacturers reported a sharp jump in new orders.

Still, builders spent less on projects in December, pushing annual construction spending down to a decade low.

65. Industrial Production Rises by Most in 5 Months - Monday, January 17, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Industrial production rose in December by the largest amount in five months, providing the economy with solid momentum heading into the new year.

Activity at the nation's factories, mines and utilities increased 0.8 percent last month, the Federal Reserve said Friday. Industrial production was up in every month but one in 2010.

66. Sharp Plant Provides Solar Panels for Jackson - Wednesday, January 05, 2011

A solar panel array, billed as the largest in the seven-state Tennessee Valley Authority region, is nearing completion in Jackson, Tenn., later this month.

The one-megawatt solar power array and another 47-kilowatt solar array are at American Drive Business Center in Jackson. Power produced by the one megawatt array will go onto the Jackson Energy Authority grid to be bought by TVA. The 47-kilowatt array will produce power to be used in the business center.

67. NIH Renews Grant to CBU - Tuesday, December 21, 2010

The National Institutes of Health has renewed for the second year Christian Brothers University’s Minority Health International Research Training grant.

The $242,208 award for 2011 is the second allotment of the more than $1 million grant that is funding the MHIRT program at CBU.

68. Higher Factory Output Lifts Hopes for Economy - Wednesday, November 17, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. factories renewed hopes that they can be an engine of economic growth by revving up production of big-ticket goods for consumers and businesses in October.

Overall production at the nation's factories, mines and utilities was unchanged last month – but that was only because of a sharp drop in utility output due to warmer-than-normal weather, the Federal Reserve reported Tuesday.

69. Bright Future - Monday, November 15, 2010

The Memphis Sharp Manufacturing plant is maxing out its production capabilities as it rides the growth wave of the solar power industry over the last several years. Sharp Manufacturing Co. of America, one of the nation’s leaders in solar panel production, is seeing increased demand for residential, commercial, governmental and utility-scale applications.

70. Manufacturing Activity Surges in October - Tuesday, November 02, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) – Manufacturing activity expanded last month at the fastest pace since May, driven by demand in the United States and abroad for cars, computers and other goods.

The report signals that U.S. factory output, which slowed over the summer, remains a strong player in an otherwise weak economy. A separate report on Monday showed that manufacturing in China, the world's second-largest economy, also grew.

71. U of M Goes Green With Environmental Fair - Tuesday, October 05, 2010

The University of Memphis is showing off its green stripes on campus Tuesday with its third annual environmental awareness fair.

Dubbed “Tiger Blue Goes Green,” the event will bring in campus and community groups offering information, displays, and even places to recycle cell phones and other items. All of this is intended to celebrate and publicize the university’s commitment to eco-friendly policies, with an emphasis on “green jobs.”

72. Solar Installation Grants Awarded by State Institute - Wednesday, September 29, 2010

The Tennessee Solar Institute announced this week that it has committed more than $9 million in grants to Tennessee businesses or organizations.

Five of the recipients are in Memphis.

First Tennessee Bank received $69,990. Great Neck Saw was awarded $980,000. Memphis Bioworks Foundation qualified for $270,120. Sharp Manufacturing Co. will get $349,376. Shelby Electric Company Inc. is in line for $56,400.

73. Sharp Highlights City’s Attributes - Monday, September 13, 2010

Is a “jobless recovery” a recovery? Not for those who are the jobless.

The awards Tennessee is getting from business groups for its business climate is part of an uncertain recessionary mix in which the Memphis area loses existing businesses to DeSoto County in spite of the state’s recent successes and accolades.

74. Jobs Picture Dims As Unemployment Claims Rise - Friday, August 13, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) – The economy is looking bleaker as new applications for jobless benefits rose last week to the highest level in almost six months.

It's a sign that hiring remains weak and employers may be going back to cutting their staffs. Analysts say the increase suggests companies won't be adding enough workers in August to lower 9.5 percent unemployment rate.

75. The Hard Sell - Monday, August 09, 2010

To understand how Northwest Mississippi’s small boomtowns like Olive Branch keep one-upping Memphis and reeling in jobs and taxpayers with the promise of greener pastures, an Internet video is one place to start.

76. Sharp Reaches Solar Panel Milestone - Thursday, July 01, 2010

With a thumbs up from a factory line worker, the 2 millionth solar panel rolled off the assembly line this week at the Memphis Sharp Manufacturing Plant.

Instead of going immediately into a cardboard box, the panel was lifted by Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr., Hiroshi Sato, Japan’s Consul General from Nashville, and Paul Shaffer, head of local 474 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, off the assembly line as workers applauded.

77. Job Hopes Rise on Flurry of Economic Reports - Friday, June 04, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) - A handful of economic reports released Thursday raised hopes for an improving job market with fewer layoffs and more hiring.

Productivity slowed more than initially estimated in the first quarter of the year, a sign that employers are struggling to squeeze more work out of leaner staffs. The lower figure was expected after the government last week revised its growth estimate for the first quarter.

78. Memphis in May - Monday, May 10, 2010

In 1977, Lyman Aldrich had job creation in mind when he invited Japanese businessmen to serve on the board of Memphis in May.

Two years later, Sharp Electronics, a Japanese manufacturer, announced its intention to build its first U.S. plant in Memphis.

79. Energy in Memphis - Wednesday, March 03, 2010

On an overcast, chilly day this week, U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen carefully climbed a ladder to the roof of the Sharp Manufacturing plant on Mendenhall Road.

80. Data on Industry Output, Home Building Boost Hopes - Thursday, February 18, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) – Hopes the U.S. economy can sustain its recovery drew support Wednesday from news industrial output rose for a seventh straight month and home construction hit a six-month peak in January.

81. Companies Up Productivity, Put Off Hiring - Friday, February 05, 2010

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. employers are managing to boost production without creating new jobs.

Squeezing more output from existing staffs allowed companies to boost productivity in the October-December quarter. Last week, the number of people filing new claims for jobless aid rose. The two U.S. Labor Department reports Thursday suggested companies are cutting costs and putting off hiring even as the economy recovers.

82. Frequent Flier - Friday, January 29, 2010

Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr. is quickly evolving into a virtual one-man chamber of commerce.

In between putting out political brushfires, mapping out an ambitious city agenda and holding town halls with voters, the mayor also has spent much of his first three months glad-handing national businesses and political leaders.

83. Unexpected Drop in Jobless Rate Sparks Optimism - Monday, December 07, 2009

WASHINGTON (AP) – A surprising drop in the unemployment rate and far fewer job losses last month cheered investors Friday and raised hopes for a sustained economic recovery.

The rate unexpectedly fell to 10 percent, from 10.2 percent in October, as employers cut the fewest number of jobs since the recession began. The government also said 159,000 fewer jobs were lost in September and October than first reported.

84. More States Add Jobs, But Many for Temporary Staff - Monday, November 23, 2009

WASHINGTON (AP) - In a sharp improvement, more than half of U.S. states added jobs in October, though economists said many of the gains likely occurred in temporary employment.

That's customarily a positive a sign. Employers usually hire temporary workers before they add full-time jobs. But in this case, the temporary hiring may be inflated by the auto sector, which has boosted production to replace depleted inventories. As a result, the increase might not be sustainable.

85. Memphis Companies Tap Into Renewable Energy Sources - Friday, November 20, 2009

From solar power to wind power, from hybrid automotive technology to geothermal engineering, Memphis companies large and small are tapping into renewable energy.

The biggest news story surrounding local businesses going green involves shipping giant FedEx Corp., whose president and CEO Fred Smith earlier this year unveiled the company’s plans to become more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly through its EarthSmart initiative.

86. Conference to Highlight Trade Importance - Monday, November 02, 2009

The North American Free Trade Agreement was implemented in 1994 with hopes of fostering trade among the U.S., Canada and Mexico. A few years later, transportation officials announced plans to build an interstate that would connect Canada and Mexico by running through the heart of America – including Memphis.

87. Bredesen Says China Trip Has Green Energy Focus - Wednesday, October 28, 2009

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The renewable energy sector has been among the most promising areas of discussion while on a trade mission to China, Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen said Tuesday.

Bredesen said in a conference call from Hong Kong that the trip has been highlighted by visits to Shaanxi and Zhejiang provinces and meetings with their governors and business officials. Both provinces are larger than California, Bredesen said.

88. Pfizer Q3 Profit Jumps 26 Percent on Cost-Cutting - Wednesday, October 21, 2009

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - Drugmaker Pfizer Inc. on Tuesday posted a 26 percent jump in third-quarter profit despite the recession, as sharp cost cuts made up for a dip in sales.

89. Aug. Trade Deficit Drops Unexpectedly - Monday, October 12, 2009

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. trade deficit unexpectedly narrowed in August as exports posted a small gain, while imports fell on a big drop in demand for foreign oil.

The U.S. Commerce Department reported Friday that the trade deficit declined 3.5 percent to $30.7 billion, surprising economists who had expected higher oil prices to push the imbalance to $33 billion. Oil prices did shoot up, but the volume of shipments dropped sharply in August.

90. Solar Economy Calls For Personal Investments Too - Monday, July 20, 2009

With $62 million in federal funding, Tennessee is about to make a serious down payment on a solar energy industry, from research and development to manufacturing and assembly.

Tennessee Valley Authority prices for conventional power are much lower at this point than solar-generated power. So the industry Gov. Phil Bredesen is proposing to build here must be forward-looking with a heavy emphasis on research and development.

91. Here Comes the Sun: Memphis’ cut of the state’s solar energy plan - Monday, July 20, 2009

The Sharp Manufacturing plant in Hickory Hill has always been a symbol as much as a working part of the city’s economic infrastructure.

The plant on South Mendenhall Road represents the city’s first truly international big business presence. It opened in 1978 after Japanese executives came to Memphis to negotiate directly with city leaders. And once the deal closed, a now-legendary picket line was thrown up by local union leaders. The picketing symbolized organized labor’s determination to have a voice in local economic development.

92. US Factory Orders Rise More Than Expected - Friday, July 03, 2009

WASHINGTON (AP) – Orders to U.S. factories jumped in May by the largest amount in nearly a year, another sign that the nosedive in manufacturing is nearing an end.

The U.S. Commerce Department reported Thursday that total orders rose 1.2 percent in May, better than the 0.8 percent increase that economists had expected. The April performance was revised slightly lower to a gain of 0.5 percent, from 0.7 percent.

93. Labor Secretary Touts Green Jobs During Visit - Friday, June 26, 2009

U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis toured Sharp Manufacturing Co. this week as she touted a green jobs movement across the country encouraged and supported by training programs.

94. Massey Keeps Tabs on Industrial Incentives - Friday, June 19, 2009

Joann Massey started her new job just six months ago, but within that short time frame she has been a key player on a team that has made Memphis a better competitor for new jobs.

95. Businesses Cut Inventories 1.1 Percent in April - Friday, June 12, 2009

WASHINGTON (AP) - Businesses reduced their inventories more than expected in April as they worked to get stockpiles more in line with falling sales.

The Commerce Department said Thursday that businesses cut inventories 1.1 percent in April, a bit more than the 1 percent drop economists expected. The government also revised the March figure to a drop of 1.3 percent, compared with the 1 percent decline originally reported.

96. Fed Survey Sees Signs Recession is Easing - Thursday, June 11, 2009

WASHINGTON (AP) - The economy's sharp downhill slide eased in the late spring and hopes for future business activity improved, suggesting that the worst of the recession has passed.

A Federal Reserve snapshot of economic conditions issued Wednesday found that five of the Fed's 12 regions said that the "downward trend is showing signs of moderating."

97. Durable Goods, New Home Sales Better Than Expected - Monday, April 27, 2009

WASHINGTON (AP) – Demand for big-ticket manufactured goods and new home sales were better than expected in March, raising some hopes that the long slides in manufacturing and housing are slowly coming to an end.

98. Officials: Toppled PILOT Rules Should Help Lure Jobs - Thursday, April 09, 2009

The Memphis City Council has signed off on changes to the system of tax breaks used to recruit new businesses and encourage business expansion in Shelby County.

The unanimous 13-0 council vote this week bookends a unanimous vote by the Shelby County Board of Commissioners earlier this month.

99. Signs Recession Nears Bottom, But Layoffs Persist - Friday, April 03, 2009

WASHINGTON (AP) - New signs that the recession could be nearing a bottom emerged Thursday, as factory orders were far better than expected and the Dow industrials surged over 8,000 for the first time in two months.

100. Jobless Rates Rise in All US Metro Areas in Feb. - Thursday, April 02, 2009

WASHINGTON (AP) - Unemployment rates rose in all of the nation's largest metropolitan areas for the second straight month in February.

The U.S. Labor Department reported Wednesday all 372 metropolitan areas tracked saw their jobless rates rise in February from a year earlier. Indiana's Elkhart-Goshen and North Carolina's Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, both hammered by manufacturing layoffs, registered the biggest annual increases.