RedRover Sales & Marketing took home four international awards as part of the 2013 Communicator Awards.

The firm got three Awards of Distinction for creative work completed for clients Thomas & Betts Corp., DreamCatcher Hotels and The MED Foundation. The firm also earned an Award of Excellence for its own newly designed website.

2. RedRover Picks Up Four Communicator Awards - Wednesday, May 15, 2013

RedRover Sales & Marketing took home four international awards as part of the 2013 Communicator Awards.

The firm got three Awards of Distinction for creative work completed for clients Thomas & Betts Corp., DreamCatcher Hotels and The MED Foundation. The firm also earned an Award of Excellence for its own newly designed website.

3. Retailers Report Slowing Sales Gains for February - Friday, March 08, 2013

NEW YORK (AP) – Americans cut back on spending in February as cold weather and economic challenges chilled their appetite for spring merchandise.

The nation's retailers on Thursday reported that sales slowed in February, a time when most stores get rid of winter merchandise and bring in swimsuits, ankle length pants and other spring fashions.

4. Hand Family Files Loan on Local Properties - Tuesday, February 19, 2013

45 W. E.H. Crump Blvd.
Memphis, TN 38106
Loan Amount: $3.2 million

Loan Date: Feb. 4, 2013
Maturity Date: N/A
Borrower: The Hand Family Realty Co. LLC
Lender: JPMorgan Chase Bank NA
Details: The Hand Family Realty Co. LLC has filed a $3.2 million loan on its Memphis portfolio, including the Anheuser-Busch distribution facility at 45 W. E.H. Crump Blvd. south of Downtown.

5. Owner Files $1.4 Million Loan on U.S. 64 Retail Center - Thursday, February 14, 2013

FairCo 64 LLC has filed a $1.4 million deed of trust through INSOUTH Bank for its strip retail center at 7601 U.S. 64 in Northeast Memphis.

6. Retailers Report Strong January Sales - Friday, February 08, 2013

NEW YORK (AP) – Sometimes, the devil is in the deals. Americans shopped the winter clearance racks in January, resulting in strong sales during the month for retailers.

But spending is expected to slow as the deals dry up heading into the spring, and Americans digest rising gas prices and a 2 percent payroll tax hike that started in January.

7. Events - Friday, February 01, 2013

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center will hold its second annual Go Red for Women Fashion Show Friday, Feb. 1, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the UTHSC Student-Alumni Center, 800 Madison Ave. Tickets are $7, which includes lunch. Email eanderson@uthsc.edu.

8. Johnson Honored by U of M With Authur Holmon Award - Friday, February 01, 2013

If Cato Johnson ever decided to leave his position as senior vice president of corporate affairs at Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, he could quite possibly become an epic spokesperson for an energy drink. A healthy one, that is.

9. Events - Thursday, January 31, 2013

Literacy is Key: A Book & Author Affair, a Literacy Mid-South benefit luncheon hosted by the Memphis Alumnae Association of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity, will be held Thursday, Jan. 31, at 11 a.m. at Holiday Inn University of Memphis, 3700 Central Ave. Featured authors are Mary Kay Andrews, Claire Cook and Courtney Miller Santo. Tickets are $45. Visit memphiskkg.org.

10. Events - Wednesday, January 30, 2013

The Prosperity Series Memphis will host U.S. Learning CEO and author Don Hutson Wednesday, Jan. 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. at Memphis Botanic Garden, 750 Cherry Road. Cost is free for members and $149 for nonmembers. R.S.V.P. to huey@uslearning.com or 767-0000.

11. Imre Named Assistant Controller at Makowsky Ringel Greenberg - Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Nancy Imre has joined Makowsky Ringel Greenberg LLC as assistant controller. Imre is responsible for the real estate management company’s accounting department, overseeing investor reporting and preparation of corporate financial statements.

12. Public Relations Society Names Duncan Williams 'Communicator of the Year' - Thursday, January 03, 2013

The Memphis chapter of the Public Relations Society of America has named Duncan F. Williams, president of Duncan-Williams Inc., as its 2013 Communicator of The Year.

13. RedRover Wins Four Communicator Awards - Thursday, May 10, 2012

The winners of The 2012 Communicator Awards have been announced by the International Academy of the Visual Arts, with Memphis-based RedRover Co. being among the winners.

14. Ambitious Educators - Friday, April 27, 2012

KIPP Memphis, which currently educates 500 students in grades five through nine at two schools, has embarked on an ambitious expansion plan that will include opening 10 collegiate schools educating roughly 4,500 students in North and South Memphis by 2016.

15. Teacher Evaluation Sparks Debate Among Educators - Wednesday, April 11, 2012

The schools consolidation planning commission hasn’t made any decisions yet about teacher pay and benefits or suggestions about how many teachers the merged school system might need.

But when it got its first look at the human resources overview last week, there was immediate discussion about which direction to go in teacher evaluation.

16. Wharton Appoints Education Task Force - Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr. has named a 21-member task force to recommend the role of city government once the county’s two public school systems are consolidated.

Wharton anticipates that with schools consolidation, the city of Memphis will no longer be required to fund local schools at a certain level. But Wharton has said that doesn’t mean the city wouldn’t have any role in local education.

17. Educators Resist Proposal to Raise Average Class Size - Thursday, February 09, 2012

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam’s plan to lift a cap on class size averages is meeting resistance from educators, but the Republican calls the proposal a key element to his effort to allow school districts to raise teacher pay.

18. Pink Palace Educator on Antarctic Expedition - Friday, February 03, 2012

When she’s not busy tagging and tracking seals with a team of scientists in Antarctica, Memphis educator Alex Eilers is responding to email questions and sending postcards to her students and community supporters, who are following her journey online.

19. Keep Close Eye On Indicators - Tuesday, January 24, 2012

European Tailwind Markets continued their upward surge over the past week as more participants began trusting in the European crisis containment campaign. The reason we haven’t dedicated much copy to Europe recently is twofold.

20. PRSA Names Halloran Communicator of the Year - Friday, January 20, 2012

The Memphis Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America named Pat Halloran, president and CEO of the Memphis Development Foundation, its 2011 Communicator of The Year. Memphis Development Foundation operates The Orpheum Theatre.

21. Fuente Looks to Turn Tigers Around - Friday, December 09, 2011

The next phase of University of Memphis football officially began Thursday, Dec. 8. That’s when 35-year-old Justin Fuente, co-offensive coordinator at Texas Christian University, told media and fans gathered at an on-campus press conference, “This is going to be Memphis’ team. … I don’t care what school you went to, you live in the city, I want this to be your team.”

22. Fuente Looks to Turn Tigers Around - Thursday, December 08, 2011

The next phase of University of Memphis football officially began Thursday, Dec. 8.

That’s when 35-year-old Justin Fuente, co-offensive coordinator at Texas Christian University, told media and fans gathered at an on-campus press conference, “This is going to be Memphis’ team. … I don’t care what school you went to, you live in the city, I want this to be your team.”

23. Leading Indicators Rise 0.9 Percent in October - Monday, November 21, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – A gauge of future economic activity rose at solid pace in October, offering hope that the economy may see stronger growth in coming months.

The Conference Board reported Friday that its index of leading economic indicators rose 0.9 percent last month, significantly faster than the revised 0.1 percent rise in September and the 0.3 percent increase in August.

24. Leading Indicators Rise Modest Amount in September - Friday, October 21, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – A gauge of future economic activity edged up at a slower pace in September, signaling only modest economic growth in coming months.

The Conference Board reported Thursday that its index of leading economic indicators rose 0.2 percent in September. It was the fifth consecutive gain but was weaker than increases of 0.3 percent in August and 0.6 percent in July.

25. Herman Cain's Sudden Surge Powered by 9-9-9 Plan - Thursday, October 13, 2011

ATLANTA (AP) – If there's a policy star in the Republican presidential primary it may be Herman Cain's 9-9-9 tax overhaul plan. It has helped fuel the Georgia businessman's sudden surge in the GOP race. But behind the catchy slogan is a reality: Experts say it will raise taxes on some Americans.

26. Leading Indicators Rise 0.3 Pct. in August - Friday, September 23, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – The economy will likely expand this fall at a weak pace, but the risks are rising of another recession, a private research group says.

The Conference Board said Thursday that its index of leading economic indicators rose 0.3 percent in August, the fourth consecutive increase.

27. Leading Indicators Rise 0.5 Percent in July - Friday, August 19, 2011

NEW YORK (AP) – A private research group forecast that the economy will grow slowly in the second half of the year because of the support it's gotten from the Federal Reserve.

The Conference Board said its index of leading economic indicators rose 0.5 percent in July. The index had risen 0.3 percent in June.

28. RedRover Co. Wins Communicator Awards - Wednesday, August 10, 2011

The International Academy of Visual Arts has given Memphis sales and marketing firm RedRover Co. LLC eight awards in the 17th Annual Communicator Awards.

29. Leading Economic Indicators Rise - Friday, July 22, 2011

NEW YORK (AP) – A private research group forecast that the economy will grow slowly as summer turns into fall – if U.S. politicians can agree to raise the amount the government can borrow.

30. GOP Uses Budget, Other Tools to Sap Financial Law - Wednesday, July 06, 2011

WASHINGTON (AP) – Congressional Republicans are greeting the one-year anniversary of President Barack Obama's financial overhaul law by trying to weaken it, nibble by nibble.

Wary of attempting to dismantle the entire statute and being portrayed as Wall Street's allies – banks are among the nation's most unpopular institutions – GOP lawmakers are attacking corners of it. They can't prevail because they don't control the White House or Senate, but they may be able to force some compromises on agency budgets, pressure regulators and influence some of Obama's nominations.

31. Events - Friday, June 17, 2011

The Center City Commission Diversity Committee will meet Friday, June 17, at 11 a.m. at 114 N. Main St.

32. GDP Challenged As Main Progress Indicator - Wednesday, May 25, 2011

An international agency known for its number crunching is offering a new way to measure how good life in your country is compared with others.

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development said Tuesday, May 24, it is launching an online tool that will let people select priorities in life and compare how their country measures up internationally.

33. Leading Indicators Slip for 1st Time in 10 Months - Friday, May 20, 2011

NEW YORK (AP) – A private research group's forecasting gauge suggests some bumps in the U.S. economic recovery this summer.

The Conference Board said Thursday its index of leading economic indicators dropped 0.3 percent in April, the first decline since June 2010.

34. Retailers Post Strong April but Fret Over Future - Friday, May 06, 2011

NEW YORK (AP) – Retailers reported surging April revenue helped by a late Easter, extending strong spending momentum since late last year.

But some also warned gas prices nearing $4 a gallon are starting to cut into the spending power of lower-income customers who were already on tight budgets.

35. Leading Indicators Rise 0.8 Percent in February - Friday, March 18, 2011

NEW YORK (AP) – A private research group's measure of future economic activity rose 0.8 percent in February, as the job market showed improvement and consumers were more optimistic.

It's the eighth consecutive month that the Conference Board's index of leading economic indicators has shown growth.

36. PRSA Names Nichols Communicator of the Year - Wednesday, March 09, 2011

The Public Relations Society of America will honor Jackie Nichols, executive producer of Playhouse on the Square, as the 2010 Communicator of the Year Wednesday during a luncheon at the Fogelman Executive Conference Center on the University of Memphis campus.

37. Retailers Report Solid Gains in February - Friday, March 04, 2011

NEW YORK (AP) – Shoppers braved February's chill to hand retailers surprisingly strong sales gains, extending the momentum from a strong holiday season and providing evidence of a strengthening economic recovery.

38. Leading Indicators Rise 0.1 Percent in January - Friday, February 18, 2011

NEW YORK (AP) – A private research group says its gauge of future economic activity rose a slim 0.1 percent in January, significantly slower than in recent months as a measure of the housing market tumbled.

39. 3 School Systems Get Grants to Retain Educators - Tuesday, January 11, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – Three school systems will receive grants to help them retain effective teachers and principals.

The Tennessee Department of Education says Hamilton County Schools and Metro Nashville Public Schools will each receive approximately $2 million over four years. Memphis City Schools will get some $4 million.

40. Educator Says Ark. School Bus Safety Law is Weak - Tuesday, January 04, 2011

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — A state education official says a new Arkansas school bus safety law needs to be improved if it is to become practical.

The law that took effect Saturday says all new buses bought by a school district must have an electronic or written warning to drivers.

41. Leading Indicators Jump 1.1 Pct. in Nov. - Monday, December 20, 2010

A gauge of future economic activity rose in November, at the fastest pace since March, suggesting the economy will strengthen early next year.

The Conference Board said its index of leading economic indicators rose 1.1 percent last month — the biggest increase since March, when it jumped 1.4 percent.

42. Aces Increases Presence With Two Leases - Friday, December 03, 2010

Aces A/C Supply North has recently signed two leases in the region – one in Memphis and one in Jackson, Tenn.

Carrollton, Texas-based Aces, a representative of American Standard Heating and Air Conditioning, is a wholesaler of air conditioning and equipment and parts.

43. Leading Indicators Rise 0.5 Pct. in October - Friday, November 19, 2010

NEW YORK (AP) – A gauge of future economic activity grew in October after a summer lull, suggesting the U.S. economy will slowly start strengthening early next year. But unemployment is likely to remain high in 2011, economists say.

44. Cross Creek Center In Foreclosure - Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Cross Creek Center, the shopping center at the northwest corner of Riverdale and Winchester roads, is scheduled for a foreclosure sale, according to a first-run foreclosure notice in today’s Daily News. The foreclosure covers 3469 Riverdale Road, 3505 Riverdale (also known as 3505 Winchester) and 3587 Riverdale.

45. Leading Indicators Rise 0.1 Percent in July - Friday, August 20, 2010

NEW YORK (AP) – A private research group said its gauge of future economic activity edged up in July, suggesting growth will be sluggish for the rest of the year.

The Conference Board said Thursday that its index of leading economic indicators rose 0.1 percent last month after dropping 0.3 percent in June. Economists polled by Thomson Reuters had expected a gain of 0.2 percent.

46. Leading Indicators Rise 0.4 Percent in May - Friday, June 18, 2010

A gauge of future economic activity rose 0.4 percent in May, signaling slow growth in the U.S. economy lies ahead in the summer and fall.

The leading economic index from the Conference Board, a private research group, is designed to forecast economic activity in the next three to six months.

47. RedRover Recognized With Communicator Awards - Friday, June 11, 2010

In other RedRover news, the International Academy of Visual Arts has awarded RedRover Co. with three awards in the 15th Annual Communicator Awards.

48. Commissioners to Vote on Health Loop Clinic Funding - Monday, May 24, 2010

When The Regional Medical Center at Memphis decided late last year to spin off five of its outpatient care clinics, administrators of the hospital said the decision would give the institution financial breathing room. It would save the county $3.8 million annually.

49. Leading Indicators Drop 0.1 Pct. in April - Friday, May 21, 2010

NEW YORK (AP) – A private research group’s index of leading economic indicators unexpectedly slipped in April, its first drop in more than a year and a sign that growth could slow this summer.

The Conference Board's gauge of future economic activity edged down 0.1 percent last month, the first decline since March 2009. Economists polled by Thomson Reuters had expected a gain of 0.2 percent.

50. Leading Indicators Jump 1.4 Percent, Topping Estimates - Tuesday, April 20, 2010

NEW YORK (AP) – A gauge of future economic activity jumped 1.4 percent in March, the fastest pace of growth in 10 months.

The rise in the New York-based Conference Board’s index of leading economic indictors suggests economic growth is likely to continue for the next three to six months.

51. Leading Indicators Rise 0.3 Percent in Jan. - Friday, February 19, 2010

A forecast of future economic activity grew at a slower pace in January, but still suggests the economy will continue to grow through the spring.

The index of leading economic indicators rose 0.3 percent in January, according to Thursday’s report from the Conference Board, a private research group.

52. Wharton’s Transition Team Unveils Agenda - Tuesday, February 02, 2010

Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr.’s transition team has recommended a chief economic development director for the city, a more comprehensive financial plan for city government and reining in the city’s Capital Improvement budget.

53. Leading Indicators Jump 1.1 Percent in December - Friday, January 22, 2010

NEW YORK (AP) - A forecast of future economic activity jumped 1.1 percent in December, a private research group said Thursday, suggesting that growth could pick up this spring.

The increase in the Conference Board's index of leading economic indicators was larger than the 0.7 percent rise that economists surveyed by Thomson Reuters had expected.

54. Leading Indicators Rise for 8th Straight Month - Friday, December 18, 2009

NEW YORK (AP) - A forecast of U.S. economic activity rose for the eighth straight month in November, a private research group said, signaling the economic rebound will continue next year.

The Conference Board said its index of leading economic indicators rose 0.9 percent last month, up from 0.3 percent in October.

55. City Mayoral Transition Yields Crowded To-Do List - Tuesday, October 20, 2009
 

Memphis Mayor-elect A C Wharton Jr. will be appointing a new city attorney once he takes office next week.

Elbert Jefferson, the city attorney Mayor Pro Tem Myron Lowery tried to fire just minutes after taking the oath of office on July 31, Friday sent a second resignation letter to Lowery. The two met for an hour Sunday evening at City Hall and Lowery accepted Jefferson’s resignation.

Jefferson’s attorney, Ted Hansom, and city Chief Administrative Officer Jack Sammons were also present. Jefferson turned in his key card, the keys to his city car and his laptop.

“The drama is over,” Lowery said Monday. “For my part, I wish it had never happened.”

Dramatis personae

In a resignation letter last week to Wharton, Jefferson had expressed hope that he would be hired for some position in the new administration. Over the weekend, he used the same text in the new letter but addressed it to Lowery instead. He requested the city pay his legal fees as well.

The resignation letter to Lowery made moot an ouster suit filed by Shelby County District Attorney General Bill Gibbons. Criminal Court Judge James Lammey, who was to hear the case, reset a final report to Oct. 27, citing Jefferson’s departure.

“A hearing on the issue of suspension would be an inefficient use of judicial resources, of the state of Tennessee and of the resources of the city of Memphis, and considering (Jefferson’s) current health status, would be an unnecessary tax on (Jefferson’s) well-being and a possible threat to his health,” Lammey wrote in the court order.

Jefferson was scheduled to return to City Hall from sick leave Monday. He apparently believed the new mayor would be in office by the time he returned.

An audit of city financial affairs is standard procedure in a change of administrations. Wharton is naming team members to review the offices of the city attorney, human resources and finance and administration. He was also to name members of his transition team Monday.

Time-, battle-tested

Shelby County Commissioner Mike Carpenter and Methodist Healthcare executive Cato Johnson will head the team.

The other members are:

- Herman Morris, attorney and 2007 candidate for Memphis Mayor.

- Tomeka Hart, Memphis Urban League CEO and Memphis school board member.

- Jim Strickland, attorney and Memphis City Council member.

- Rev. Dwight Montgomery, Southern Christian Leadership Conference Memphis chapter President.

- Jose Velasquez, Latino Memphis former executive director.

- Nisha Powers, Powers Hill Design Inc. President.

- Paul Morris, attorney and former chairman Center City Commission.

- Douglas Scarboro, The Leadership Academy vice president.

- Steve Reynolds, Baptist Memorial Health Care Corp. CEO.

- Diane Rudner, Plough Foundation chairman.

- Darrell Cobbins, Universal Commercial CEO.

Johnson has more experience serving on such task forces and ad hoc committees than any other leader in the city’s corporate community. Most recently, Johnson was one of two business leaders on the ad hoc committee exploring single-source local funding for education. He also served as a leader of the Mid-South Fairgrounds renovation committee and has been involved in similar capacities with every major construction project for a civic use in the past 15 years.

Carpenter’s appointment is certain to fuel speculation that he might be tapped for some role in the new administration. However, Carpenter has already been holding fundraisers in anticipation of a bid for re-election to his commission seat in the 2010 county elections.

Wharton is tentatively scheduled to take the oath of office Oct. 26.

The Shelby County Commission also meets that same day and could receive Wharton’s resignation and declare a vacancy in the county mayor’s office with a vote to appoint Wharton’s successor-to-come in November. Until that vote, County Commission Chairwoman Joyce Avery will serve as interim mayor.

“It will be a day in which I come to work at one place and leave work from another place,” Wharton told The Daily News.

But the Shelby County Election Commission will meet earlier than expected -- Thursday afternoon -- to certify the Oct. 15 election results. Once the results are certified, Wharton is free to resign as Shelby County mayor and take the oath as Memphis mayor.

Cooperative efforts

Meanwhile, Wharton has asked City Council Chairman Harold Collins to consider delaying a council vote today on the five appointees the city mayor is to make to a metro charter commission. The council set today’s vote with the intention of having whomever won the Oct. 15 special election appoint members of the panel.

“I won’t be there on the 20th. … I’m seeing if they are in a position to put it off until I’m actually over there,” Wharton told The Daily News, as he has had attorneys researching if a council vote in November would meet timelines for such an effort set out in state law.

“I believe that they may be able to meet on Nov. 3,” Wharton said.

Wharton has already named the 10 appointees to be made by the Shelby County mayor to the panel. The County Commission approved all 10 earlier this month.

While it appears he will make the other five, Wharton said he will ask the council, through Collins, to effectively pick the five nominees, whom Wharton would then send to the council as his appointees.

“I chose all 10 over here, which I had to do by law. If I could find some way around it that passed legal muster, then I would do that,” he said. “But we’ve researched it and I know of no way in which the city mayor can say … ‘I’m not going to do that.’ You can’t transfer it.”

Wharton and Lowery were to discuss the matter at a meeting Monday afternoon. Lowery told The Daily News he had received no suggested appointees from council members, but would be willing to submit names the council wants on the charter commission.

56. Update: Wharton Names Transition Team - Monday, October 19, 2009
 

Memphis Mayor-elect A C Wharton Jr. has named eleven more people to his transition team.

Shelby County Commissioner Mike Carpenter and Methodist Healthcare executive Cato Johnson will chair the group. The others include:

- Herman Morris, attorney, former president of Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division and 2007 Memphis mayoral candidate;

- The Rev. Dwight Montgomery, president of the Memphis chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference;

- Nisha Powers, president of Powers Hill Design Inc.;

- Tomeka Hart, Memphis school board member and Memphis Urban League president and CEO;

- Darrell Cobbins, Universal Commercial President and CEO;

- Jim Strickland, attorney and Memphis City Councilmember;

- Jose Velasquez, Latino Memphis’ former executive director.

- Paul Morris, attorney and former chairman Center City Commission.

- Diane Rudner, Poplar Foundation chairman.

- Steve Reynolds, Baptist Memorial Health Care President & CEO.

- Douglas Scarboro, The Leadership Academy vice president.

In other transition developments, the Shelby County Election Commission will meet Thursday afternoon to certify the results of the Oct. 15 special mayoral election.

The meeting is earlier than Wharton had expected. Once the results are certified, Wharton can resign his post as Shelby County mayor at any point and take the oath of office at City Hall. The Shelby County Commission will then declare a vacancy in the county mayor’s office and commission chairwoman Joyce Avery will become acting mayor until the commission appoints someone to serve the year remaining in Wharton’s county term of office.

57. Kohn: Fed is Developing New Exit Tools - Thursday, October 01, 2009

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Federal Reserve is developing some new tools for reeling in the extraordinary support it's provided to the economy, Fed Vice Chairman Donald Kohn said Wednesday.

However, Kohn and Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta President Dennis Lockhart said they see no need to rush to boost interest rates because there are still risks to the unfolding recovery.

58. Leading Economic Indicators Rise in August - Tuesday, September 22, 2009

NEW YORK (AP) – A private forecast of economic activity rose in August for the fifth straight month, the latest sign the recession has ended. The New York-based Conference Board’s leading indicators point to an economy on solid ground early next year, though some analysts caution that a rising unemployment rate will restrain growth.

59. Leading Economic Indicators Rise in July - Friday, August 21, 2009

NEW YORK (AP) – A research group’s measure of employment, stocks and other indicators suggests the recession will end this summer, if it hasn’t already.

The Conference Board reported Thursday its index of leading indicators rose 0.6 percent in July, its fourth straight gain. The measure is meant to project economic activity in the next three to six months.

60. Pat O’s Sold Back to Bank - Monday, August 03, 2009

A mini bidding war broke out Friday during the trustee’s sale of the former Pat O’Brien’s bar at 310 Beale St., but in the end the bank that foreclosed on the property came in with the highest bid of $827,000.

61. Compromise 101: Who’s going to fund the schools? - Monday, August 03, 2009

In the year he’s been head of the Memphis school system, Superintendent Kriner Cash has been virtually unflappable.

Since the Memphis school board hired him in July 2008, Cash has doggedly pitched a detailed plan for the school system’s renewal with dozens of specific goals in a well-traveled PowerPoint presentation.

62. Economic Indicators Up More Than Expected in June - Tuesday, July 21, 2009

More plans to build homes, higher stock prices and fewer people filing first-time claims for jobless aid sent a private-sector forecast of U.S. economic activity higher than expected in June.

It was the third straight monthly increase for the New York-based Conference Board’s index of leading economic indicators, and another sign pointing toward the recession ending later this year.

63. Foreclosure Issued For 310 Beale St. - Tuesday, July 07, 2009

Two entities, 310 Beale Street Properties LLC and Hurricane Memphis LLC, have defaulted on a December 2001 construction loan for $2.6 million. The lender is Wachovia Commercial Mortgage Inc. doing business as The Money Store Commercial Mortgage Inc. The first-run foreclosure notice appears on Page 40 of today’s paper.

64. Leading Economic Indicators Up More Than Expected - Friday, June 19, 2009

NEW YORK (AP) - A private research group's forecast of economic activity rose in May by the largest amount in more than five years, the latest sign that the recession is easing.

The Conference Board said Thursday that its index of leading economic indicators – designed to forecast activity in the next three to six months – rose 1.2 percent, the biggest gain since March 2004. Economists surveyed by Thomson Reuters expected a 0.9 percent increase in May. The April reading was revised to a 1.1 percent gain from 1 percent, the first back-to-back increases since 2006.

65. Bankruptcy Judge Rejects Beale Street Hip-Hop Club - Tuesday, June 16, 2009

A federal bankruptcy court judge has scrapped plans to reopen the old Pat O’Brien’s on Beale Street as a two-day-a-week nightspot with a dress code.

The plan by Cato Walker and Curtis Givens to open “Liquid On Beale” drew opposition from Beale Street developer John Elkington and his Performa Entertainment Real Estate Inc., as well as the Beale Street Merchants Association.

66. U of M Education Dean Forms Advisory Council - Thursday, June 11, 2009

Don Wagner, dean of the College of Education at the University of Memphis, has formed an advisory council made up of community leaders.

67. 4,200 Educators Ready For Training Sessions - Tuesday, June 02, 2009

Approximately 4,200 Tennessee educators will be attending training sessions this month.

It’s part of the Tennessee Diploma Project, an overhaul of standards and curricula designed to better prepare students for college and the work force.

68. Why the Struggle to Control Beale Street Continues - Monday, June 01, 2009

Eight blocks lie between the Shelby County Courthouse and Beale Street.

The courthouse’s seated representations of wisdom, justice, liberty and authority look southward toward the entertainment district. Sometimes, if the wind is blowing in the right direction, you can hear the band in Handy Park from the courthouse steps.

69. Elkington Considers Selling Performa For $1 - Friday, May 29, 2009

Beale Street developer John Elkington has considered selling his Performa Entertainment Co. to a group of Beale Street merchants for $1.

70. GM All But Certain to File for Chapter 11 - Friday, May 29, 2009

DETROIT (AP) - General Motors, the company that put tail fins on a Cadillac and was once the nation's largest employer, moved to the edge of bankruptcy protection Wednesday as debtholders refused a last-ditch deal. Crosstown rival Chrysler hoped to pull off a quick exit from Chapter 11 and prove there is hope yet for a leaner Detroit.

71. Economic Indicators Up More Than Expected - Friday, May 22, 2009

A private research group’s forecast of economic activity rose more than expected in April, the first gain in seven months and fresh evidence that the recession could end later this year.

The Conference Board reported Thursday its index of leading economic indicators, designed to forecast economic activity in the next three to six months, rose 1 percent last month. Economists surveyed by Thomson Reuters expected a 0.8 percent increase.

72. Leading Economic Indicators Dip More Than Expected - Tuesday, April 21, 2009

A private sector group’s index of leading economic indicators fell more than expected in March, but the forecast called for the U.S. recession’s intensity to ease this summer.

The Conference Board reported Monday that its monthly forecast of economic activity fell 0.3 percent in March and has not risen in nine months. Economists surveyed by Thomson Reuters expected a 0.2 percent decline.

73. Treadway Joins Thomas & Betts as Senior VP for Electrical Business - Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Charles L. Treadway has joined Thomas & Betts Corporation in the newly created position of senior vice president, group president – electrical. Treadway will provide strategic and operational leadership to the company’s electrical products businesses on a global basis. The electrical segment of Thomas & Betts has approximately 60 manufacturing and distribution facilities in 11 countries and employs approximately 8,000 associates worldwide. The electrical segment reported $2.1 billion in revenues in 2008. Treadway previously served as president and chief executive officer for the Custom Sensors and Technology unit of Schneider Electric.

74. Leading Indicators Drop Less Than Expected in Feb. - Friday, March 20, 2009

A private sector group’s index of leading economic indicators dropped less than expected in February, but its broad decline of the past 19 months persisted and is unlikely to end nationwide until next year.

75. An Ex-Educator, Williamson Takes on Crime With Security Org - Friday, March 20, 2009

Peggy Williamson has no background in criminal justice or community policing, but that hasn’t stopped her from organizing and heading the Midtown Security Community.

76. Leading Indicators Rise More Than Expected in Jan. - Friday, February 20, 2009

NEW YORK (AP) – A private sector measure of U.S. economic activity jumped unexpectedly in January for a second straight monthly increase, mainly because of federal efforts to expand the money supply.

77. Calipari Named ‘Communicator of Year’ - Wednesday, January 21, 2009

The Memphis chapter of the Public Relations Society of America has named University of Memphis mens’ basketball coach John Calipari “Communicator of the Year.”

Calipari will receive the award at a luncheon today. The award was established in 1975 with Bud Dudley, founder of the Liberty Bowl, as its first recipient.

78. US Leading Indicators Fall in November - Friday, December 19, 2008

A private research group’s measure of the U.S. economy’s health fell again in November and its six-month rate of decline hit the worst level since 1991.

The New York-based Conference Board on Thursday reported its index of leading economic indicators fell for the second straight month, dropping 0.4 percent in November. That was slightly better than the 0.5 percent decline economists surveyed by Thomson Reuters had expected.

79. Southwest to Host Russian Educators - Wednesday, December 03, 2008

Southwest Tennessee Community College will host six educators from various parts of Russia from Dec. 5-13.

They will be observing educational systems and the governmental infrastructure that connects with them. The Open World Program, the Open World Leadership Center and the Academy of Educational Development of Washington, D.C., are sponsoring the visit.

80. Leading Indicators Fall in October - Friday, November 21, 2008

The economy’s health worsened in October as stocks, building permits and consumer expectations all fell, a private research group said Thursday.

The New York-based Conference Board said its monthly forecast of economic activity declined 0.8 percent in October, worse than the 0.6 percent decrease expected by economists surveyed by Thomson Reuters.

81. Leading Indicators Rise in September - Tuesday, October 21, 2008

NEW YORK (AP) – The economy’s health improved for the first time in five months in September as supplier deliveries and new orders strengthened, a private research group reported Monday.

The New York-based Conference Board said its monthly forecast of future economic activity rose 0.3 percent, a better reading than the 0.2 percent drop expected by Wall Street economists surveyed by Thomson/IFR.

82. Leading Indicators Fall as Building Permits Drop - Friday, September 19, 2008

NEW YORK (AP) - The economy's health dropped for the second consecutive month in August as building permits dropped and unemployment claims rose, a private business group said Thursday.

The New York-based Conference Board said its monthly forecast of future economic activity declined 0.5 percent in August. That is more than the 0.2 percent decline expected by Wall Street economists surveyed by Thomson/IFR.

83. InterSky Partners With Inventory Locator Service - Thursday, August 28, 2008

InterSky Precision Instruments Inc. has chosen Memphis-based Inventory Locator Service LLC to streamline its repair, inventory and sales operations.

InterSky will use ILS Optimizer to track parts and components through the repair process, synchronize its in-stock inventory with listings on ILSmart.com and manage sales orders.

84. Most Companies in U.S. Avoid Federal Income Taxes - Wednesday, August 13, 2008

WASHINGTON (AP) - Unlike the rest of us, most U.S. corporations and foreign companies doing business in the United States pay no federal income tax, according to a new report from Congress.

The study by the Government Accountability Office, expected to be released Tuesday, said two-thirds of U.S. corporations paid no federal income taxes between 1998 and 2005, and about 68 percent of foreign companies doing business in the U.S. avoided corporate taxes over the same period.

85. Indicators Pushed Down On Unemployment, Stocks - Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Factories laying off workers, stocks tumbling and shoppers ditching their credit cards forced the economy to contract in June, a trend likely to continue in the second half of 2008, a private business group said Monday.

86. Retailers Post Mixed June Sales Results - Friday, July 11, 2008

NEW YORK (AP) – Shoppers, enticed by heavy discounts and armed with rebate checks, spent more freely in June, helping to lift many retailers’ sales. The outlook for the back-to-school season remains tough, though, as consumers confront high gas and food prices, a slumping housing market and tighter credit.

87. Fairgrounds Planning to Begin For Turley’s Group - Thursday, May 22, 2008

Improvements to Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium probably will be the first indication of a Mid-South Fairgrounds makeover. The improvements have been on the drawing board for some time.

The rest of the fairgrounds redevelopment project, however, still is taking shape with the naming this week of Henry Turley’s Fair Ground LLC as the developer of the site.

88. Fair Ground Gets Fairgrounds Job - Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Fair Ground LLC, the private group headed by Downtown developer Henry Turley, is the city’s choice to guide redevelopment of the Fairgrounds property in Midtown.

Mayor Willie Herenton and leaders of the Fairgrounds reuse committee made the announcement to Memphis City Council members Tuesday morning, a month after the selection of the developer was supposed to be made.

89. U.S. Senate Leaders Agree on Bill to Ease Housing Crisis - Thursday, April 03, 2008

WASHINGTON (AP) - Momentum built Wednesday for a bipartisan Senate bill designed to ease the slumping housing market and help millions of families threatened by foreclosure, though economists are skeptical that it will help much.

90. Educator, AuthorTo Speak at Crichton - Tuesday, February 26, 2008
     Erin Gruwell, the California teacher who turned around a high school class of low- performing students and about whose efforts a Hollywood movie was made, will be in Memphis this week to share her message and tell part o

91. Economic Indicators Not So Good - Friday, January 25, 2008

Memphis City Council member Jim Strickland recently told an audience at Christian Brothers University that the city of Memphis appears headed toward what he called an "impending budget crisis."

On a similar note, Shelby County Trustee Bob Patterson had made a comparable prediction shortly before he died last week. Patterson forecasted that the county's residential tax base would be completely flat after next year's countywide property reappraisal.

92. Leading Indicators Slip in December, Signaling Sluggish Economic Performance in Coming Months - Tuesday, January 22, 2008

NEW YORK (AP) - A gauge of future economic activity skidded 0.2 percent in December, registering its third consecutive monthly decline and signaling that the U.S. economy likely will weaken further in coming months.

93. Kevin Kane NamedPRSA Communicator Of the Year - Thursday, January 10, 2008
     Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau president and CEO Kevin Kane has been named the Public Relations Society of America Memphis chapter's communicator of the year for 2007.
     Each year t

94. Poole: Economy Shouldn't be Punished to Teach Speculators a Lesson - Monday, December 03, 2007

WASHINGTON (AP) - Federal Reserve policymakers should consider the impact of turbulent financial markets on the economy's health when weighing interest rate decisions, a Fed official said Friday.

95. Panel Weighs Most Desired Courses for TennCare - Thursday, October 11, 2007

A TennCare advisory committee meets today to look over the fine print of a new three-year agreement between federal health officials and the state of Tennessee to fund TennCare.

Cato Johnson, the chairman of the committee, is expected to pronounce the deal the best the state could get to continue federal funding of its 14-year-old program that is a substitute for Medicaid. But there won't be a lot of celebration.

96. Archived Article - Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Collierville Crossing
Shopping Center
Sale Amount: $15.4 million

Sale Date: Aug. 10, 2007

Buyer: MCW-RD Collierville Crossing LLC

97. Collierville CrossingSells for $15.4 Million - Monday, August 27, 2007
     An 86,000-square-foot Collierville shopping center has been bought by a Jacksonville, Fla.-based company for $15.4 million.
     Collierville Crossing, which sits on about 11.6 acres at the

98. Educators Hedge Bets on Rankings - Wednesday, August 08, 2007

The latest rankings of Memphis City Schools this week under federal No Child Left Behind standards offered a glass half full or a glass half empty depending on who was drinking from the glass.

The announcement of the results at Winchester Elementary, one of the three "high priority" schools that made it to the status of "good standing," had the feeling of a cautious happy hour with no posted hours.

99. Science Educators Hit the Classroom To Learn New Ways of Teaching - Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Students taking control of their own education might not sound like the wisest decision to some parents. But in a sense, it's a common practice in a number of the nation's leading medical universities.

100. Inventory Locator ServiceReceives $1.5M Settlement - Friday, June 15, 2007
     Memphis-based Inventory Locator Service (ILS) LLC has received a $1.5 million cash payment from Partsbase Inc. in relation to the settlement of a lawsuit ILS filed in 2002 under the Federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.<