NASHVILLE (AP) – A majority of Tennesseans oppose the state enforcing online sales taxes, though respondents were split on whether the current system is fair to local businesses, according to a Vanderbilt University poll released Tuesday.

2. Luttrell Proposes Tax Hike for Schools - Friday, May 17, 2013

Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell is proposing a $4.38 county property tax rate including a 6-cent tax hike above the higher certified tax rate for the new fiscal year that begins July 1.

3. Holder: Potential Civil Rights Violations at IRS - Thursday, May 16, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – The FBI's criminal investigation of the Internal Revenue Service could include potential civil rights violations, false statements and potential violations of the Hatch Act, which prohibits federal employees from engaging in some partisan political activities, Attorney General Eric Holder said Wednesday.

4. More Tips on Selling the Business - Thursday, May 16, 2013

I’d like to offer a counterpoint to a recent Daily News column that I presented a slanted view of the process used by investors to acquire the business of an entrepreneur (April 19, Selling the Business: Games Buyers Play).

5. Hospital Billings Vary Widely in Memphis - Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Government data released for the first time last week showed that hospitals across the nation bill Medicare widely different amounts for the same procedures.

St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell, N.Y., charged $29,637 for patients who received a respiratory system diagnosis and remained on a ventilator more than 96 hours, while Stanford Hospital in Stanford Hospital, Calif., charged $929,119.

6. Promoting Play - Tuesday, May 07, 2013

Work crews with ViktorHall Construction have been wrapping up some extensive site work needed to renovate the area of Overton Park that houses the Rainbow Lake Playground.

That work is nearly finished and will offer adventurous youngsters a new Overton Park-themed place where they can play.

7. Nobody Wins the Low Price War - Wednesday, May 01, 2013

We get asked about pricing all of the time. Usually, the inquisitor is looking for a simple answer but the topic is vastly complex due to the many variables involved.

Pricing is a key element of market strategy and a powerful lever in your arsenal. It is intrinsically tied to your position in the market and is only as effective as your strategy as a whole.

8. Parks Controversy Back to City Council - Wednesday, May 01, 2013

The committee recommendations are in for new names for three Confederate-themed city parks. And the long-running controversy about the parks is now back to the Memphis City Council.

The ad hoc committee of nine, which included several historians and two City Council members, held its final meeting Monday, April 29, and voted with little discussion on several ideas for what used to be known as Confederate, Forrest and Jefferson Davis parks.

9. Preparations Continue to Drug Test for Welfare - Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Tennessee authorities are preparing to test welfare recipients for drug abuse.

The legislature passed a bill requiring it and Gov. Bill Haslam signed it nearly a year ago. The statute gives the Department of Human Services until July 1, 2014, to begin screening people receiving welfare for illicit drug use.

10. Haslams Try to Halt Fallout From FBI Raid on Pilot - Thursday, April 25, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – Tennessee's Haslam family is furiously trying to control the damage following a federal investigation into the family business that could threaten to unravel decades of growing wealth and influence that spans business, sports and politics in the state and beyond.

11. Events - Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Sales and Marketing Society of the Mid-South will meet Wednesday, April 17, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Racquet Club of Memphis, 5111 Sanderlin Ave. Mignonne Wright, president of Macadvantage, will present “Think Big. Make Love.” Cost in advance is free for members and $25 for nonmembers; cost at the door is $30. Visit sms-midsouth.org.

12. You Have a Nice Personality, But Does Your Brand? - Wednesday, April 17, 2013

We naturally navigate to those with interesting personalities in real life, and so it stands to reason that the same holds true in the digital world. Why, then, do so many brands come across as cold and completely void of personality when communicating through social media?

13. Inmate Dental Care Contract Goes to Higher Bidder - Tuesday, April 16, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – The Tennessee Department of Correction has awarded a new contract for state inmate dental care to a company which submitted a bid $16 million higher than a competitor.

14. Events - Saturday, April 13, 2013

New Ballet Ensemble will present Springloaded Friday, April 12, through Sunday, April 14, at Playhouse on the Square, 66 S. Cooper St. The annual event fuses ballet, contemporary and urban dance with works by local and guest choreographers. Visit nbespringloaded13.eventbrite.com for times and tickets.

15. Reappraisal: Complex but Crucial Event - Saturday, April 13, 2013

Anyone who owns property in Shelby County – especially new, recent homebuyers – may be interested in a primer on the local reappraisal process, a major event that happens here every four years and the initial phase of which is wrapping up now.

16. Events - Friday, April 12, 2013

New Ballet Ensemble will present Springloaded Friday, April 12, through Sunday, April 14, at Playhouse on the Square, 66 S. Cooper St. The annual event fuses ballet, contemporary and urban dance, with works by local and guest choreographers. Visit nbespringloaded13.eventbrite.com for times and tickets.

17. Tigers Prepare for Life After Black, Thomas - Friday, April 12, 2013

Wading in with some thoughts on several topics, starting with Adonis Thomas and Tarik Black leaving the University of Memphis basketball program:

• First off, the Tigers will be fine without them. The No. 2-ranked recruiting class in the country is on the way and while the Tigers still want another big man to replace Black, the truth is that both Thomas and Black were disappointments this past season. This is also why I wish Adonis and Tarik were staying; odds are it would be better for them if they stayed.

18. Events - Thursday, April 11, 2013

National Hispanic Professional Organization-Memphis will meet Thursday, April 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hilton Memphis, 939 Ridge Lake Blvd. Meri Armour, CEO of Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, will speak. Cost is free for members and $20 for nonmembers. R.S.V.P. to info@nhpomemphis.us or 466-6476.

19. Events - Wednesday, April 10, 2013

The Rotary Club of Memphis East will meet Wednesday, April 10, at noon at The Racquet Club of Memphis, 5111 Sanderlin Ave. First Horizon Corp. president and CEO Bryan Jordan will speak. Cost is $17. R.S.V.P. to Lee Hughes at lmhughes@bellsouth.net.

20. Events - Tuesday, April 09, 2013

National Association of Women Business Owners Memphis chapter will meet Tuesday, April 9, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Chickasaw Country Club, 3935 Galloway Ave. A panel of businesswomen will discuss “How to Get the Job Done as a Woman CEO.” Cost is $35 at the door. Visit nawbomemphis.org.

21. Fairfield Inn Sells for $4.2 Million - Monday, April 08, 2013

An entity related to GE Capital Real Estate has paid $4.2 million for the 89-unit Fairfield Inn & Suites Memphis at 4760 Show Case Blvd. near Interstate 240 and South Perkins Road.

22. Events - Saturday, April 06, 2013

In-Synk and The Daily News will host a Leadership Lunch & Learn about Daniel Pink’s book “To Sell is Human: The Surprising Truth About Moving Others” Friday, April 5, from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Triumph Bank board room, 5699 Poplar Ave. Cost is $20. Register at in-synksellhuman.eventbrite.com.

23. City-County Swaps Grow More Complex - Monday, April 01, 2013

Memphis City Council members and Shelby County Commissioners are talking about a swap.

The Memphis Animal Shelter would be run by county government if the city would continue funding Memphis police officers in Memphis schools after the merger of Shelby County’s two public school systems.

24. Fairgrounds Events Grow as Klan Protest Nears - Friday, March 29, 2013

As Memphis Police have been planning in preparation for the Saturday, March 30, Ku Klux Klan demonstration at the Shelby County Courthouse, the Mid-South Fairgrounds has been a busy place for organizers of several alternatives to the Klan protest including a “Heart of Memphis” gathering there.

25. The Duck, The Dog, The Farm - Friday, March 22, 2013

GOING TO LIVE IN THE COUNTRY. My column last week prompted a number of you to share your memories of the creatures that came home with you from the cages at Katz Drug Store. My friend Bill Haltom, attorney and storyteller, sent me this:

26. Obama Nominates Justice Official to Top Labor Slot - Tuesday, March 19, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – Thomas Perez, President Barack Obama's choice for Labor secretary, has used his perch as the nation's chief civil rights enforcer to crack down on voter suppression, discrimination and police brutality.

27. Breweries Launch 'High Tax Ale' to Urge Change - Tuesday, March 19, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – A special joint offering from Tennessee craft brewers Yazoo and Calfkiller features an unusual sales pitch to beer aficionados: "Now With Even More Taxes!"

The new product going on sale this week is the latest effort among brewers to draw attention to Tennessee's highest-in-the-nation tax scheme for beer, which high-end brewers argue disproportionately affects their ability to compete.

28. Reappraisal to Impact Office Market - Monday, March 18, 2013

For the first time in history, the property value of the once-every-four-year reappraisal is going down, and it has some commercial real estate property owners concerned.

Although how much the value decreases won’t be official until April 20, the first formal notices of 2013 Shelby County property values for taxation purposes were mailed at the beginning of this month to owners of commercial and industrial cost properties.

29. Bill to OK Riding Without Helmet Advances - Friday, March 15, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – A proposal to do away with the state's motorcycle helmet law passed a Senate panel on Wednesday despite Gov. Bill Haslam's opposition.

The proposal sponsored by Republican Sen. Mike Bell of Riceville was approved 6-3 in the Senate Transportation Committee.

30. Likeability Loses Shine if Tigers Can’t Deliver - Friday, March 15, 2013

Tigers coach Josh Pastner likes to talk about how there are three parts to the college basketball season. The University of Memphis aced their final run through the Conference USA regular season (going 16-0 in Part 1).

31. Sara Kyle Resigns From Tennessee Regulatory Authority - Thursday, March 14, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – Sara Kyle has resigned from the board of the Tennessee Regulatory Authority, citing the panel's diminished role under a restructuring of the agency by Republican Gov. Bill Haslam.

32. Events - Thursday, March 14, 2013

The Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division Supplier Diversity Department will hold a vendor fair for minority- and women-owned small businesses Thursday, March 14, from 9 a.m. to noon in the MLGW administration building lobby, 220 S. Main St. Call Renise Holliday at 528-4635 for details.

33. Viewer Mail Always Appreciated - Thursday, March 14, 2013

“My wife and I enjoy your sense of humor,” the note began. “You write the funniest things!!” Double exclamation point? I like that!! “We read your column in the Memphis paper!! The voice mail one was a scream. The Mrs. has a question. Since you are a judge, professor and wordsmith with your columns, where do you get all this time?”

34. Land Use to Consider RV Park Conversion - Thursday, March 14, 2013

The company that owns the old Memphis Mobile City mobile home park wants to turn the site that flooded seven times in 10 years including floods in 2010 and 2011 into a resort for recreational vehicles with cabins and manufactured homes on adjoining acreage.

35. ‘Bad Cop’ McCormick Tries to Rein in Fellow Republicans - Thursday, March 07, 2013

State Rep. Gerald McCormick, R-Chattanooga, said he sometimes has “to play the bad cop.”

36. South Main Growth Should Be Celebrated - Saturday, March 02, 2013

If those planning the emerging renaissance in the South Main district find the formula for preserving the “vibe” that makes the area unique and growing the district in the process, they should apply for a patent.

37. Tigers Misstep Under National Spotlight - Friday, March 01, 2013

D.J. Stephens was 1-for-6 from the free-throw line when, at game’s end, he needed to miss a foul shot on purpose to give the Tigers one last desperate chance at a tip-in that would have tied the game at Xavier.

38. Commission Mixes Residency With Schools Issues - Monday, February 25, 2013

It isn’t hard to get a debate going on the Shelby County Commission about the coming Shelby County schools merger and separate suburban school districts.

A majority of the 13-member body voted to file the second part of the Memphis federal court lawsuit over the connected issues. But there remains a vocal minority of four to five commissioners on both issues as well.

39. Events - Saturday, February 23, 2013

Make-A-Wish Mid-South will host Wine for Wishes Thursday, Feb. 28, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at The Cadre, 149 Monroe Ave. The fundraiser will include food and wine pairings, a silent auction and live music by The Will Tucker Band. Visit midsouth.wish.org.

40. Breaking the Mold - Saturday, February 23, 2013

When Rosemarie Fair was named Broker of the Year in investment sales at last year’s Pinnacle Awards, she became the first woman ever to do so.

Before Fair founded One Source Commercial Inc. in 1993, she worked with Carlisle Corp. in the early 1980s on Beale Street Landing Downtown. She remembers often what her mentor Gene Carlisle taught her – “Somebody will take care of the big stuff, it’s the nickels and dimes that make the difference.”

41. Events - Friday, February 22, 2013

The Gavel Club of Memphis will meet Friday, Feb. 22, at 11:30 a.m. in the Holiday Inn University of Memphis Medallion Room, 3700 Central Ave. Ron Reid, senior agency manager of Memphis Public Library LINC, will speak. Lunch is Dutch treat. Call Bob Gray at 494-8639.

42. Nashville, Memphis Asked to Explore 2024 Olympic Bids - Thursday, February 21, 2013

If Knoxville can have a World's Fair, can Memphis or Nashville have an Olympics?

That's the question facing those cities, according to the New York Times' Lynn Zinser.

Zinser said that the U.S. Olympic Committee would like to place a bid on the 2024 Summer Olympics, and isn't being selective as to where that city might be.

43. Events - Thursday, February 21, 2013

Poplar Pike Playhouse will present “The Wiz” Thursday, Feb. 21, through March 9 at the theater, 7653 Old Poplar Pike. Visit ppp.org for times and tickets.

44. Avast! - Thursday, February 21, 2013

If it looks like a boat and floats, it might not be a boat. So held the Supreme Court in mid-January. Fane Lozman was the owner of a house-like plywood structure with French doors on three sides. It consisted of a sitting room, bedroom, closet, bathroom, kitchen, stairway, and some office space upstairs. An “empty bilge space” below its main floor kept it afloat.

45. Robilio Celebrates 30 Years on the Bench - Thursday, February 21, 2013

Shelby County Circuit Court Judge Kay Robilio once told The Daily News the thing she’s most proud of in her professional life is never having an opponent since she’s taken office.

46. Tax Zone Would Benefit Fairgrounds - Thursday, February 21, 2013

The Tourism Development Zone that Memphis officials will seek in Nashville over the next three months would generate tax revenue from Cooper-Young, the Midtown Union Avenue corridor and Overton Square for the redevelopment of the Mid-South Fairgrounds.

47. City Council Approves Fairgrounds TDZ Request - Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Memphis City Council members approved Tuesday, Feb. 19, plans for a tourism development zone to capture sales tax revenue in a large area for a renovation of the Fairgrounds property at first.

The boundaries of the zone go to the state for approval and city Community and Housing Development division director Robert Lipscomb said such a proposal could be at the state building commission in Nashville in April.

48. Spence Named Vice President at Riverfront Development - Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Dorchelle T. Spence has been promoted to vice president at Riverfront Development Corp. Spence, who formerly served as director of communications, will assume broader organizational responsibilities to focus on providing strategic direction in addition to marketing, public relations, advertising, community relations, programming and government relations.

49. Central Defense Security Hosting Job Fair - Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Central Defense Security, a leading provider of business, retail and warehouse security, will recruit new employees during a job fair this week.

The event, scheduled for Feb. 20 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., will be hosted at 6084 Apple Tree Drive, Suite 10 in Memphis. The event comes after the firm hosted several successful recruitment events late last year at community centers around Memphis, and CDS was able to place nearly 60 percent of all applicants into positions for clients in and around Memphis.

50. 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.

51. Council to Hear Fairgrounds Update - Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Memphis City Council members get a look Tuesday, Feb. 19, at the latest plan for renovation of the Mid-South Fairgrounds.

The city administration presents its plan at the 1:45 p.m. council executive session.

52. Seminar: Uncertainty Pervades Real Estate - Monday, February 18, 2013

2013 will be a big year on many real estate fronts – foreclosures, property taxes and property values.

That was the message industry professionals heard Thursday, Feb. 14, at real estate information company Chandler Reports’ 2012 year-end “Master Your Market” seminar at the Holiday Inn University of Memphis.

53. Comments, Victories Becoming Broken Record - Friday, February 15, 2013

So Josh Pastner’s latest post-game conference is just about to start, this one after a 93-71 victory over Central Florida on Wednesday, Feb. 13, a game the Tigers led by as many as 34 points.

54. New Chassis Pool Co-Op Launches in Memphis - Friday, February 15, 2013

The trucker-formed North American Chassis Pool Cooperative – the first of its kind – is launching its pilot program in Memphis this year.

The announcement follows the U.S. Surface Transportation Board recently approving the cooperative’s chassis pooling agreement, which will allow it to acquire and share chassis for intermodal freight transportation.

55. 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.

56. Bid to Clamp Down on Lawmaker Allowances Delayed - Wednesday, February 13, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – A proposal to eliminate hotel allowances for some Tennessee lawmakers was put on hold Tuesday after a state Senate committee member said the reimbursement rules should be tightened for the entire Legislature.

57. Arena Transformation - Wednesday, February 13, 2013

As the city of Memphis is nearing completion of its preparation of The Pyramid for Bass Pro Shops, the Springfield, Mo.-based retailer is slated to start its part of the project in March.

The city and Bass Pro Shops in January filed two building permits with the city-county Office of Construction Code Enforcement for $21.5 million and $7 million for renovations to 32-story The Pyramid arena at 1 A.W. Willis Ave.

58. Study: 1 in 5 Consumers had Error in Credit Report - Tuesday, February 12, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – One in five consumers had an error in a credit report issued by a major agency, according to a government study released Monday.

The Federal Trade Commission study also said that 5 percent of the consumers identified errors in their reports that could lead to them paying more for mortgages, auto loans or other financial products.

59. Suburban School Talks End - Saturday, February 09, 2013

Private talks between the Shelby County Commission and the county’s six suburban mayors on suburban school districts have ended, according to Shelby County Commission chairman Mike Ritz and Bartlett Mayor Keith McDonald.

60. Commission to Vote on Teacher Residency - Monday, February 11, 2013

Shelby County Commissioners agree on an issue having to do with the coming merger of schools in Shelby County.

At least nine of the 13 commissioners favor giving Memphis City Schools teachers and other system staff who live outside Shelby County five years to move within the county and keep their jobs with the new consolidated school system that takes effect July 1.

61. Forrest Fire - Friday, February 08, 2013

When the Memphis City Council got around to the discussion that counted this week on the future of Forrest Park and, as it turns out, two other Civil War-themed parks, council member Myron Lowery was adamant.

62. Let’s Start a Currency War - Wednesday, February 06, 2013

Prior to Nixon’s closing of the gold window in 1971, world currencies traded in value relative to the U.S. dollar, which was tethered to gold at $35 an ounce. Following the divorce, currencies began trading relative to the dollar, but the dollar in turn began trading relative to other currencies.

63. Smith & Nephew Tax Break in Jeopardy - Monday, February 04, 2013

Smith & Nephew Inc. could be in danger of losing some or all of the 15-year tax incentive the company received in 2009 as part of its $42 million investment to convert a Memphis office complex into a centralized hub for research, marketing and medical education.

64. Time to Ease Up on PDA With C-USA - Friday, February 01, 2013

Josh Pastner adores Conference USA. If he were to put this sentiment to music, he would pick up a guitar and sing C-USA-inspired tributes such as “Hard to Love” and “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do.” As it is, he will send Valentine’s Day roses and chocolates to the league’s administrative offices in Irving, Texas.

65. Hopson Calls for Unity in Schools - Thursday, January 31, 2013

Once countywide school board members finished Tuesday, Jan. 29, posing for a picture with outgoing Memphis City Schools superintendent Kriner Cash, the board quickly got back to the emerging details of the coming schools merger.

66. Schools Must Provide Sports for Disabled, US Says - Monday, January 28, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – Students with disabilities must be given a fair shot to play on a traditional sports team or have their own leagues, the Education Department says.

Disabled students who want to play for their school could join traditional teams if officials can make "reasonable modifications" to accommodate them. If those adjustments would fundamentally alter a sport or give the student an advantage, the department is directing the school to create parallel athletic programs that have comparable standing to traditional programs.

67. Pre-Grizz Comments Show Change is Coming - Friday, January 18, 2013

Deadspin.com has been getting a lot of publicity for breaking the story about the Manti Te’o girlfriend hoax. But the site also compiled a list that is of far more relevance to local NBA fans:

68. Factor Inflation in Your Retirement - Thursday, January 17, 2013

Ray’s Take Did you realize that just a 2 percent annual inflation rate would result in 27 percent higher prices in a mere 12 years? If inflation were at 3 percent during that time period, prices would soar 43 percent. Three percent is the historic average inflation rate, but it has been much much higher at times. We have all been lulled into complacency in recent years with historically low inflation rates.

69. County Wage Theft Ordinance Defeated - Wednesday, January 16, 2013

After weeks of discussion, talks between Shelby County Commissioner Steve Mulroy and leaders of the city’s hospitality industry broke down on Mulroy’s “wage theft” ordinance.

70. UPS Scraps $6.9 Billion TNT Buyout - Tuesday, January 15, 2013

United Parcel Service Inc. has scrapped plans to grow in Europe through the acquisition of Dutch delivery company TNT Express because European regulators were getting ready to reject the $6.9 billion deal.

71. UPS Abandons $6.9 Billion Takeover for TNT Express - Monday, January 14, 2013

AMSTERDAM (AP) – Shares in package delivery company TNT Express NV lost almost half their value Monday after that United Parcel Service Inc. had decided to ditch its €5.2 billion ($6.9 billion) takeover of the struggling Dutch company, citing objections from European regulators.

72. Diversified Trust Hires Associate Counsel - Thursday, January 10, 2013

In the financial services world, the compliance work overseen by legal counsel has grown in prominence and importance.

Banks and investment firms have been dealt a slew of new regulations – so much so that some small banks in Memphis and beyond say they’re now at the limit of the compliance costs they’re able to pay for. For other firms, expanding the company infrastructure to include new compliance and legal capabilities is a natural byproduct of business growth and staff additions.

73. Raising Awareness - Thursday, January 10, 2013

The Shelby County Breastfeeding Coalition continues its rollout of a new marketing campaign across the city to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding and how it contributes to the overall health of the mother and child.

74. Lawmakers to Resume Education Focus in New Session - Tuesday, January 08, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – Legislation that would allow parents to decide the fate of a struggling school is among several education-related proposals lawmakers are likely to discuss during the 108th Tennessee General Assembly that convenes Tuesday.

75. Google Emerges From Federal Probe Relatively Unscathed - Monday, January 07, 2013

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – Google has settled a U.S. government probe into its business practices without making any major concessions on how the company runs its Internet search engine, the world's most influential gateway to digital information and commerce.

76. Pink Palace Prepares Exhibit on Crafts Fair - Saturday, January 05, 2013

The Memphis Pink Palace museum is preparing an exhibit on the 40-year old crafts fair that is an annual fundraiser for the city-operated museum.

Between Feb. 4 and Feb. 28, the museum is accepting images and applications from any craftsmen who had booths or worked in booths at any of the annual crafts fairs for the museum.

77. McLaughlin Joins Inferno as Senior Copywriter - Wednesday, January 02, 2013

Trish McLaughlin has joined inferno as senior copywriter. In her new role, McLaughlin supervises the copywriting department, pairing up writers with art directors and project teams, and reviewing copy for message, voice and strategic focus. In addition, she coaches young writers in strategic thinking, concepting, editing and presenting.

78. Changing Market - Wednesday, January 02, 2013

Much of 2012’s commercial real estate deals could be summed up in one of three phrases: speculative construction, institutional buyers and unusual transactions.

The first quarter was kicked off when Industrial Developments International Inc. revealed plans to add one build-to-suit and two speculative buildings in its Crossroads Distribution Center in Olive Branch – marking the area’s first spec construction since 2008.

79. Pink Palace Prepares Exhibit on Crafts Fair - Monday, December 31, 2012

The Memphis Pink Palace museum is preparing an exhibit on the 40-year old crafts fair that is an annual fundraiser for the city-operated museum.

Between Feb. 4 and Feb. 28, the museum is accepting images and applications from any craftsmen who had booths or worked in booths at any of the annual crafts fairs for the museum.

80. First National Expanding Into Memphis-Area Walmart Stores - Monday, December 31, 2012

The New Year marks a major milestone for First National Realty Inc., as the Memphis-based residential real estate brokerage firm has plans to expand branch offices into 13 Walmart Supercenters in the Memphis metro area.

81. Judge Deciding if Stores Must Post Tobacco Apology - Thursday, December 27, 2012

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) – A federal judge will soon decide whether your next tank of gas or bottle of soda comes with a free apology from the Marlboro man and Joe Camel.

A recent ruling ordering a multimedia blitz stating that the nation's largest tobacco companies lied about the dangers of smoking left open the possibility that retailers could be required to post large displays with the mea culpas.

82. Holiday Shoppers May See Big Discounts Soon - Monday, December 17, 2012

NEW YORK (AP) – If shoppers don't show up in stores soon, more 70 percent off sale signs will.

After a promising start to the holiday shopping season over the four-day Thanksgiving weekend, sales have slowed as worries about weak U.S. job growth and other concerns have caused Americans to spend less.

83. Fairway Manor to Rise in Westwood - Thursday, December 13, 2012

An $8.5 million public housing project called Fairway Manor soon will break ground in Westwood’s 38109 ZIP code.

The facility at 12 W. Fairway Ave. will include a three-story senior living space and a seven-building townhouse apartment complex with clubhouse. The 110,000-square-foot project will contain 96 units between the two properties.

84. Obama Warns Against Another Debt Ceiling Fight - Thursday, December 06, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Barack Obama warned Republicans on Wednesday against picking another fight over the nation's debt ceiling, telling business leaders that it's "not a game that I will play."

85. Doctors Open New Art Show at Gallery 363 - Tuesday, December 04, 2012

Two Mid-South doctors with an eye for nature photography and exotic locales opened their new art show on South Main Street last week.

The show, which features the work of Dr. Tom Gettelfinger and Dr. Bob Laster, will run through Dec. 24 at Gallery 363, at 363 S. Main St.

86. Differences Discussed as Schools Move Ahead - Tuesday, December 04, 2012

Students and public schools in Shelby County’s six suburban towns and cities are almost certainly going to be part of the consolidated Shelby County public school system that debuts in August.

87. First Horizon Gets Buyout Takers - Wednesday, November 21, 2012

First Tennessee Bank’s parent company is not yet in a position to report how many of its employees have accepted or will be accepting a voluntary buyout package the company offered last month to about 400 employees.

88. Training Day - Monday, November 19, 2012

The pursuit of economic development comes with code names, secrecy and mysterious visitors.

Without a doubt, the last two years have been eventful when it comes to the city’s civic leaders luring companies to town with the promise of jobs for Memphians. In that regard, the local debate about tax incentives and the competition with other cities, some nearby, was vigorous.

89. Tigers Fans: Sit Back, Soak it In - Friday, November 16, 2012

Former Tigers coach John Calipari had a convenient label for fans and media members who dared to question him or worry about less than near-perfect results.

“The Miserables,” Calipari whined on more than one occasion.

90. Events - Monday, November 12, 2012

LaunchMemphis will host Risk City: Global Entrepreneurship Week 2012 programs and networking events Monday, Nov. 12, through Friday, Nov. 16, at multiple Memphis locations. The global event connects entrepreneurs with potential resources and collaborators. Visit launchmemphis.com for a schedule.

91. Events - Thursday, November 08, 2012

Talk of the Town Toastmasters Club will meet Thursday, Nov. 8, at 1 p.m. at The Assisi Foundation, 515 Erin Drive. Visit memphistm.com.

92. Events - Wednesday, November 07, 2012

Cargo Business News and Memphis World Trade Club will host the third Southeast Freight Conference Wednesday, Nov. 7, and Thursday, Nov. 8, at the Hilton Memphis, 939 Ridge Lake Blvd. The 61st annual New Orleans Port Night will be held Thursday at 6 p.m. at The Peabody, 149 Union Ave. For registration and a schedule, visit memphisworldtradeclub.com.

93. Memphis Bar Hosts Forum at Central Library - Tuesday, November 06, 2012

The Memphis Bar Association is inviting members of the public to join a group of lawyers along with Shelby County Circuit Court Judge Gina Higgins in a discussion of the American legal system.

94. Mallory-Neely House Reopening Seen as Boon for Victorian Village - Tuesday, November 06, 2012

Thanks to a new roof and disability compliance, the Mallory-Neely House will be open to the public Fridays and Saturdays beginning Friday, Nov. 9.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and located at 652 Adams Ave. in Downtown Memphis’ Victorian Village Historic District, the Mallory-Neely House retains most of the original historic interiors, furniture and artifacts.

95. Bartlett Zoning Case Tops Commission Agenda - Monday, November 05, 2012

Shelby County Commissioners take up a proposed assisted living facility at their meeting Monday, Nov. 5, that doesn’t yet require approval from the city of Bartlett but which is in an area Bartlett is seeking to annex.

96. Legal Community Seeks Access, Diversity - Monday, November 05, 2012

Diversity and access to justice are some of the watchwords often heard around Memphis legal circles these days.

Diversity, because of the continued concern that both men and women get equal shots at advancing up the ranks from law school all the way to the corner office. Access to justice, because of everything from the recession’s grinding toll to the ever-present scars of poverty in Memphis that all combine to make legal problems harder than ever to pay for.

97. Full Docket - Monday, November 05, 2012

Here’s a look at what’s going on at the moment in the city’s legal community and some things that are on the horizon.

The University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law is celebrating its golden anniversary this year. On Oct. 27, the school held its 50th anniversary celebration for the Downtown facility, which opened in 2010 and marked a new chapter for a building that once was the Front Street post office for nearly 40 years and a federal courthouse before that.

98. Splitting Bills Without Splitting Hairs - Thursday, November 01, 2012

Ray’s Take If anyone in your household has a problem with how bill paying is divided, it’s a problem for everyone. Resentments that build up over finances have a way of poisoning other aspects of a relationship. If you’re both willing to compromise and aware of your emotional responses to money, you should be able to work it out.

99. Drought Holds its Grip as Growers Pivot to Wheat - Friday, October 26, 2012

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The worst U.S. drought in decades showed little sign of easing last week as farmers closed out their corn and soybean harvests and turned their attention to winter wheat, which has been struggling to break through the moisture-starved soil in some states, according to a weekly report.

100. Events - Wednesday, October 24, 2012

The Healthy Memphis Common Table and the Shelby County Health Department will host the Let’s CHANGE Summit Wednesday, Oct. 24, from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Saint Francis Hospital-Memphis, 5959 Park Ave. Let’s CHANGE is a partnership of nearly 40 businesses, government and community organizations dedicated to fighting childhood and family obesity.