I’m going to get all literary on you today and make the statement that business meetings remind me of the classic opening sentence of Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities.” “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”

2. Building Relationships Key to Barden’s Success - Saturday, May 25, 2013

For Will Barden of Colliers International, cultivating his network of relationships is vital to his success over the past 16 years in the Memphis office real estate market.

3. Editorial: Convention Center Likely Years Away - Saturday, May 25, 2013

Nashville cut the ribbon this month on Music City Center, its massive new convention center that some Memphis leaders would like to match.

It is very tempting to point out that we have chased other cities in the past with these kind of massive civic projects and not fared well at all.

4. Grant Turns Broad Avenue Dock Into Dance Stage - Friday, May 24, 2013

The concrete surface of the loading dock at Power & Tel on Broad Avenue isn’t good for ballet dancing.

So the dancers with Collage Dance Collective went with modern dance instead Wednesday, May 22, as the Broad Avenue Arts District formally announced a $350,000 grant from ArtPlace America that will turn part of the loading dock into a dance performance stage.

5. Critical State Report Remakes City Budget - Wednesday, May 22, 2013

An April report from the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury critical of city finances threw the budget season at City Hall into remake mode Tuesday, May 21.

The bottom line for the budget is a remediation plan that will increase the city’s long term debt, force the city to use its reserves, and take reserves below the 10 percent level considered key with bond-rating agencies.

6. Apple's Cook Faces Senate Questions on Taxes - Wednesday, May 22, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Senate dragged massively profitable Apple Inc. into the debate over the U.S. tax code Tuesday, grilling CEO Tim Cook over allegations that its Irish subsidiaries help the company avoid billions in U.S. taxes.

7. The 'Sell in May' Story - Wednesday, May 22, 2013

The “Sell in May, and Go Away” slogan is common vernacular within the investment sphere. However, for some of our readers who might not be as familiar with this phrase, we will use this week’s writings to review.

8. Haslam Urges Better GOP Campaign Skills Nationally - Tuesday, May 21, 2013

There were no campaign stickers or push cards at the Shelby County Republican Party’s annual Lincoln Day dinner, but still plenty of hand-to-hand campaigning Friday, May 17, among the crowd of 350 at the University of Memphis Holiday Inn.

9. 'We Made a Mistake' - Monday, May 20, 2013

Like a carpenter who utilizes an arsenal of powerful tools with extreme caution – because they hold enough power to accidentally saw off a finger or a hand – PR professionals carefully craft statements and key messages for brands because they too have the potential to “cut off” something valuable to a company – like an entire target audience. The statement “we made a mistake” is one of the most powerful declarations a brand can make, but as with all powerful things, it must be used carefully and with precision.

10. Fisher Tapped for Economic Development Post - Saturday, May 18, 2013

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development has tapped Gwyn Fisher to be the Greater Memphis regional director of economic and community development.

She’ll be responsible for leading Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam’s economic developments in the Memphis area and will be a key point of contact for issues related to job creation. She’ll oversee efforts to attract new businesses, help businesses expand and support other regional economic development efforts.

11. Senate Panel Considers Labor Board Nominees - Friday, May 17, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – Senate Republicans said Thursday they would not support five nominees to the National Labor Relations Board, raising the possibility the troubled agency could be rendered mostly inoperable later this year.

12. Fisher Tapped for Economic Development Post - Friday, May 17, 2013

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development has tapped Gwyn Fisher to be the Greater Memphis regional director of economic and community development.

She’ll be responsible for leading Gov. Bill Haslam’s economic developments in the Memphis area and will be a key point of contact for issues related to job creation. She’ll oversee efforts to attract businesses, help businesses expand and support other regional economic development efforts.

13. Grizz Win With Tony Being Tony - Friday, May 17, 2013

Had things turned out differently, we would know too well Rule 12, Section V, item a, from the NBA rulebook:

“An official may assess a technical foul, without prior warning, at any time. A technical foul (s) may be assessed to any player on the court or anyone seated on the bench for conduct, which in the opinion of the official, is detrimental to the game. The technical foul must be charged to an individual.”

14. ZeroTo510 Accelerator Launches New Season - Friday, May 17, 2013

Dr. Steve Bares, president and executive director of the Memphis Bioworks Foundation, is clear-eyed and unequivocal about what success looks like for the startup accelerator program his foundation operates and which launched its new season this week.

15. Retiring Boomers Driving Sales of Small Businesses - Thursday, May 16, 2013

NEW YORK (AP) – Baby boomers preparing for retirement are driving a surge in small business sales, as they find more and more buyers confident enough in the improving economy to expand their own businesses through acquisitions.

16. 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).

17. River Infrastructure Fee Tough Sell in DC - Thursday, May 16, 2013

U.S. Rep. Stephen Fincher told a group of business owners and others who work on the Mississippi River that the political environment in Washington is changing.

Fincher is a member of the Congressional Mississippi River Caucus that is pushing for continuing funding for infrastructure along the river.

18. Justice Department to Investigate IRS Targeting of Tea Party - Wednesday, May 15, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Justice Department is opening a criminal investigation into the Internal Revenue Service's targeting of tea party groups for extra scrutiny over whether they qualified for tax exempt status, Attorney General Eric Holder announced Tuesday.

19. A Fond Farewell for Now - Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Hard to believe, but almost three years has passed since I wrote the first “Giving Back” column in 2010. Credit goes to James Overstreet, associate publisher of The Daily News, who pulled me aside one day and asked if I had ever thought about sharing my ideas and some of our Lipscomb Pitts Breakfast Club philanthropic efforts with a broader audience. What started as an idea to share helpful tips, quickly evolved into a pipeline for positive stories, a spotlight for local nonprofits, and an avenue to provide easy ways to get more engaged in our community.

20. Grocery Gadgetry - Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Kroger’s Memphis-area shoppers might not have noticed, but the supermarket chain is paying more attention to them these days.

The high-tech proof doesn’t necessarily call attention to itself, but that’s not to say it’s not hidden, either. Television screens mounted near the front of its Memphis stores are a product of Kroger making a big investment a few years ago in new infrared camera technology.

21. Bernanke: Fed Increasing Financial Monitoring - Monday, May 13, 2013

The Federal Reserve has broadened its oversight beyond banks and now monitors a wide-range of financial institutions that could hasten another financial crisis, Chairman Ben Bernanke said Friday.

Bernanke said the Fed is still monitoring banks and other systematically important financial institutions. But it has widened its scope to include other important participants that could either trigger a crisis or make the system more vulnerable.

22. Market Myopia: Blame the SWOT - Thursday, May 09, 2013

Why do leaders miss seeing sweeping global trends that are about to broadside them? I put a big part of the blame on the standard SWOT analysis used in strategic planning –Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. It’s time to update this methodology.

23. Wise Investors Know to Avoid Distractions - Thursday, May 09, 2013

Ray’s Take Hopefully you have a financial plan to guide you to your goals, whether they are college for the kids, a vacation home or a secure retirement. However, one of the key indicators as to whether you will be able to achieve those goals is your ability to avoid distractions from your plan.

24. Police Budget Passes Early Council Test - Thursday, May 09, 2013

The Memphis City Council’s budget committee approved the largest budget for any single city division Tuesday, May 7.

But the committee debate before the vote set the stage for what is expected to be more discussion about how much the Memphis Police Department needs to protect and serve.

25. Assumptions That Cost You Sales - Wednesday, May 08, 2013

Good sales professionals are subject matter experts on the products and services they sell. This expertise inevitably creates a few blind spots. When you feel like you’ve seen it all – every prospect response, motivation and objection – it’s easy to occasionally jump to the wrong conclusion. Ensure bad assumptions don’t deter your selling efforts by watching out for the following most common.

26. Creating Continuity of Operation Plan - Tuesday, May 07, 2013

Part two of a two-part series Emergencies and disasters are unthinkable everyday occurrences. Some big, some small. They impact us as individuals, families, communities and sometimes as a nation.

27. Engaging Employees in the Community - Tuesday, May 07, 2013

This week, let us extend the Giving Back conversation by exploring ways that a company can provide incentives to encourage employees to volunteer with nonprofits and get more engaged in the community.

28. Haslam to Keynote Lincoln Day Dinner - Saturday, May 04, 2013

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam will be the keynote speaker for the Shelby County Republican Party’s annual Lincoln Day Gala. The fundraiser will be May 17 at the Holiday Inn University of Memphis at 7 p.m. The gala, which is in its 38th year, is the party’s largest annual fundraiser with each county party across the state and in other states holding some version of a Lincoln Day event starting in February.

29. US Factory Orders Down 4 Percent in March - Monday, May 06, 2013

Orders to U.S. factories fell in March by the largest amount in seven months but a key category that signals business investment plans managed a small increase. Factory orders dropped 4 percent in March, reflecting a big plunge in the volatile category of commercial aircraft, the Commerce Department reported Friday. Orders had been up 1.9 percent in February. Orders in a category considered a proxy for business investment plans rose 0.9 percent, a modest gain but an improvement from a preliminary report last week that had shown a decline.

30. Obama Nominates Pritzker, Froman for Economic Jobs - Friday, May 03, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Barack Obama on Thursday chose two old friends with corporate executive experience for top posts on his economic team, naming longtime fundraiser Penny Pritzker as Commerce secretary and adviser Michael Froman as U.S. Trade Representative.

31. Tennessee Children Services Disciplines Three Workers - Friday, May 03, 2013

The Tennessee Department of Children’s Services has disciplined three high-ranking employees over child death record keeping.

The Tennessean cited internal memos in reporting the demotion of team coordinator Lisa Lund, who appealed the penalty and was reinstated with a two-day unpaid suspension. The documents also noted the two-day suspension of Director of Child Safety Marjahna Hart, who is Lund’s supervisor.

32. Grizzlies Trying to Create Season to Remember - Friday, May 03, 2013

Disappointments past can set up unmitigated joy in the present. At its best, that’s how this whole sports fandom thing works.

You invest yourself emotionally (yes, perhaps financially, too) and if you hold the stock (your loyalty) long enough, there’s a nice payoff.

33. Buffett Says Women Key to Nation’s Prosperity - Friday, May 03, 2013

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – Billionaire Warren Buffett is optimistic about America’s economic future because the nation has begun to unleash the potential of women.

Buffett’s views on the role of women appeared online Thursday in an editorial he wrote for Fortune magazine.

34. School Board Approached by Suburbs - Thursday, May 02, 2013

A new round of talks about the schools merger and municipal school districts is about to begin.

And this time, the countywide school board may be at the table.

Countywide school board attorney Valerie Speakman told school board members Tuesday, April 30, that attorneys for the leaders of Shelby County’s six suburban municipalities have sent her a letter about possible talks on issues that go beyond the consent decree governing the merger.

35. 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.

36. Harahan Bridge Project Plans Nearing Completion - Wednesday, May 01, 2013

Design work on the “Main to Main Connector” project is at the halfway point. And the city team overseeing the project is due to complete plans by the end of May to trigger a $15 million appropriation of federal funding in June.

37. Beale Street Landing Eatery Search Resumes - Wednesday, May 01, 2013

There were some signs early on that finding a restaurant operator for Beale Street Landing might be difficult.

The date for the restaurant to open kept getting pushed back and the contract remained unsigned long after it was announced that Beale & Second Inc. had tentatively agreed to operate the restaurant.

38. Beale Street Landing Restaurant Stalls - Tuesday, April 30, 2013

The Riverfront Development Corporation is looking for a new contractor to operate a restaurant in Beale Street Landing.

39. Data Facts Leading by Example - Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Last week we highlighted Friends For Life Corp., which is an organization helping people affected by HIV/AIDS to live well. This week let us discuss an important trend in corporate philanthropy and spotlight a local company leading by example.

40. Haslam to Keynote Lincoln Day Dinner - Monday, April 29, 2013

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam will be the keynote speaker for the Shelby County Republican Party’s annual Lincoln Day Gala.

The fundraiser will be May 17 at the Holiday Inn University of Memphis at 7 p.m..

41. Cates Named Commercial Broker of Year - Monday, April 29, 2013

The Memphis Area Association of Realtors Commercial Council honored its most productive members of 2012 at the 12th annual Pinnacle Awards gala, held Thursday, April 25, at the Memphis Country Club.

42. Magna Intent on Raising Profile, Enhancing Services - Saturday, April 27, 2013

This year is turning out to be a big one for Magna Bank as it rolls out new products and services, adds key personnel and boosts its profile across the Mid-South.

43. Smith's Role Central to City's History - Friday, April 26, 2013

Memphis civil rights icon Maxine Smith died Thursday evening at her South Memphis home at the age of 83.

44. Z-Bo, Defense Bolster Grizz in Win - Friday, April 26, 2013

In Game 1 in Los Angeles, the Grizzlies were missing in action. In Game 2, they were just good enough to lose by two points.

So Game 3 Thursday night at FedExForum provided a choice: win or try to become the first team in NBA history to rally from a 0-3 deficit to win a best-of-seven playoff series.

45. School Board Votes Down Custodial Contract Twice - Friday, April 26, 2013

Countywide school board members twice voted down outsourcing custodial services in the merged school district to the company GCA Thursday, April 25, leaving undone the second step of the board’s February decision to outsource the services.

46. Chisca Rebirth - Friday, April 26, 2013

“Memphis: The Musical” meets the real life setting Friday, April 26, for the fictional story of a Memphis radio announcer in the 1950s.

Actor Bryan Fenkart will walk about a block on South Main Street from The Orpheum Theater to the old Chisca hotel to perform at the project’s launch party. The party in the hotel’s garage space kicks off the $24 million renovation of the hotel as an apartment building.

47. Georgia-Pacific Pays $1.5 Billion for Buckeye Technologies - Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Memphis-based Buckeye Technologies Inc. is being bought by Georgia-Pacific LLC, the two companies announced Wednesday, April 24.

The deal, valued at approximately $1.5 billion, including debt, still faces regulatory approval. But the boards of both companies have signed off on terms that include Buckeye stockholders getting $37.50 per share.

48. If You Can’t Win, Change the Game - Wednesday, April 24, 2013

In today’s dynamic world it is imperative for companies to continually realize growth through a sustainable competitive advantage. The trouble is that every innovation is just one new innovation away from becoming obsolete. How do proactive companies stay one step ahead?

49. Workshop Will Teach Business Fundamentals - Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Steve Jobs could do it. Fred Smith did it. So do the chief executives of businesses large and small, from retail to technology to medicine.

50. Schools Front Office Jobs Reopened - Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Interim schools superintendent Dorsey Hopson has restarted the process of reapplying for the top jobs in the consolidated school system.

All of the jobs in the merged school system’s central office, effectively the front office of the school system, were reopened for applications through April 29.

51. Tennessee Lags in Hospital Care Spending - Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Hospital care spending in Tennessee averaged $2,160 per person in 2009, a figure that is among the 10 lowest in the nation on a state-by-state comparison.

Tennessee ranked No. 10 in the country for the states with the lowest hospital care spending, including services for outpatient care, operating room fees and the services of physician residents, data from the Kaiser Family Foundation showed. Nationally, hospital spending averaged $2,475 per person in 2009. That’s about 14.6 higher than the average per person hospital spending in Tennessee.

52. Fallout for States Rejecting Medicaid Expansion - Tuesday, April 23, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – Rejecting the Medicaid expansion in the federal health care law could have unexpected consequences for states where Republican lawmakers remain steadfastly opposed to what they scorn as "Obamacare."

53. Mitsubishi Back Story Moves to Manufacturing - Tuesday, April 23, 2013

The back story of the new Mitsubishi Electric Power Products Inc. plant that formally opened in Southwest Memphis last week includes a sewer pipe, the Mojave Desert and artificial lightning.

54. Mitsubishi Plant Opens in Southwest Memphis - Saturday, April 20, 2013

A group of 200 dignitaries marked the formal opening Friday, April 19, of the Mitsubishi Electric Power Products Inc. plant in Southwest Memphis.

55. Family Safety Center Adds New Partner Organizations - Saturday, April 20, 2013

The Family Safety Center, an organization that provides services to victims of family violence, said it recently added Adoption Counseling Services Inc., Friends for Life Corp., and Memphis Shelby Crime Commission to its list of partner organizations.

56. Family Safety Center Adds New Partner Organizations - Thursday, April 18, 2013

The Family Safety Center, an organization that provides services to victims of family violence, said it recently added Adoption Counseling Services Inc., Friends for Life Corp., and Memphis Shelby Crime Commission to its list of partner organizations.

57. Selling the Business: Games Buyers Play - Thursday, April 18, 2013

Entrepreneurs work years building up the value in their business only to give a big chunk of it away when it comes time to sell. Why? Savvy acquisition teams have a method for them wearing down so they sell at a steep discount.

58. Dream Home Nightmares - Thursday, April 18, 2013

Ray’s Take As the real estate market recovers, more families are pulling out their dream home plans. They would be wise to watch that classic movie, “Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream Home.”

59. 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?

60. Green Machine Brings Food to Neediest Areas - Wednesday, April 17, 2013

On a recent Wednesday afternoon, dozens of volunteers worked to paint an 80-foot mural on the side of a former Memphis Area Transit Authority bus.

Students from Hollis Price Leadership Academy High School and other volunteers from the Memphis Grizzlies, St. Patrick’s Church and the University of Memphis graduate program in City and Regional Planning painted a colorful wellness-inspired mural that combines Memphis’ musical roots with fruits, vegetables and a message of healthy living.

61. Business Workshop to Highlight Strategic Thinking - Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Next week, author, business coach and strategy expert Michael Synk is bringing his one-day workshop back to the University of Memphis to help business owners figure out how to craft a focused growth plan.

62. Mullany Resigns as ServiceMaster CEO - Saturday, April 13, 2013

Hank Mullany has resigned as CEO of The ServiceMaster Co. effective Friday, April 12.

Mullany’s resignation was announced Friday along with the appointment of John Krenicki Jr. as the Memphis-based company’s interim CEO.

63. US Wholesale Stockpiles Fell 0.3 Percent in February - Saturday, April 13, 2013

U.S. wholesalers cut their restocking in February by the most in 17 months. But their sales jumped, suggesting companies underestimated consumer demand.

The Commerce Department said Tuesday that stockpiles at the wholesale level declined 0.3 percent in February. That followed a 0.8 percent increase in January, which was revised lower.

64. International Paper Takes on Forest Protection - Saturday, April 13, 2013

International Paper Co. and a forest conservation group announced a plan Wednesday to protect endangered forests in key paper-producing areas of the South.

65. Fred’s Key Revenue Figure Falls 3 Percent in March - Saturday, April 13, 2013

Discount retailer Fred's Inc. said Thursday its March revenue at stores open at least a year fell 3 percent, hurt by unseasonably cool weather and a timing shift in the Easter holiday.

66. Workers’ Comp and On-Call Workers - Monday, April 15, 2013

An on-call surgical technician injured while driving home after assisting with an emergency surgery at a hospital was eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, the Supreme Court of Tennessee has decided.

67. Commission Weighs Tall Trees Sale - Monday, April 15, 2013

The sale of the old Tall Trees juvenile detention facility, zoning code changes to account for trucks with four back tires and a possible revote on legal fees in the schools consolidation case top the Shelby County Commission agenda for Monday, April 15.

68. Fred’s Key Revenue Figure Falls 3 Percent in March - Friday, April 12, 2013

Memphis-based discount retailer Fred’s Inc. said Thursday, April 11, its March revenue at stores open at least a year fell 3 percent, hurt by unseasonably cool weather and a timing shift in the Easter holiday.

69. Mo’ Money Fraud Sparks Fed Shutdown Effort - Friday, April 12, 2013

Less than a week before the April 15 federal tax-filing deadline, U.S. Justice Department attorneys from Washington went to Memphis federal court seeking to shut down a Memphis-based company that operates five tax preparation companies.

70. International Paper Takes on Forest Protection - Thursday, April 11, 2013

International Paper Co. and a forest conservation group announced a plan Wednesday to protect endangered forests in key paper-producing areas of the South.

71. Judge v. Doc – Settled - Thursday, April 11, 2013

Something happened recently that cries out for me to get a column from it. I got an email from a friend with a link to a “health column” in a ski resort town newspaper somewhere in these United States. The column’s author was a doctor with a clinic in the ski village.

72. Claim Costs Could Rise Dramatically - Thursday, April 11, 2013

Medical claims costs could jump 32 percent nationally by 2017 for individual policies under the Affordable Care Act health care law, according to a study released recently by the Society of Actuaries.

73. US Wholesale Stockpiles Fell 0.3 Percent in February - Wednesday, April 10, 2013

U.S. wholesalers cut their restocking in February by the most in 17 months. But their sales jumped, suggesting companies underestimated consumer demand.

The Commerce Department said Tuesday that stockpiles at the wholesale level declined 0.3 percent in February. That followed a 0.8 percent increase in January, which was revised lower.

74. Party Intransigence Dims Hopes for ‘Grand Bargain’ - Friday, April 05, 2013

The partisan cease-fire that kept the government running this spring gave birth to hopeful talk of a much larger “grand bargain” that would reduce the federal deficit for years.

But such optimism seems to ignore how far apart the two parties remain on key issues.

75. Social Resumes and the Job Search - Friday, April 05, 2013

As an adjunct accounting professor at the University of Memphis, I am constantly trying to prepare my students for their future. Part of that preparation is exposing the students to tools that will assist them in their search for employment.

76. ‘Keep the Keyhole Clean’ - Thursday, April 04, 2013

In a Paul Greenberg column I met the word “mitteleuropaish” for the first time. Greenberg (winner of a Pulitzer in 1969) was discussing a recently released book, “Kafka: The Office Writings.” He wrote, “A combination attorney, actuary and all-around bureaucrat, (Kafka) seems to have carried out his duties with a combination of mitteleuropaisch flair and German efficiency.”

77. Obama Pitches Public Works Spending to Create Jobs - Monday, April 01, 2013

MIAMI (AP) – Trying to show that the economy remains a top priority, President Barack Obama promoted a plan Friday to create construction and other jobs by attracting private money to help rebuild roads, bridges and other public works projects.

78. Society of Entrepreneurs Inducts New Members - Saturday, March 30, 2013

In a ceremony next month at the University of Memphis-Holiday Inn, the Society of Entrepreneurs will induct five new members.

The April 13 event will see added to the society Duncan Williams, president of investment firm Duncan-Williams Inc.; Neely Mallory Jr., chairman of logistics business The Mallory Group; David Andrews, CEO and owner of City Enterprises LLC, the parent company of several auto-related businesses; William Courtney, CEO of Classic American Hardwoods; and Dick Leike, a co-founder of Crye-Leike Realtors.

79. Fred's Profit Down as Costs Rise, Shoppers Wary - Saturday, March 30, 2013

Discount store operator Fred’s Inc. said Thursday that its fourth-quarter net income fell 33 percent due to some higher costs and cautious consumer spending.

The Memphis-based company’s forecast for this year also fell below analyst expectations.

80. Reform Brings Changes to Managed Care - Saturday, March 30, 2013

Historic changes in managed health care are already under way and more are expected over the next year as reform continues to take shape following the Affordable Care Act of 2010.

Since 2010, the trend of alignment between local physicians and hospital systems has swept across the Mid-South, and local hospital professionals brace for more changes and more patients once the new insurance exchanges are online within the next six months.

81. Taxing Decision - Saturday, March 30, 2013

Local medical device manufacturers like Smith & Nephew, Medtronic Inc. and Wright Medical Group Inc. are crossing their fingers that Congress will follow through on a repeal of the 2.3 percent medical device excise tax enacted in January.

82. Fred's Profit Down as Costs Rise, Shoppers Wary - Friday, March 29, 2013

Discount store operator Fred’s Inc. said Thursday that its fourth-quarter net income fell 33 percent due to some higher costs and cautious consumer spending.

The company’s forecast for this year also fell below analyst expectations.

83. Turner’s Political Role Honors His Lineage - Friday, March 29, 2013

State Rep. Mike Turner, D-Nashville, has a political lineage of which he is proud.

As a 4-year-old, he recalls sitting on his father’s shoulders and campaigning for former U.S. Sen. Albert Gore Sr.

84. Society of Entrepreneurs Inducts New Members - Thursday, March 28, 2013

In a ceremony next month at the University of Memphis-Holiday Inn, the Society of Entrepreneurs will induct five new members.

The April 13 event will see added to the society Duncan Williams, president of investment firm Duncan-Williams Inc.; Neely Mallory Jr., chairman of logistics business The Mallory Group; David Andrews, CEO and owner of City Enterprises LLC, the parent company of several auto-related businesses; William Courtney, CEO of Classic American Hardwoods; and Dick Leike, a co-founder of Crye-Leike Realtors.

85. Hopson Takes Over Public Schools Leadership - Thursday, March 28, 2013

Since Dorsey Hopson became general counsel for Memphis City Schools in 2008, he has experienced a whirlwind of change.

The Memphis City Council cut funding to the school system triggering a landmark court case, city and county school systems have been on a fast and rocky path to a merger, and the countywide board ballooned to 23 members. And then Hopson found himself in January serving as the interim superintendent of Memphis City Schools.

86. Fresh Focus - Wednesday, March 27, 2013

For family-owned Mosa Asian Bistro in East Memphis, freshness is the key to success.

The neighborhood restaurant creatively blends different styles of Asian cooking into customizable dishes, and it has grown steadily over the years thanks to repeat business from satisfied customers.

87. Dollar General Quarterly Profit Rises, Traffic Improves - Tuesday, March 26, 2013

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Dollar General's fiscal fourth-quarter net income climbed 9 percent as more customers came in to its stores and shoppers spent more per transaction.

The discounter earned $317.4 million, or 97 cents per share, for the period ended Feb. 1. That compares with $292.5 million, or 85 cents per share, a year earlier. Excluding the acceleration of equity-based compensation and other items, earnings in the year-ago quarter amounted to 87 cents per share.

88. Partnerships Key in Baptist Operation Outreach - Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Last week we highlighted the On Location: MEMPHIS International Film & Music Festival and “Memphis Rocks” category, which is a free opportunity for Memphians to submit short videos that spotlight positive perspectives about our city for a chance to see them shown on the silver screen. This week let us turn our attention to an organization that is now “well beyond a century” with a true heartbeat of giving back to the community: Baptist Memorial Health Care.

89. Sammons Seeks Final Cut Numbers From Delta - Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Jack Sammons, the new chairman of the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority board, is no stranger to the flight from Memphis to Atlanta. Sammons long has been the board’s frequent flyer when it comes to business travel.

90. Bill Could Change Open Meetings Law - Monday, March 25, 2013

A Republican lawmaker who last year backed off a bill that would have allowed local officials to hold more closed-door meetings has renewed the effort, saying he’s asked county commissioners to bring him a proposal that has a chance of passing a key subcommittee.

91. Freddie Mac Accuses Banks of Rigging Rates - Saturday, March 23, 2013

Freddie Mac has sued 15 big international banks, including JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America and Citigroup, accusing them of rigging a key interest rate and causing huge losses for the government-controlled mortgage giant.

92. Hunter Fan Company Names New CEO - Saturday, March 23, 2013

John Alexander is the new CEO of Hunter Fan Co.

93. Coffee, Beer Bar Coming Downtown - Friday, March 22, 2013

Downtown residents and visitors will soon be able to grab a cup of joe, locally brewed beer and a fresh sandwich or salad in one convenient spot.

Taylor Berger, partner in YoLo Frozen Yogurt & Gelato, and partners Mitch Buckner (of Bella Café in Pink Palace) and Daniel Flanagan (of Chiwawa, the newly opened Southern-inspired eatery near Overton Square) have signed a lease for 2,755 square feet of retail space in the ground floor of Van Vleet Flats, 122 Gayoso Ave.

94. Freddie Mac Accuses Big Banks of Rigging Lending Rate - Thursday, March 21, 2013

Freddie Mac has sued 15 big international banks, including JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America and Citigroup, accusing them of rigging a key interest rate and causing huge losses for the government-controlled mortgage giant.

95. Hunter Fan Co. Gets New CEO - Thursday, March 21, 2013

John Alexander is the new CEO of Hunter Fan Co.

Alexander replaces Chuck Smith, who is transitioning to a senior advisory role for the company’s board. Smith worked with Hunter for 14 years, including six as CEO.

96. Coffee, Beer Bar Slated for Downtown - Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Downtown residents soon will be able to grab a cup of Joe, locally brewed beer and a fresh sandwich or salad in one fell swoop.

Taylor Berger, partner in YoLo Frozen Yogurt & Gelato, along with partners Mitch Buckner (of Bella Café in Pink Palace) and Daniel Flanagan (of Chiwawa, the newly opened Southern-inspired eatery near Overton Square), have signed a lease for 2,755 square feet of retail space in the ground floor of Van Vleet Flats, 122 Gayoso Ave.

97. Put Your Internal Team on Bootstrap to Drive Innovation - Wednesday, March 20, 2013

In 1992, The American Heritage Dictionary acknowledged the popular use of a new word, “intrapreneur,” meaning “a person within a large corporation who takes direct responsibility for turning an idea into a profitable finished product through assertive risk-taking and innovation.” This term and concept is enjoying a revival as current companies struggle to realize growth and innovation. Companies seeking growth typically design programs that are based in strategy-driven or intrapreneur-driven innovation.

98. Entrepreneurial Spirit Thriving in Memphis - Saturday, March 16, 2013

In recent years, there has been a civic pushback against the relentless downing of Memphis that over a long period of time came to dominate any attempt to have a purposeful discussion about the city’s future.

99. Black Keys Manager Denies Pressuring Adversary - Friday, March 15, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – As Tennessee lawmakers consider a proposal to crack down on ticket scalping, a Nashville lawyer who opposes the bill alleges that a manager of The Black Keys tried to persuade him to change his position in exchange for tickets to a performance by the band.

100. Insurers Warn of Overhaul-Induced Sticker Shock - Thursday, March 14, 2013

Some Americans could see their insurance bills double next year as the health care overhaul law expands coverage to millions of people.

The nation's big health insurers say they expect premiums – or the cost for insurance coverage – to rise from 20 to 100 percent for millions of people due to changes that will occur when key provisions of the Affordable Care Act roll out in January 2014.