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.

2. Hopson Heads Both School Systems - Wednesday, March 27, 2013

The city and county school systems have a single school superintendent less than five months from the start of the first school year of the consolidated school system in Shelby County.

Interim Memphis City Schools superintendent Dorsey Hopson was appointed interim Shelby County Schools superintendent at the first countywide school board meeting since the board approved a buyout last week of county schools superintendent John Aitken.

3. 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).

4. Time for Tigers to Make Case for Higher Seed - Friday, March 08, 2013

On Saturday, March 9, the Tigers finish out the regular season at FedExForum against UAB. We know if they win this game, they will have a perfect 16-0 record in the last season in Conference USA. We also know it will be the last time Tigers fans get to see senior D.J. Stephens play – dunk – in a home Tigers game.

5. Rick Masson Joins Caissa Public Strategy - Saturday, March 02, 2013

Rick Masson has joined Caissa Public Strategy LLC as senior director, serving as a lead strategist on local and regional projects.

6. 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.

7. Masson Joins Caissa Public Strategy - Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Rick Masson has joined Caissa Public Strategy LLC as senior director, serving as a lead strategist on local and regional projects.

8. 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.

9. Stephenson to Keynote Women & Business Seminar - Monday, January 28, 2013

Susan Stephenson, CEO and co-founder of Independent Bank, has enjoyed a long and successful career in banking.

10. Tony and DJ: The City’s Basketball Game-Changers - Friday, January 25, 2013

The supreme talents – the All-Americans, the All-Stars – can take possessions off and still score their 25 or 30 points a night. They can pick their spots to play defense, which in reality means going for a steal here and there, and then mostly defer on the hard work. You know, staying with their man step-for-step, cleaning the glass – sorry, I don’t do windows – or risking humiliation by contesting potential dunks – sorry, I’m not ending up on somebody’s poster.

11. Tigers Must Stay on Right Path to Reach Potential - Friday, January 04, 2013

Depending on your perspective, it was lavish praise that spoke to the Tigers’ potential still there for the realizing and great NCAA Tournament victories still there for the taking.

Or, depending on your perspective, it was an unintentional indictment of a college basketball team that so far has majored in underachievement and of a basketball equation where the sum is always less than its individual parts.

12. Middleby has Bought Viking Range for $380M - Thursday, January 03, 2013

GREENWOOD, Miss. (AP) – Food service equipment maker Middleby Corp. has bought Mississippi-based oven and kitchen appliance maker Viking Range Corp. for $380 million.

13. Easy to See Why Fans are Doubting Thomas - Friday, December 21, 2012

His Twitter handle is @AllDayThomas. Yet after the first nine games of this Tigers basketball season, Adonis Thomas is the first to admit his play has not lived up to that reputation.

He has been Half-Day Adonis, neither scoring nor rebounding like a 6-7, 240-pound projected NBA lottery pick should.

14. Louisville Game Opportunity to Widen Margin for Error - Friday, December 14, 2012

There are several ways to measure the magnitude of a college basketball game. First, will the outcome echo through the rest of the season and resonate with the NCAA Tournament Committee come March?

15. Family Dollar Teams Up With Mid-South Food Bank - Friday, November 30, 2012

Family Dollar is teaming up with the Mid-South Food Bank for a four-week holiday fundraising initiative that will be held at Memphis-area Family Dollar stores through Dec. 19.

16. LeMoyne-Owen to Begin Work on $13.5 Million Residence Hall - Tuesday, September 18, 2012

869 Saxon Ave.
Memphis, TN 38126

Permit Cost: $9 million

Permit Date: Applied September 2012

17. Private Investor Buys Prescott Place Apartments - Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Private investor Dr. Harvard Stephens has bought a 272-unit low-income housing complex near Memphis International Airport for $1.3 million, or $4,780 per unit.

Built in 1972, the Class D Prescott Place Apartments, 3461 Steve Road, has been owned by Alabama-based entity Prescott Place Apartments LP for seven years – when the company bought it for $5.3 million.

18. Midtown Gears Up for Largest Rock for Love Benefit - Friday, August 31, 2012

From Overton Square to the Hi-Tone Cafe to the Levitt Shell, Midtown Memphis is gearing up to “Rock for Love.”

Now in its sixth year, the annual music-based fundraiser for Memphis’ Church Health Center – the nation’s largest faith-based health care ministry for working, uninsured people and their families – will take place over a four-day period from Thursday, Sept. 6, through Sunday, Sept. 9.

19. Aug. 2 Election Results Certified - Wednesday, August 22, 2012

The clock is running on any Chancery Court lawsuits now that the Shelby County Election Commission has certified the results of the Aug. 2 elections.

The audited results changed no outcomes in the county general elections and set of state and federal primary races.

20. AT&T Smartphone Sales Fall in Q2, Boosting Net - Wednesday, July 25, 2012

NEW YORK (AP) – AT&T Inc. on Tuesday posted the best profitability ever in its wireless arm, paradoxically because it sold fewer smartphones.

21. Events - Monday, June 11, 2012

Operation Feed, the annual workplace food drive to benefit Mid-South Food Bank, continues through June 29. Register at midsouthfoodbank.org or contact David Stephens at dstephens@midsouthfoodbank.org or 497-1153.

22. Kiser Joins Volunteer Mid-South As Community Services Director - Wednesday, May 09, 2012

Amanda Kiser has joined Volunteer Mid-South as community services director. Kiser’s responsibilities include mobilizing and maximizing volunteer resources, coordinating training for partner agencies, creating and leading community projects, and marketing VMS’ benefits to agencies and the public.

23. Jackson Leads Way for Tigers’ March Attack - Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Ten weeks ago, when University of Memphis point guard Joe Jackson was so distraught over his playing time that he considered transferring, who would have predicted this?

24. Tigers Right Their Wrongs Heading Into Postseason - Friday, March 02, 2012

They assumed greatness. Assumed it as opposed to earning it and proving it.

That’s the quicksand in which this Tigers basketball season started. The college basketball world told them they were a Top 10 team and the Tigers decided they would need, oh, a few days on the beach in Hawaii to prove they were really Top Five and better than Michigan, Georgetown, even Duke.

25. New York Times Selling Regional Papers for $143M - Thursday, December 29, 2011

NEW YORK (AP) – The New York Times Co. said Tuesday that it will sell its group of 16 small, regional newspapers to Halifax Media Holdings LLC for $143 million.

26. Grizzlies Nominated for Regional Emmys - Friday, December 02, 2011

The Nashville/Midsouth Chapter of The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has announced the Memphis Grizzlies have been nominated in two categories in the 26th Annual Midsouth Regional Emmy Awards.

27. Improving Playhouse - Thursday, November 17, 2011

This holiday season, Playhouse on the Square administrators are keeping their eyes on the calendar as they rise to a challenge worth a quarter of a million dollars.

The company has until Dec. 31 to raise $250,000 toward its Act II Enhancement Fund Campaign. If this mission is accomplished, the Memphis-based Jeniam Foundation will award Playhouse a grant matching those funds.

28. Tiger Only Game In Town — For Now - Monday, October 31, 2011

No one expects the University of Memphis men’s basketball team to right the local economy, end the NBA lockout, make winners out of the moribund Memphis football team or ease tensions between the city and county.

29. Taylor Voted to Vacant Seat on County Commission - Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Former Memphis City Council member Brent Taylor is the newest Shelby County Commissioner.

Taylor got seven votes from the remaining 12 commissioners on the third round of voting Monday, Oct. 17.

30. Taylor Appointed To Commission - CCHS Claims Family Planning Contract - Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Former Memphis City Council member Brent Taylor is the newest Shelby County Commissioner.

Taylor, a Republican, won the District 1 Postion 3 seat vacated by Republican commissioner Mike Carpenter this month.

31. Events - Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Visible Music College will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening celebration Tuesday, Oct. 18, at 11 a.m. at its new Downtown campus, 200 Madison Ave. The celebration will include guest speakers, refreshments, tours of the new building and live music by students. The event is open to the public. For more information, contact Jeni Stephens at 553-1797 or jeni@jlstephens.net.

32. Events - Monday, October 17, 2011

Visible Music College will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening celebration Tuesday, Oct. 18, at 11 a.m. at its new Downtown campus, 200 Madison Ave. The celebration will include guest speakers, refreshments, tours of the new building and live music by students. The event is open to the public. For more information, contact Jeni Stephens at 553-1797 or jeni@jlstephens.net.

33. Leadership Academy Announces Graduates - Tuesday, October 11, 2011

The Leadership Academy has announced its September 2011 Fellows Program graduates.

They are Mary Elizabeth Anthony of Smith & Nephew; Gene Baker of Smith & Nephew; TaKeisha Butler of Smith & Nephew; Brenda Caldwell of Dr. B Empowerment Services; Donnell Cobbins Jr. of Universal Commercial Real Estate LLC; Jonathan Cross II of Jonathan Cross Venture & Holdings Corp.; Reggie F. Davis of Street Ministries; Shenenka Davis of Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis; Jeb Fields of Commercial Advisors; Jonathan Flynt of Bryce Corp.; Lori Guy of First Horizon National Corp.; Channa Halmon of Le Bonheur Center for Children and Parents; Ursala Holmes of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz PC; Shannon Izquierdo of FedEx Corp.; Jared Johnson of Pier 1 Imports; Ken Kimble III of Boy Scouts of America – Chickasaw Council; Joy Lockridge of Spherion Staffing Services; Nathan Martin of the University of Memphis; Shawn McCutcheon of Regions Bank; Katie Midgley of the Urban Child Institute; Tanner Mueller of First Tennessee Bank; Bettina Kurtz Pearson of First Tennessee Bank; Robin Poston of the University of Memphis; Kerra Saine of First Tennessee Bank; Joy Stephens of Joy Factor Consulting; Colby Stough of Youth Villages; Carrie Strehlau of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Marvin Todd of FedEx Corp.; Brittney Rogers of Duncan-Williams Inc.; Lindsey Waugh of Medtronic Inc.; Carsett Webber of Wright Medical Technology; Josh White of MAA (formerly Mid-America Apartment Communities); and McLean Wilson of Kemmons Wilson Cos.

34. Carpenter Reflects on Five-Year Run - Wednesday, October 05, 2011

As Memphis voters prepare to bring to an end another city campaign season, Shelby County Commissioner Mike Carpenter just ended a five-year run on the Shelby County Commission.

35. Grizzlies Games Move to ESPN Radio - Friday, August 19, 2011

The Memphis Grizzlies have reached a multi-year radio broadcasting agreement with Entercom Communications Corp. to simulcast all Grizzlies games on 92.9 FM ESPN/680 AM ESPN beginning with the 2011-2012 season.

36. Smith & Nephew Launches Mentoring Program - Monday, August 08, 2011

Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics is bolstering school-based corporate mentoring to new heights with its new Scholars Program, a long-term initiative dedicated to cultivating and nurturing the talent of Memphis’ middle and high school students focused on careers in medical technology and business.

37. Next Move - Tuesday, July 19, 2011
To say the now-closed restaurant at 7955 Fischer Steel Road has had an unusual history is probably an understatement.

38. Leadership Memphis Announces Board Members - Wednesday, July 06, 2011

Leadership Memphis has announced new board members and officers for its new fiscal year.

The officers and executive committee include Eric Robertson, chair; Beverly Jordan, vice chair; Bryan Ford, treasurer; Veronica Coleman Davis, secretary; Chris McLean, immediate past chair; Jeff Gaudino, alumni chair; Christine Munson, development chair; Lemoyne Robinson, program chair; and Jeane Chapman, marketing chair.

39. Ardent Studios Adds New Film Department - Thursday, June 09, 2011

Ardent Studios will celebrate the opening of its new film department with a reception Thursday night, June 9, at the legendary recording studio.

The new venture represents a tie to Ardent’s past. L.A. film veteran Jonathan Pekar will head the department. His father, Ron Pekar, was the graphic designer for Ardent in the early days, designing the original studio logo ad the iconic neon logo for Big Star’s “#1 Record.”

40. Keller Williams Agent Receives Lifetime Honor - Thursday, March 17, 2011

Karen Stephens of Keller Williams Memphis Central has recently been named a cultural ambassador by Keller Williams Realty.

41. Cooper Files Lawsuit Related to Cordova Restaurant - Thursday, March 10, 2011

The strip club owner who opened – then abruptly closed – a restaurant in Cordova, which he’s insisted he’s not turning into a strip club, has filed a lawsuit related to his application for a compensated dance permit for the business.

42. Cooper Files Lawsuit Related to Cordova Restaurant - Wednesday, March 09, 2011

The strip club owner who opened – then abruptly closed – a restaurant in Cordova, which he’s insisted he’s not turning into a strip club, has filed a lawsuit related to his application for a compensated dance permit for the business.

43. Memphis Orgs Gear up for MLK Weekend - Thursday, January 13, 2011

Perhaps more so than in any other city because of its prominent place in the history of the American civil rights movement, Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Memphis serves as a strong reminder of King’s legacy of service to others and his powerful advocacy for social change through nonviolent action.

44. Steamboat Could Return to Mississippi River - Tuesday, November 30, 2010

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) – A longtime Minnesota congressman's loss in the general election could lead to the return of the Delta Queen steamboat's travels along the Mississippi River and its tributaries.

45. Stamson and Johnson Resign from Election Commission - Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Shelby County Election Commissioners Steve Stamson and James Johnson have resigned following a legal opinion from the Shelby County attorney saying because they are county government retirees they can’t collect their pensions while serving on the five-member body.

46. Stamson and Johnson Resign from Election Commission - Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Two Shelby County Election Commissioners – Steve Stamson and James Johnson – have resigned following a legal opinion from the Shelby County attorney, who said because they are county government retirees they can’t collect their pensions while serving on the five-member body.

47. Poll Shows Beebe With Huge Lead Over Keet in Ark. - Monday, October 25, 2010

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Poll results released Friday show Gov. Mike Beebe has a 26-point lead over Republican Jim Keet, who is trying to derail the Democrat's run for a second term.

Stephens Media commissioned the poll that shows Beebe leading Keet 59 percent to 33 percent. Green Party candidate Jim Lendall has 1 percent support, with 7 percent undecided.

48. Events - Friday, October 01, 2010

The Memphis Central Rotary Club will meet Friday from noon to 1 p.m. at Chickasaw Country Club, 3395 Galloway Ave. Shelby County Election Commissioner Brian Stephens will speak about Rebuild Government. Cost is $25 for guests. For reservations, call Karen Shea at 683-9099.

49. Events - Thursday, September 30, 2010

The Alliance for Nonprofit Excellence will hold a workshop Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at its office, 5100 Poplar Ave., Suite 502. Tal Frankfurt will speak on the topic “How to Budget for IT and Develop an RFP for Services.” Cost is for $15 members, $30 for nonmembers and $10 for those in the Program for Nonprofit Excellence. For more information, call 684-6605 or visit www.npexcellence.org.

50. Metro Charter Backers Begin Campaign - Friday, August 13, 2010

The campaign for a consolidation charter kicked off this week in a stifling heat on the Main Street Mall between City Hall and the County Administration Building.

Leaders of Rebuild Government announced the group has changed from one that provided information on the drafting of the charter to a group that will now campaign for the charter.

51. Brian Stephens to Speak To Small Business Chamber - Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Brian Stephens of Rebuild Government will speak Tuesday at the Small Business Chamber luncheon from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Better Business Bureau of the Mid-South, 3693 Tyndale Drive.

52. Hotel Manager Treats External, Internal Customers With Care - Friday, May 28, 2010

Unlike so many entering college freshmen, when Donovan Stephens made it to college he didn’t have to bounce from major to major figuring out what he wanted to do with his life.

“When I was young I went with my father to a convention in Miami, and I thought it was the neatest thing in the world – this hotel that had its own restaurant and bar and gift shops. I thought, ‘I want to run one of those one day,’” said the Missouri native. “I’m one of those few rare people who has always known what I wanted to do.”

53. ‘Operation Feed’ Food Drive Scheduled Next Week - Friday, May 21, 2010

Operation Feed, the annual work place food drive to benefit Mid-South Food Bank, is scheduled for May 24-June 30.

54. Metro Charter Commission Adopts Ethics Rules - Friday, May 14, 2010

The Metro Charter Commission has approved a set of ethics rules for a new consolidated government that include an independent ethics commission with the power to impose civil penalties.

The recommendations approved Thursday go to a writing committee and then back to the 15 member commission for approval of the language and another vote on the general idea behind the language.

55. Levitt Shell Preps for Spring Season, Big Star Tribute - Monday, May 10, 2010

The Levitt Shell in Overton Park took Memphis by storm in its inaugural season by offering free music on themed-genre nights. This season, the schedule is being thrown out the window.

From May 20 to June 20, the Levitt Shell will offer five free weekly concerts featuring local and out-of-town artists in Latin, soul and R&B, Americana, children’s music, and Memphis.

56. Stephenson Finds Success In Memphis - Monday, March 29, 2010

Susan Stephenson grew up in East Tennessee and followed her heart to Memphis when a young man she knew decided to attend graduate school here.

57. Wolf River Ducks Unlimited Plans Annual Celebration - Thursday, December 31, 2009

The Wolf River Chapter of Ducks Unlimited has announced plans for its 17th Annual Sponsor Dinner at the organization’s international headquarters.

The evening starts at 6:30 p.m. with cocktails and appetizers followed by a four-course dinner at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 12.

58. School Consolidation Nixed in Charter Talks - Monday, December 21, 2009

Consolidating the Memphis and Shelby County public school systems is off the table as far as the Metro Charter Commission is concerned.

In its first vote on a charter issue since forming in October, the body voted unanimously last week to exclude the school systems from the charter or any charter discussions. The exclusion does not apply to the charter commission’s coming talks about how both school systems would be funded by one local government.

59. Stephens Named Executive Director Of Exceptional Foundation of West Tenn. - Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Jeni Stephens has been named the executive director of the Exceptional Foundation of West Tennessee.

Stephens was appointed following a national search conducted by the EFWT.

She joins the EFWT with a 14-year background in nonprofit administration. She most recently served as deputy director of development for the Pink Palace Family of Museums. She also has served as director of marketing and development for the Memphis Bioworks Foundation and the Memphis Academy of Science in Engineering.

60. New York Suit Exchange Doubles Jobs With New Bartlett Location - Monday, October 19, 2009

The New York Suit Exchange recently took what some might consider a gamble when it opened another store and doubled the number of its employees.

Besides the obvious risk of investing in an expansion during a recession, it also exposed itself to cannibalization. Sales at the new store at 7980 U.S. 64 in Bartlett could have eaten away at the market share of the Downtown store at 310 Union Ave.

61. Final Candidate List Peopled With Variety - Monday, September 14, 2009

Unless you know them personally, you’ve probably never heard of most of the candidates running in the Oct. 15 special election for Memphis mayor.

Most of the 25 people show no visible signs of running any kind of campaign.

62. Courtroom, Gov’t Meetings Latest Stop for Cooper - Friday, August 21, 2009

Despite the exposed steel joists, wooden support beams and plastic covering on parts of the building at 777 N. White Station Road, signs with large red letters posted around the building read “We Are Open!”

63. Closely Watched Cordova Restaurant To Open Soon - Thursday, August 20, 2009

The Memphis-Shelby County Office of Construction Code Enforcement has issued a certificate of occupancy for an upscale restaurant developed in Cordova by a topless-nightclub businessman.

That approval granted Aug. 7 means city and county officials are satisfied the building is suitable for occupancy, said Assistant County Attorney Carter Gray. And it means Stella Marris, strip club mogul Steve Cooper’s restaurant at 7955 Fischer Steel Road, can open whenever its owner is ready.

64. Setting of Mayoral Election Date Highlights Busy Week - Friday, July 24, 2009

Shelby County Election Commission Chairman Bill Giannini knew something was happening Wednesday when his cell phone began coming to life. It was just as the commission was about to hold a special meeting to determine when to hold a special election for Memphis mayor.

65. Election Commission Tentatively Sets Oct. 27 Date For Mayor's Race - Thursday, July 23, 2009

Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton has again raised the possibility that he might not leave office on July 30. That possibility comes the same week that Herenton wondered aloud why reporters doubted that he would leave next week.

66. UPDATE: Herenton Again Raises Doubts About Departure - Wednesday, July 22, 2009
 

Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton has again raised the possibility that he might not leave office on July 30. That possibility comes the same week that Herenton wondered aloud why reporters doubted that he would leave next week.

A Herenton letter, dated today, to City Attorney Elbert Jefferson was released as the Shelby County Election Commission met to consider setting a date for a special election to fill a vacancy in the mayor’s office.

In the letter, Herenton writes that the City Council’s decision to declare a vacancy in the mayor’s office was “premature.”

“I am concerned that the action of the city will establish irreversible precedent on matters as to when an office can be deemed vacated and by whom,” Herenton wrote. “As Mayor and as an employee of the city of Memphis, I have the unfettered right to rescind my retirement. … Ultimately, I have not waived my right to rescind my retirement.”

Herenton also said Council chairman Myron Lowery may have had a conflict of interest in voting on the declaration of a vacancy since the council chairman becomes mayor pro tempore for three months in the event of a vacancy in the mayor’s office.

The bombshell letter prompted lots of debate among all five Election Commissioners about whether they should set an election date and filing deadline.

Ultimately, the commission voted unanimously to tentatively set an election date of Oct. 27. Candidates in the race would have until noon Sept. 17 to file their qualifying petitions and until noon Sept. 24 to withdraw from the race if they wish.

The commission would formally call the special election and begin issuing and taking petitions if Herenton does leave office on July 30.

An earlier move by Election Commissioner Shep Wilbun to defer any decision or action by the body until July 31 was voted down in a party line 2-3 vote. Wilbun and fellow Democratic Election Commissioner Myra Stiles voted for the delay. Republicans Robert Meyers, Brian Stephens and Bill Giannini voted no.

All five commissioners expressed a desire to remain out of any possible litigation that might result.

Read more background on the continuing political controversy in Friday’s edition of The Daily News.

67. Election Commission Pushes to Ease Public Access - Friday, June 26, 2009

A Memphis news organization last month requested financial disclosures from local elected officials including city and county mayors and members of the Memphis City Council. The price to obtain those records: more than $400.

68. Memphis Orthopedics Competitor Opens New Training Center - Friday, April 24, 2009

Warsaw, Ind., which competes with Memphis for orthopedics manufacturing jobs, recently opened a state-of-the-art training center with new equipment and machinery.

The 20,000-square-foot Orthopedic and Advanced Manufacturing Training Center at the Warsaw campus of Ivy Tech Community College replaces a 5,600-square-foot facility that opened two and a half years ago.

69. Thornton Receives Glankler Pro Bono Award - Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Laurie M. Thornton of Glankler Brown PLLC has received the second annual Frank J. Glankler Jr. Pro Bono Award given by James S. Gilliland and the Glankler Brown law firm.

70. Leonard Joins Madison Hotel As Director of Sales - Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Liese Leonard recently joined the Madison Hotel as director of sales.

Leonard is responsible for overseeing all internal and external sales efforts for the hotel including developing new accounts, maintaining existing accounts and supervising all sales and catering associates.

71. Morgan Keegan Acquires Burke Capital Group - Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Memphis-based Morgan Keegan & Co. Inc. has acquired Burke Capital Group LLC, an Atlanta-based investment banking firm specializing in mergers and acquisitions and private capital advisory services to financial institutions in the Southeastern U.S. Morgan Keegan is a subsidiary of Regions Financial Corp.

72. Boeing Warns of Possible Layoffs in 2009 - Monday, November 24, 2008

Boeing Co. may lay off some workers next year as part of an effort to cut costs in response to difficult market conditions and a slowing global economy, a company executive said.

73. Gallery Owner Prices Art For All Collectors During Downturn - Monday, November 03, 2008

Sometimes a gesture of goodwill can bring unexpected rewards.

Lulalyn Gallery, Gifts and Interiors owners Kevin Mitchell and Ralph Dixon, along with the artists they represent, donated items to the WKNO Art and Antiques Auction last year and got lucky.

74. Wal-Mart Turnaround Signals Philosophical Shift - Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Wal-Mart executives say they are finished trying to build a third super store at Houston Levee and Macon Road in Cordova.

Monday’s 10-3 vote by the Shelby County Board of Commissioners ended a two-year process in which Wal-Mart executives won approval from the city-county Land Use Control Board, but were opposed by the local Office of Planning & Development.

75. Decision Time for Cordova Wal-Mart - Monday, September 22, 2008

About half a dozen community meetings had been held and roughly 3,000 signatures gathered on a petition as of last week in an effort to stop the world’s largest retailer from building a new Supercenter in Cordova.

76. Group to Discuss Opposition To Cordova Wal-Mart - Thursday, September 18, 2008

Memphis attorney Brian Stephens has been the point man for opponents of a proposed Wal-Mart Supercenter planned for Cordova, a 151,908-square-foot store that was approved by the Memphis and Shelby County Land Use Control Board earlier this summer. Stephens is continuing to lead the effort in opposition to the store.

77. Council Ballot Whittled to Four - Tuesday, September 02, 2008

When union leader Paul Shaffer and Midtown neighborhood activist Mary Wilder had lunch last week, the two had something in common to discuss.

They both are among the 11 candidates who had filed to run in the Nov. 4 special election for a seat on the Memphis City Council.

78. Memphis School Board Race In Limbo - Friday, August 29, 2008

It looked like Memphis school board member Stephanie Gatewood was on her way to re-election without opposition on the Nov. 4 ballot.

That was until Wednesday (Aug. 27) – the day before the Shelby County Election Commission certified the local portion of the ballot.

79. Memphis School Board Race In Limbo - Thursday, August 28, 2008

It looked like Memphis school board member Stephanie Gatewood was on her way to re-election without opposition on the Nov. 4 ballot.

That was until Wednesday (Aug. 27) – the day before the Shelby County Election Commission certified the local portion of the ballot.

80. Eleven File For Council Seat - Friday, August 22, 2008

A field of 11 candidates had filed by Thursday’s noon deadline for an open seat on the Memphis City Council on the Nov. 4 ballot. Four of the contenders ran for the council just a year ago. Also at the deadline, three Memphis school board members were effectively re-elected when they failed to draw any opposition.

81. Eleven File For Council Seat - Thursday, August 21, 2008

A field of 11 candidates had filed by today's noon deadline for an open seat on the Memphis City Council on the Nov. 4 ballot. Four of the contenders ran for the council just a year ago. Also at the deadline, three Memphis school board members were effectively re-elected when they failed to draw any opposition.

82. Macaroni Grill Owner Sells Majority Stake in Chain - Wednesday, August 20, 2008

NEW YORK (AP) – Brinker International Inc., the owner of the Chili’s Grill & Bar chain, will sell a majority stake in Romano’s Macaroni Grill to a private equity firm.

Under the agreement, Brinker will sell most of its stake to Mac Acquisition LLC – a unit of San Francisco-based Golden Gate Capital – for $131.5 million in cash. Brinker will then turn over $6 million to Mac Acquisition to hold onto a 19.9 percent stake in the brand.

83. Special Election Filing Deadline Approaches - Monday, August 18, 2008

The Nov. 4 ballot will move a step closer to completion this week with Thursday’s noon filing deadline for candidates in the special Memphis City Council election and the races for five of the nine Memphis school board positions.

84. Group Mobilizes to Fight Cordova Wal-Mart - Thursday, August 14, 2008

It’s an old story, and it generally follows the same set of events: Wal-Mart, the world’s largest retailer, pursues a piece of real estate that catches its interest. Opponents of the retail giant gather their forces, develop an organized campaign and attempt to stop the development of a new store in its tracks.

85. U of M Names Slater Emergency Preparedness Coordinator - Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Shelby L. Slater has been hired at the University of Memphis as its first emergency preparedness coordinator.

Slater will assess, develop and maintain the university’s crisis management plan, facilitate integration of the Incident Command System into emergency planning activities and evaluate emergency communication needs.

86. Earth Day Event To Promote Green Living - Friday, April 18, 2008

Environmentalists believe "every day is Earth Day," but they also understand that the period leading up to April 22 - when the actual Earth Day takes place - is the most convenient time to promote green initiatives and lifestyles to the public.

87. Archived Article - Tuesday, April 01, 2008

7656, 7658 and 7660 Poplar Pike
Germantown, TN 38138
Permit Amounts: $800,000, $780,000 and $660,000

Project Cost: $3.5 million

88. $55M Transaction Lifts Commercial RE - Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Shelby County's sluggish commercial real estate market got a boost when a portfolio that includes Cordova's Countrywood Crossing shopping center and Dick's Sporting Goods sold to an out-of-town real estate investor for $55.2 million.

89. Cordova Retail CenterFetches $55.2 Million - Monday, March 24, 2008
     The Countrywood Crossing shopping center on Germantown Parkway in Cordova sold last week to an out-of-town real estate investor for $55.2 million in three separate transactions involving the property's strip centers and

90. Thompson Named Chair of MPACT Board - Wednesday, November 07, 2007

Jeni Stephens Thompson has been named the new chairwoman of the MPACT Memphis board of directors. Thompson is the director of marketing and development for the Memphis Bioworks Foundation. She has a bachelor's degree in communications from Lambuth University and a master's degree in education from Vanderbilt University. Thompson serves as the programs chair for the Association of Fundraising Professionals and sits on the Playhouse on the Square board. She is a member of the Leadership Memphis Class of 2008.

91. Archived Article - Tuesday, July 31, 2007

6125 Shelby Drive
Memphis, TN 38141
Sale Amount: $13.5 million

Sale Date: July 20, 2007

Buyer: NatTennessee GP

92. Highwoods PropertiesAwarded Southwind Lease - Tuesday, July 24, 2007
     Highwoods Properties has been awarded a build-to-suit lease in the Southwind area by Comcast Corp.
     The 62,000-square-foot building will sit on a 6.3-acre tract of land at the corner of P

93. City Council Races Overflow With 83 Candidates Filing - Monday, July 23, 2007

It's the year of the open seat on the Memphis City Council.

With seven incumbents not running for re-election and the resignation last month of an eighth, it is already the biggest turnover of council seats in the 40-year history of the mayor-council form of government.

94. Things Go From Hot To Smoking Hot In Election Contests - Thursday, July 12, 2007

With one week to the filing deadline for the Oct. 4 Memphis city elections, 124 citizens have thought seriously enough about running for the 15 offices on the ballot to check out qualifying petitions. Nearly 40 had filed by the end of the first week.

95. Archived Article - Tuesday, July 03, 2007

2380 James Road
Memphis, TN 38127
Sale Amount: $4.9 million

Sale Date: May 1, 2007

Buyer: FPX Leasing II LLC

96. California Investors BuyLogan's Property from REIT - Friday, June 29, 2007
     A group of California investors has bought the Wolfchase property housing Logan's Roadhouse from a real estate investment trust (REIT) that bought it last year. CNL Net Lease Funding 2003 LLC sold the property at 2710 N.

97. Abandoned Kmart to Find New Lease on Life - Wednesday, June 20, 2007

The Cordova-area retail space formerly home to Kmart is being remodeled to make way for bowling lanes, a mini-golf course, go-kart track, video games, a pizza buffet and more.

The company behind the renovation of that vacant space at 1245 Germantown Parkway is Tulsa, Okla.-based America's Incredible Pizza Co., a company whose properties are veritable palaces of dining and entertainment options.

98. Protest March Planned AgainstPossible Cordova Topless Club - Wednesday, May 30, 2007
     Speculation over whether local topless club magnate Steve Cooper is building more than a restaurant in Cordova has expanded into more than mere neighborhood concern.
     After more than 400

99. The British Are Coming ... And Going - Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Kevin Bourke, a British journalist who covers film, music and theater for the Manchester Evening News, began a story he wrote in 2005 for the paper with the following question: Is Memphis the most significant music city in the world?

100. Events - Thursday, May 11, 2006

Friends of the Poplar-White Station Branch Library presents Tom Nenon, assistant provost of undergraduate programs at the University of Memphis, today at 11:30 a.m. at the library, 5094 Poplar Ave. Nenon speaks about "New Ways to Think About Ethical Decision-Making." Call 682-1616.