The city’s tourism and travel industry is thriving as a one-of-a-kind destination for leisure and business travelers, but industry insiders believe a larger, technologically updated convention center is needed in years to come if Memphis wants to remain competitive in bringing larger groups to town.

2. Lincoln Charged With Selling Memphis to World - Friday, May 24, 2013

There is a surge these days in Memphis boosterism, but there may be no one else with their pulse more on what is new and exciting and worth celebrating in the city than Rashana Lincoln.

As director of community engagement for the New Memphis Institute (formerly the Leadership Academy), Lincoln is charged with selling her greatest passion: Memphis.

3. Chamber Prepares to Celebrate 175 Years - Monday, April 08, 2013

Despite arriving this year at the ripe old age of 175, the Greater Memphis Chamber still has a spring in its step.

When the chamber blows out the candles, so to speak, during its milestone bash Friday, April 12, at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, the event will underscore the organization’s storied history, which predates the Civil War. This year also sees the continuation of the chamber’s push to be more of a civic force in the community, helping to bring together government and private businesses.

4. Boyle Celebrates 80 Years, Sponsors Art Exhibit - Monday, March 18, 2013

Boyle Investment Co. turns 80 this year, and has partnered with the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art to celebrate.

5. 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.

6. Events - Saturday, January 05, 2013

WKNO-TV will host Downton Abbey Tea for Three to celebrate the show’s season three launch Saturday, Jan. 5, at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the WKNO studios, 7151 Cherry Farms Road. The event will include a screening of the first hour of the new season and refreshments donated by John’s Pantry. Tickets are free, but seating is limited. Visit wkno.org or call 458-2521.

7. Events - Thursday, January 03, 2013

Shelby County Trustee David Lenoir and Chandler Reports will hold the third Real Estate Road Show, a seminar about the growing portfolio of county-owned properties and how to buy them at tax sale, Thursday, Jan. 3, at 3 p.m. in the conference room at The Memphis Leadership Foundation, 1548 Poplar Ave. R.S.V.P. to csheffield@shelbycountytrustee.com or 432-4884.

8. Elvis Presley Boulevard Work Big Moment for Neighborhood - Tuesday, November 20, 2012

As early afternoon truck traffic on Brooks Road mixed with after-school traffic Friday, Nov. 16, on Elvis Presley Boulevard, a few tourists from the Graceland area mixed with several dozen local government and business leaders at the visitors center at the intersection.

9. Get Spooky for Overton Park - Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Last week we shared a heartwarming story that featured a number of everyday heroes from various organizations and companies, like ServiceMaster and SeniorBsafe, who helped an elderly couple out of a dire situation. This week let us spotlight the Overton Park Conservancy and share a fun way we can support their efforts by attending a Halloween party.

10. Events - Wednesday, August 01, 2012

The Daily News will hold a sustainable energy seminar and panel discussion as part of its 2012 seminar series Thursday, Aug. 2, at 3:30 p.m. at Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, 1934 Poplar Ave. Cost is $25. Register at seminars.memphisdailynews.com.

11. Alliance Helps Businesses Implement Green Practices - Thursday, July 12, 2012

A public-private partnership called Team Green Zone, spearheaded by the Bartlett Area Chamber, is helping Mid-South businesses implement long-term sustainable practices to protect the environment while helping businesses boost their bottom lines.

12. Events - Friday, May 11, 2012

The 54th Annual Greek Food Festival will be held Friday, May 11, and Saturday, May 12, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 573 N. Highland St. Visit memphisgreekfestival.com.

13. Road Projects to Up Megasite’s Presence - Thursday, April 26, 2012

When state and local leaders formally opened the West Tennessee Solar Farm in Haywood County earlier this month, Tennessee Transportation Commissioner John Schroer had one of the biggest applause lines of the day.

14. Local Leaders Make Pitch For Bridge Funding - Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Memphis leaders will be in Washington Wednesday, March 14, to push for two projects they hope will win a share of federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery – or TIGER IV – grants.

15. Harahan Bridge Plan Now Centerpiece Connecting Main Streets - Tuesday, March 13, 2012

The plan to build a bicycle and pedestrian boardwalk on the northern side of the Harahan Bridge Downtown is now part of a larger plan to connect Main Street Memphis to Broadway Avenue, the Main Street of West Memphis, Ark.

16. Elvis Presley Blvd. Center of Council Talks - Thursday, February 23, 2012

For decades what is now Elvis Presley Boulevard was the road to Memphis for those from Mississippi, whether they were coming to stay or coming to visit.

Much has changed since Elvis Presley moved into a home on a hill already named Graceland in the mid-1950s when Whitehaven was a country road not yet a part of the city of Memphis.

17. Election Commission Website Causes Confusion - Monday, December 19, 2011

The information was there somewhere on the www.shelbyvote.com website, Shelby County Election Commission staffers insist.

It was just somewhere that most politicos interested in basic information about the four countywide races on the March 6 primary ballot couldn’t find.

18. County Primary Ballot Set With 3 Exits and 2 DQs - Friday, December 16, 2011
One of the four sets of Shelby County primaries on the March 6 ballot was decided at the Thursday, Dec. 15, deadline for candidates to withdraw from the ballot.

The Shelby County Election Commission Thursday certified 16 candidates in the two sets of primaries for four county offices and one independent candidate who advances automatically to the Aug. 2 county general elections.

19. Weirich and Ross Unopposed At Filing Deadline - Friday, December 09, 2011

Shelby County District Attorney General Amy Weirich appeared to have no opposition in the March GOP primary for the job as the county’s top prosecutor.

20. Weirich and Ross Unopposed At Filing Deadline - Thursday, December 08, 2011

Shelby County District Attorney General Amy Weirich appeared to have no opposition in the March GOP primary for the job as the county’s top prosecutor.

21. Deadline Looms For Candidates In March Primaries - Thursday, December 08, 2011

There is the paperwork and there are the deadlines in politics. And then there are the campaigns that begin long before the paperwork or deadlines.

One group of candidates in the 2012 election cycle is approaching its first deadline Thursday, Dec. 8, at noon – the filing deadline for the March 6 county primaries.

22. Wunderlich Announces 6 Energy Banking Hires - Wednesday, December 07, 2011

Memphis-based Wunderlich Securities has hired six energy investment banking professionals from Pritchard Capital Partners LLC, an energy investment banking boutique.

23. Regions Financial Appoints Execs - Monday, December 05, 2011

Regions Financial Corp. has appointed two company and industry veterans to new positions within the bank’s business services group.

24. Uptown Phase Two Gets Go Ahead - Wednesday, October 19, 2011

After several delays, phase two of the plan for Uptown development cleared the Shelby County Commission Monday, Oct. 17.

But only after the commissioner whose district includes Uptown tried to shift the emphasis from continued development south of Chelsea Avenue moving west to new development north of Chelsea.

25. ArtsMemphis to Host Free Frayser Arts Festival - Monday, October 03, 2011

ArtsMemphis will host a free arts festival in Frayser at ArtsMemphis’ Pop Up Oct. 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The organization will host a free neighborhood arts event at the Ed Rice Community Center, 2907 N. Watkins St. The festival will include performances by Ballet Memphis, Collage Dance Collective, the Stax Music Academy and Watoto Memphis.

26. Uptown Phase 2 Plan Approval Delayed - Wednesday, September 28, 2011

The second phase of the development plan for Uptown was delayed Monday, Sept. 26, after the Shelby County commissioner whose district includes Uptown complained that enough public notice wasn’t given.

27. Memphis Goodwill Finances U.S. 64, Austin Peay Stores - Tuesday, August 23, 2011

6899 U.S. 64
Memphis, TN 38134
Loan Amount: $3.2 million

Loan Date: Aug. 1, 2011

Maturity Date: n/a

Borrower: Memphis Goodwill Inc.

28. Memphis Supplier Files $1.4 Million Loan - Thursday, August 18, 2011

Chris-More Inc., a Memphis-based, family-owned supplier of bath and kitchen products for manufacturer American Standard Co., has filed a $1.4 million deed of trust on its industrial property at 1324 Springbrook Ave. in Whitehaven.

29. Greener Gateway - Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Work crews unearthed an old concrete planter last week along the rapidly greening median strip along the Plough Boulevard connector to Memphis International Airport. And on Saturday, Aug. 6, they began laying out what will be an M-shaped planter that will be a visual centerpiece of the effort to make Plough Boulevard more of a Memphis gateway for those going to and from the airport.

30. Brooks Unveils Impressionist Revolution - Monday, July 11, 2011

Revolution is the subject of an expansive new exhibition at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, but there’s not a battle scene in site.

“Monet to Cézanne/Cassatt to Sargent: The Impressionist Revolution” will survey the works of some 40 painters, both French and American, who defied the conventions of their time and led art into a new era.

31. Chamber Launches Free Wi-Fi ‘M Spot’ - Monday, May 23, 2011

The Greater Memphis Chamber will officially launch its free Wi-Fi space, “M Spot” Tuesday, May 24, at the Falls Building, 22 N. Front St. Speakers include Chamber CEO John Moore and Center City Commission president Paul Morris.

32. Seminar to Tackle Globalization’s Impact - Friday, April 22, 2011

“The world is flat” is more than just a catchphrase that illustrates the increasing connectivity of the globe’s consumers, markets and economies.

The concept – brought to the forefront by Thomas Friedman’s 2005 book of the same name – is a foundational element of what Memphis’ economic development game plan needs to be if it’s going to remain competitive in the months and years ahead.

33. MBIN Signs New Lease At Bellbrook Park - Friday, April 22, 2011

A Memphis-based wholesaler of collectable items has signed a new industrial lease in the Southwest submarket.

MBIN Global Inc. has signed a new lease for 26,250 square feet at Bellbrook Industrial Park, 1004 Brooks Road.

34. Clothing Prices to Rise 10 Pct Starting in Spring - Tuesday, February 15, 2011

NEW YORK (AP) — The era of falling clothing prices is ending.

Clothing prices have dropped for a decade as tame inflation and cheap overseas labor helped hold down costs. Retailers and clothing makers cut frills and experimented with fabric blends to cut prices during the recession.

35. Memphis Bar Names Annual Award Winners - Friday, December 03, 2010

Attorney John Cannon took the gavel Thursday as the incoming president of the Memphis Bar Association at Thursday’s MBA annual meeting at The Racquet Club.

36. Commission Debates Charter Stand, Approves Terms For New Morgue - Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Shelby County Commissioners talked Monday about consolidation, education funding and minority business contracts during a session that also included a debate about building a new morgue.

A resolution approving the agreements between Shelby County and the state for the construction of a new Regional Forensic Center passed on an 11-0 vote. Commissioner Heidi Shafer abstained and Commissioner Justin Ford, who is a funeral director, recused himself from the vote.

37. County Commission Off To Partisan, Lively Start - Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Shelby County Commissioners found plenty to debate during their first meeting as a body since six new commissioners took office Sept. 1.

Monday’s session saw the election of Democrat Sidney Chism as the chairman of the 13 member body for the next year.

38. Cash’s Road Manager Reminisces About ‘Life With Johnny’ - Monday, August 02, 2010

Marshall Grant and Johnny Cash were stuck at a train crossing one night in 1955 when they heard one of Cash’s early hits on the radio, prompting the Man in Black to say: “We don’t sound like other people.”

39. County Tax Rate Remains $4.02 - Wednesday, July 14, 2010

After one more try to cut the Shelby County property tax rate by five cents, Shelby County Commissioners voted this week to keep the tax rate at $4.02.

The commission approved the stable tax rate on third and final reading Monday. The rate is $4.06 in the county outside Memphis to pay for rural school bonds.

40. Anti-Incumbency Takes Down Another Congressman - Thursday, June 03, 2010

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - The political shooting-star otherwise known as anti-incumbency fell on Alabama, taking down a first-term congressman who switched from Democrat to Republican just last December.

41. Panel to Discuss Employer Immigration Law Compliance - Friday, May 14, 2010

A three-part program addressing employers’ compliance to immigration laws will be held at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art on Thursday from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The presentation will be in a panel forum, and includes experts from human resources, the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services in Washington, immigration lawyers and general counsel from a company that manufactures and distributes software to manage immigration documentation.

42. Ford Wins Democratic Mayoral Primary - Wednesday, May 05, 2010
 

Interim County Mayor Joe Ford became the Democratic nominee for mayor in the August county general elections Tuesday night.

And the August sheriff’s race will be a contest between Democrat Randy Wade and Republican Randy Wade.

All three were among the winners in Tuesday’s low turnout county primaries.

Approximately ten percent of Shelby County’s nearly 600,000 voters cast ballots in early voting and election day polling.

Ford, who was appointed interim mayor in December, beat County Commissioner Deidre Malone and General Sessions Court Clerk Otis Jackson in the Democratic primary. He will face Republican Mark Luttrell who had only token opposition in the Republican primary from perennial contender Ernie Lunati.

Luttrell has raised more money than all three of the Democratic primary contenders combined and began running television ads in the last week runup to election day.

The final unofficial totals in the Democratic mayoral primary are:

Ford 20,360 57%

Malone 12,916 37%

Jackson 2,168 6%

The pair of primaries for Sheriff featured eight candidates, seven of whom either currently work for the sheriff’s department or are past employees. Only Reginald French, in the Democratic primary was not a former or current department official.

Wade was the 2002 Democratic nominee, losing to Luttrell who is leaving as Sheriff after serving two terms. French was the Democratic nominee in the 2006 elections.

Oldham is Luttrell’s chief deputy, the number two position in the department. He is also a former director of the Memphis Police Department.

The final unofficials totals in the Republican primary are:

Bill Oldham 13,821 48%

Dale Lane 7,981 28%

Bobby Simmons 5,886 21%

James Coleman 943 3%

In the Democratic primary:

Randy Wade 22,643 67%

Reginald French 6,777 20%

Larry Hill 2,738 8%

Bennie Cobb 1,814 5%

Voters in the primary elections decided to return six Shelby County commissioners to new four year terms with Tuesday’s results. They also elected six new commissioners. The winner of the thirteenth commission seat will be decided on the August general election ballot in a contest between district 5 Democratic incumbent Steve Mulroy and Republican challenger Dr. Rolando Toyos. The winner of the match up will determine whether the commission remains majority Democrat or goes majority Republican.

Mulroy easily defeated Jennings Bernard in Tuesday’s Democratic primary.

Republican incumbent Mike Ritz ran unopposed as did new Democratic commissioner Walter Bailey.

In the remaining ten contests, the primaries decided who gets the seats since no one ran in the opposing party’s primary.

The most hotly contested contest among the commission races was for District 4 Position 1. Outgoing Probate Court Clerk Chris Thomas beat John Pellicciotti, appointed to a commission seat last year but running for a different position in the same district. Jim Bomprezzi, the former mayor of Lakeland, was the third contender in the contest.

The final unofficial totals in the Republican primary:

Thomas 7,631 52%

Pellicciotti 4,871 33%

Bomprezzi 2,298 15%

In position 2 of the same district incumbent Republican Wyatt Bunker easily overcame two challengers with former Lakeland alderman John Wilkerson finishing second and Ron Fittes finishing third.

Millington businessman Terry Roland claimed the third position in the district that takes in all six of Shelby County’s suburban towns and cities.

Roland beat George Chism to take the seat Pellicciotti was appointed to but opted not to run for in deference to Roland.

Heidi Shafer, an aide to outgoing County Commissioner George Flinn, claimed Flinn’s District 1 Position 2 seat over Albert Maduska.in the GOP primary.

District 1 incumbent Republican Mike Carpenter easily beat businessman Joe Baier.

In the Democratic commission primaries, Melvin Burgess claimed Malone’s District 2 Position 3 seat in a field of six contenders. His closest contender was Reginald Milton. Burgess, a city school system audit manager, had run for the seat before. He brought in 54 percent of the vote.

The other hard fought Democratic commission primary saw Justin Ford, son of the interim mayor, claim his father’s District 3 Position 3 seat.

Ford beat Edith Moore, a retired IBM executive, whom the commission appointed to the seat after the elder Ford became mayor.

The final unofficial vote totals are:

Ford 7,342 66%

Moore 3,822 34%

Democratic incumbent commissioners Henri Brooks, Sidney Chism and James Harvey were all re-elected over primary challengers.

The county-wide primaries for seven clerk’s positions saw the return of former Criminal Court Clerk Minerva Johnican 16 years after Republican challenger Bill Key took her job. Johnican decisively beat Ralph White and Vernon Johnson in her first bid for office since the 1994 defeat. She will face Republican Kevin Key, the son of Bill Key in the August general election.

The final unofficial vote totals are:

Johnican 16,381 51%

White 10,170 31%

Johnson 5,954 18%

Former Juvenile Court Clerk Shep Wilbun easily won the Democratic primary with 76 percent of the vote to face Republican Joy Touliatos in August for the office being vacated by Republican Steve Stamson. Touliatos was unopposed in the primary.

Democrat Coleman Thompson is back for another go at incumbent Republican Register Tom Leatherwood.

Aside from Leatherwood, Jimmy Moore is the only other of the seven clerks seeking re-election. Moore ran unopposed in the GOP primary. He will face Democrat Ricky Dixon in August.

Trustee Regina Newman was appointed to her office following the death last year of Paul Mattila. Newman easily overcame M LaTroy Williams in Tuesday’s Democratic primary. She will face David Lenoir, who beat former Shelby County Commissioner John Willingham in the Republican contest.

The final unofficial vote totals are:

Lenoir 15,922 58%

Willingham 11,569 42%

The other six candidate field on the ballot was in the Democratic primary for Probate Court Clerk. Sondra Becton posted impressive vote totals over her rivals, bringing in 35 percent of the vote with Peggy Dobbins her closest rival. Becton, who is making her fourth bid for the office, will face Republican Paul Boyd, who ran unopposed in his primary.

The final unofficial vote totals are:

Becton 10,929 36%

Dobbins 5,366 18%

Annita Hamilton 4,848 16%

Clay Perry 3,549 12%

Danny Kail 3,120 11%

Karen Tyler 2,782 9%

The closest contest of the evening was in the Democratic primary for County Clerk. Wrestling promoter and television personality Corey Maclin won his political debut by less than 1,400 votes over Charlotte Draper and LaKeith Miller. He will face Republican Wayne Mashburn who beat Steve Moore in the companion primary.

Early voting in advance of the Aug. 5 election day begins July 16. The August ballot will also feature state and federal primary elections including the statewide primaries for governor and the primaries for all nine of the state’s Congressional districts.

43. UPDATE: County Commission Delays Reappointments to Board of Adjustment - Monday, March 15, 2010

Shelby County Commissioners have delayed the reappointment of two members of the local Board of Adjustment, the appointed body that hears appeals of conditions of zoning ordinances.

The names of Daniel Dow and Lynda Raiford had been submitted by interim Shelby County Mayor Joe Ford.

44. Commission Punts Adjustment Board Reappointments - Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Shelby County commissioners have delayed reappointing two members of the local Board of Adjustment, the appointed body that hears appeals of zoning ordinances.

Interim Shelby County Mayor Joe Ford submitted Daniel Dow and Lynda Raiford as possible appointees.

45. Candidate Filing List -- The Final Version - Friday, February 19, 2010

Shelby County Sheriff Mark Luttrell appeared on his way to the Republican nomination for Shelby County mayor at Thursday’s noon filing deadline for candidates on the May 4 primary ballot.

46. UPDATE: Mayor's Race Grows At Filing Deadline - Thursday, February 18, 2010

Shelby County Sheriff Mark Luttrell appeared on his way to the Republican nomination for Shelby County mayor at Thursday’s noon filing deadline for candidates on the May 4 primary ballot.

Luttrell faces only token opposition from perennial candidate Ernie Lunati.

Meanwhile, the Democratic primary for mayor grew to three contenders as General Sessions Court Clerk Otis Jackson filed his qualifying petition just before the deadline. He joins interim County Mayor Joe Ford and Shelby County Commissioner Deidre Malone.

Luttrell ruled out a bid for Shelby County mayor last year (2009). But when Harold Byrd decided not to run in the Democratic primary, some local GOP leaders asked Luttrell to reconsider.

The result touched off a scramble of candidates from both parties for the open sheriff’s office. But before the noon deadline, the initial field of over a dozen possible contenders was narrowed to ten – six Democrats and four Republicans.

The other surprise at the filing deadline was the return of attorney Walter Bailey to the District 2 Position 1 seat he gave up in the 2006 elections. Bailey sought re-election then to another term despite a two term limit on commissioners. Bailey lost to J.W. Gibson who decided not to seek re-election. He also lost a court fight to overturn the term limits.

Bailey was the only candidate who had filed for the seat at the Thursday deadline.

Only one incumbent county commissioner – Republican Mike Ritz -- was effectively re-elected at the deadline because he had no opposition.

All but one of the eleven contested County Commission races will be decided with the May 4 primaries. The only general election battle for the August ballot is the district 5 contest between GOP challenger Dr. Rolando Toyos and whoever wins the May Democratic primary between incumbent Steve Mulroy and Jennings Bernard.

Former County Commissioner John Willingham also returned to the ballot among a field of Republican contenders in the primary for Shelby County Trustee.

And former Criminal Court Clerk Minerva Johnican joined the Democratic primary field for her old job. Incumbent Republican Bill Key pulled petition to seek re-election but did not file at the deadline.

Here is the list of races and contenders from The Shelby County Election Commission. All candidate have until noon Feb. 25 to withdraw from the ballot if they wish.

D-Democrat

R- Republican

I- Independent

Shelby County Mayor:

Deidre Malone (D)

Joe Ford (D)

Otis Jackson (D)

Mark Luttrell (R)

Ernest Lunati (R)

Leo Awgowhat (I)

Shelby County Sheriff:

James Coleman (R)

Bobby Simmons (R)

Bill Oldham (R)

Dale Lane (R)

Larry Hill (D)

Bennie Cobb (D)

Randy Wade (D)

James Bolden (D)

Elton Hymon (D)

Reginald French (D)

County Commission Dist 1 Pos 1

Mike Ritz (R) (incumbent)

County Commission Dist 1 Pos 2

Albert Maduska (R)

Heidi Shafer (R)

County Commission Dist 1 Pos 3

Mike Carpenter (R) (incumbent)

Joe Baire (R)

County Commission Dist 2 Pos 1

Walter Bailey (D)

County Commission Dist 2 Pos 2

Henri Brooks (D) (incumbent)

David Vinciarelli (D)

County Commission Dist 2 Pos 3

Eric Dunn (D)

Norma Lester (D)

Tina Dickerson (D)

Melvin Burgess (D)

Reginald Milton (D)

Freddie Thomas (D)

County Commission Dist 3 Pos 1

James Harvey (D) (incumbent)

James Catchings (D)

County Commission Dist. 3 Pos 2

Sidney Chism (D) (incumbent)

Andrew "Rome" Withers (D)

County Commission Dist. 3 Pos 3

Edith Moore  (D) (incumbent)

Justin Ford (D)

County Commission Dist 4 Pos 1

Chris Thomas (R)

John Pellicciotti (R)

Jim Bomprezzi (R)

County Commission Dist 4 Pos 2

Wyatt Bunker (R) (incumbent)

John Wilkerson (R)

Ron Fittes (R)

County Commission Dist 4 Pos 3

Terry Roland (R)

George Chism (R)

Edgar Babian (R)

County Commission Dist 5

Steve Mulroy (D) (incumbent)

Jennings Bernard (D)

Rolando Toyos (R)

Shelby County Clerk

Charlotte Draper (D)

Corey Maclin (D)

LaKeith Miller (D)

Wayne Mashburn (R)

Steve Moore (R)

Criminal Court Clerk

Vernon Johnson (D)

Minerva Johnican (D)

Ralph White (D)

Michael Porter (R)

Kevin Key (R)

Jerry Stamson (I)

Circuit Court Clerk

Jimmy Moore (R) (incumbent)

Steven Webster (D)

Carmichael Johnson (D)

Ricky W. Dixon (D)

Juvenile Court Clerk

Joy Touliatos (R)

Charles Marshall (D)

Sylvester Bradley (D)

Shep Wilbun (D)

Julia Roberson Wiseman (I)

Probate Court Clerk

Paul Boyd (R)

Sondra Becton (D)

Danny Kail (D)

Annita Sawyer Hamilton (D)

Peggy Dobbins (D)

Clay Perry (D)

Karen Tyler (D)

Shelby County Register

Tom Leatherwood (R) (incumbent)

Coleman Thompson (D)

Lady J. Swift (D)

Carlton Orange (D)

Shelby County Trustee

Regina Newman (D) (incumbent)

M. LaTroy Williams (D)

John Willingham (R)

Jeff Jacobs (R)

David Lenoir (R)

47. Temporary MED Fix Just That: Temporary - Wednesday, January 27, 2010

The Regional Medical Center at Memphis will get $10 million from Shelby County government to keep its emergency room open through June 30, the end of the current fiscal year.

The Shelby County Commission’s 9-3 vote this week takes the money from the county’s $73 million reserve fund.

48. Commission Appointments Not Without Rancor - Wednesday, January 13, 2010

John Pellicciotti is pursuing his master’s degree in political science from the University of Memphis. He’s writing his thesis. And this week, after trying several times for several years, the small-business owner and consultant got some real-world experience in his degree area.

49. District 83 Early Voting Comes To Quiet End Today - Thursday, January 07, 2010

Early voter turnout in the special election for state House District 83 may not make it much higher than 1 percent if the bitterly cold weather becomes a political factor.

Today is the last day of the early voting period that began before Christmas, pausing for that holiday as well as the New Year’s holiday.

50. 2010 - Monday, January 04, 2010

Is it over yet? That may be the most frequently asked question in the New Year. “It” is the worst national economic recession since the Great Depression.

Accurately reading the indicators will not be easy. Some will predict the recession is about to end, just as new indicators point to continuing economic agony for thousands of Memphians.

51. Memphis Bar Association Names New Board Members - Tuesday, December 08, 2009

The Memphis Bar Association has appointed new officers and new members to the board of directors for 2010.

Ricky E. Wilkins of the Law Offices of Ricky E. Wilkins will serve as president. John Cannon of Shuttleworth Williams PLLC will serve as vice president and Gary K. Smith of Apperson Crump Maxwell PLC will serve as treasurer. Linda Warren Seely of Memphis Area Legal Services Inc. will serve as secretary.

52. Memphis Bar Assn. Elects New Officers, Board Members - Monday, December 07, 2009

At the Memphis Bar Association’s Annual Meeting Thursday at The Peabody hotel, the MBA announced its 2010 officers and new members of its board of directors.

Immediate past president Art Quinn passed the gavel to incoming president Ricky E. Wilkins of the Law Offices of Ricky E. Wilkins. John Cannon of Shuttleworth Williams PLLC and Gary K. Smith of Apperson Crump & Maxwell PLC automatically move to the positions of vice president/president-elect and treasurer, respectively. Linda Warren Seely, director of pro bono projects at Memphis Area Legal Services Inc., was chosen as secretary.

53. Events - Friday, September 25, 2009

The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art will host screenings of John Michael McCarthy’s film “Cigarette Girl” today and Saturday at 1 p.m. at the museum, 1934 Poplar Ave. Cost is $5 for members and $7 for nonmembers.

54. Events - Thursday, September 24, 2009

The Greater Memphis Chamber will hold a breakfast forum today from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at The Peabody hotel, 149 Union Ave. Memphis City Schools Superintendent Kriner Cash will give a speech titled “Update on the State of the District.” Cost is $20 for members and $30 for nonmembers. For reservations, contact Ericka Milford at 543-3518 or emilford@memphischamber.com.

55. Events - Wednesday, September 23, 2009

The Shelby County Commission will hold committee meetings today at 8:30 a.m. in the fourth floor committee room of the Shelby County Administration Building, 160 N. Main St. For more information, call Steve Summerall at 545-4301.

56. A Mayor’s Race to Remember: Candidates pump up the drama as election nears - Monday, September 21, 2009

The field is set at 25 candidates and Memphians start voting Sept. 25 in a mayor’s race that has been neither a surprise nor the expected.

But there’s no guarantee the election will settle what the post-Willie Herenton era will look like. Too many other events still have to be decided.

57. Events - Thursday, September 17, 2009

The Memphis Lawyers’ Chapter and University of Memphis Law School Student Chapter of the Federalist Society will hold a seminar today from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, 3715 Central Ave. Steven J. Mulroy and Christopher Green will present “A Constitution Day Debate: Living Constitution vs. Original Intent.” To register, call Greg Grisham at 527-0214.

58. Events - Thursday, August 27, 2009

The American Advertising Federation of Memphis will host a luncheon today at 11:45 a.m. at the Holiday Inn-University of Memphis, 3700 Central Ave. Michael Gass, author of “Fuel Lines, Fueling Agency Business” will discuss the concept of fueling business through social media. Cost is free to members, $25 for nonmembers and $10 for students. To register, visit www.aafmemphis.org.

59. Braking Point: Inside MATA's identity crisis - Monday, August 24, 2009

The bus system in Memphis has an undeserved “mythology,” according to the people who run it. However, some who ride Memphis Area Transit Authority buses everyday – and many who don’t – contend the system is far from perfect.

60. Rite Aid Pares Q1 Loss and Reduces Spending - Thursday, June 25, 2009

NEW YORK (AP) - Drugstore operator Rite Aid Corp. reported Wednesday it narrowed its fiscal first-quarter loss by closing stores and trimming costs, and making progress as it works to eliminate $6 billion in debt.

61. Aerotropolis Discussion Planned for Chamber Luncheon - Thursday, June 11, 2009

The logistics and distribution industries are closely aligned with commercial real estate, and nowhere is their relationship more apparent than in the realm of an aerotropolis, in which a city’s economy is centered on its airport.

62. Georgia Co. Buys U of M-Area Senior Nursing Facility - Tuesday, May 26, 2009

3549 Norriswood Ave.
Memphis, TN 38111
Sale Amount: $7.3 Million

Sale Date: May 11, 2009
Buyer: FC Highlands LLC
Seller: Wesley Highland Nursing Homes Inc.
Loan Amount: $9.4 million
Loan Date: May 11, 2009
Maturity Date: N/A
Lender: First Bank

63. Lots of Work Awaits New Airport Area Leader - Wednesday, April 01, 2009

The Memphis Airport Area Development Corp. has a new pilot at the helm.

Fred Jackson, a Memphis native and retired U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officer, recently took over as executive director of the organization. And though Jackson is three months into his new post, he has spent that time getting his feet wet with the priorities and objectives of MAADC, www.maadc.com, a private nonprofit group dedicated to improving neighborhoods surrounding the airport.

64. Rosa Becomes GM at Holiday Inn-Wolfchase - Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Chris Rosa has been named general manger of the Holiday Inn and Suites Memphis-Wolfchase. Rosa will be responsible for day-to-day operations of the property. He previously served as vice president of operations for Equity Estates, general manger at the Sheraton Meadowlands and area manger of the Crowne Plaza Ravinia in Atlanta. Rosa also has been named General Manager of the Year by Patriot American Hotels and Hotelier of the Year by the Connecticut Hospitality Association.

65. Job-Killing Recession Racks Up More Layoff Victims - Tuesday, January 27, 2009

WASHINGTON (AP) - The recession is killing jobs at an alarming pace, with tens of thousands of new layoffs announced Monday by some of the biggest names in American business – Pfizer, Caterpillar and Home Depot.

66. Methodist Names Brooks VP of Clinical Operations - Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Robert Brooks has been named vice president of clinical operations for Methodist University Hospital.

67. Thompson Gets Six Month Jail Sentence - Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Former Shelby County Commissioner Bruce Thompson was sentenced this evening to six months in prison and fined $10,000 for telling executive of a Jackson, Tn. construction company that he could influence votes on the Memphis school board.

Thompson was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jon P. McCalla on one count of mail fraud.

Under federal sentencing guidelines, he could have been sentenced to 21-27 months in prison.

But the plea deal from Thompson's February guilty plea would have allowed Thompson to withdraw his guilty plea if he was sentenced to more than a year and a day in jail. McCalla could have rejected it and the case would have moved toward trial. But McCalla accepted the recommendation of the prosecution and defense to depart from the guidelines.

"I'm here to accept responsibilities for my actions," Thompson told McCalla before the sentence was imposed. "I never expected to be here. ... My reputation has certainly taken a beating. I've spent 25 years building a reputation that's certainly been trashed."

Thompson termed his criminal behavior an "anomaly." His attorney, Leslie Ballin, argued for probation.

McCalla agreed Thompson's behavior in the case was "aberrant." But he also said a prison sentence was called for as a deterrent.

"This is a difficult concept. It only works if people know what happens," McCalla said, referring to the certainty of jail time.

Leaders of H&M Construction Company, who hired Thompson in 2004 to win a contract to build three Memphis city schools had some vocal misgivings about what Thompson was doing.

The reservations are detailed in an excerpt from an FBI report in what became a federal corruption case.

The FBI report excerpt, also known as a “302,” was filed as part of Ballin’s argument that Thompson should avoid prison time and instead be sentenced to probation.

Back and forth

Thompson admitted taking $7,000 in 2004 from two construction firms, H&M Construction and Salton-Fox Construction of Memphis. The payment was made to Thompson after he told the companies’ executives he could control votes on the Memphis City Schools board because of his position as a county commissioner. The companies, working in partnership, were seeking the construction contract.

Thompson quibbled about his precise role, according to the FBI report on its interview with James E. Campbell of H&M.

“I’m not lobbying, I’m consulting,” Campbell quoted Thompson as saying.

Campbell drew up a consulting contract, but Thompson never signed it.

Campbell had five meetings with Thompson when he spotted Thompson on H&M’s parking lot in Jackson talking with another company official, Dewitt Day. Thompson asked Campbell what he thought about making campaign contributions to four school board members.

“It looks like this for that,” Campbell remembered replying.

He said Thompson’s response was, “It’s legal to do.”

Campbell planned to write the campaign contribution checks and “it was agreed Thompson would deliver the checks to the recipients.”

“While writing the first check, Campbell decided it didn’t look good for H&M to give campaign contributions to these individuals,” the FBI report reads. “Campbell then thought about using H&M subcontractors to give the contributions but ultimately decided Day could give the $7,000 to his relatives in Memphis and have them deliver the contributions in their name.”

Day “grabbed” $7,000 and drove to Memphis, according to the FBI. His brother-in-law also didn’t like the looks of the money exchange and consulted attorney and former Memphis City Council member John Bobango.

“Bobango advised Day not to give these campaign contributions because H&M already had the (school board) votes to win approval,” the FBI 302 reads. Campbell told Thompson and others, including construction executive Kirby Salton, that the deal was off.

“Thompson and Salton went on to say that the four individuals would be disappointed and Campbell got the impression the ‘votes could go the other way,’” according to the report. It was Thompson’s conduct during the conference call that broke the law, Ballin conceded.

Campbell then wrote Salton a check for $7,000 and “never questioned Salton on whether he delivered the campaign contribution to the four individuals.”

Money differences

Ballin argued in his position paper that Thompson’s sentence should be determined based on the $7,000 instead of the more than $250,000 Thompson was paid by the two construction firms. He also contended Thompson wasn’t using his office as a county commissioner to influence the school board.

“H&M suffered no loss and Thompson only received the fair market value of services rendered by way of his arms-length consulting contract,” Ballin wrote.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim DiScenza disagreed on the harm done even if Thompson didn’t influence the outcome.

“Whether or not campaign contributions were required to be given in order for H&M Construction Company to win contract approval is irrelevant, as it is uncontested that the defendant conveyed to H&M .... managers that said contributions would in fact be needed to influence the awarding of the contract,” DiScenza wrote in the government’s position paper submitted last week.

McCalla sided with DiScenza in his ruling and the higher dollar amount was a factor in the prison sentence.

Salton and school board members Wanda Halbert, Sara Lewis, Willie Brooks and Hubon Sandridge all testified before the federal grand jury that indicted Thompson. Salton said publicly that he paid several thousand dollars to a campaign worker for Halbert, who has since been elected to the Memphis City Council. Halbert denied any knowledge of getting the cash but listed on an amended campaign finance report $2,000 that was lost.

DiScenza said in February that the four school board members mentioned by Thompson but never identified in court were not aware of the deal, and none has ever been charged with taking the money.

68. Covington Works To Advance Aerotropolis Concept - Wednesday, October 29, 2008

During his first three months as vice president of logistics and aerotropolis development for the Memphis Regional Chamber, Jim Covington has developed a pretty good roadmap of his primary job duties.

69. Charter Referendum Set but Debate Continues - Friday, June 06, 2008

The Shelby County charter referenda for the Aug. 7 ballot were set this week with a final vote by the county Board of Commissioners.

But the end of one public debate about how to govern locally is hardly the end of a debate about larger questions of accountability for elected officials.

70. Production Shows Humorous Side of Theater - Friday, April 25, 2008

Stage actors, directors and producers probably know all too well the chaos that erupts backstage before a new play takes the limelight. Theatre Memphis will explore and celebrate the glorious, if somewhat disorganized, lives of theater people, with a quick-witted tale of pre-production disasters when "Room Service" debuts today.

71. NAFTA Ramifications Reach Closer to Memphis - Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Busy construction sites might offer a glimpse of the future when it comes to logistics, as thousands of Mexican truck drivers make Memphis their destination.

But the International Brotherhood of Teamsters union is leading an uphill battle to stop the incursion of Mexican-based trucks and drivers into the United States, part of a one-year demonstration project related to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

72. Breen Orders Ford to Prison - Friday, February 29, 2008

Former state Sen. John Ford was ordered Thursday to begin serving in the next two months his five-and-a-half year prison sentence for a bribery charge.

U.S. District Court Judge J. Daniel Breen ruled on the second day of a hearing that involved who will care for Ford's four minor children. Breen delayed Ford's prison report date last year after his ex-wife, Tamara Mitchell-Ford, lost custody of the children and began serving her own prison sentence for drunk driving.

73. Ford Report Date Put Off Until Thursday - Wednesday, February 27, 2008

U.S. District Judge J. Daniel Breen has continued until Thursday a hearing on when former State Sen. John Ford must report to prison.

At a hearing this morning, Breen said he wants to hear from the attorney for Ford’s imprisoned ex-wife about when she might be released from prison and be able to care for their children.

74. Term Limit Debate Turns Emotional - Friday, February 08, 2008

Memphis City Council and Memphis Charter Commission member Janis Fullilove left her colleagues on the Charter Commission puzzled Thursday afternoon following an emotional attack on the idea of term limits.

75. Events - Thursday, January 10, 2008

The Memphis Bar Association will hold a continuing legal education course today from 8:50 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at the Hilton Memphis hotel, 939 Ridge Lake Blvd. The course is the annual John Dice Seminar and is worth six hours of CLE credit. For more information, call the MBA at 527-3573.

76. Commission Remains Tight-Lipped About Pyramid - Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Shelby County commissioners weren't in the mood this week to say much about the new proposal to turn The Pyramid into a theme park. The $250 million Pyramid Adventure theme park idea that includes surrounding riverfront development got good reviews last week before commissioners.

77. Prison Delayed for Ford - Friday, November 30, 2007

Former state Sen. John Ford won't begin serving his five-and-a-half-year prison sentence for bribery at least until the end of February.

U.S. District Judge J. Daniel Breen postponed Ford's prison report date Wednesday citing Ford's role as guardian of his four children with his former wife Tamara Mitchell-Ford.

78. Events - Friday, November 30, 2007

The Memphis Bar Association will hold a continuing legal education seminar titled "Understanding Workplace Conflict" today from 1:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. at the MBA conference room, 80 Monroe Ave., Suite 220. Visit www.memphisbar.org for more information.

79. Judge Gives John Ford Delay in Reporting to Prison - Wednesday, November 28, 2007
MEMPHIS (AP) - Former state Sen. John Ford won a delay in reporting to prison after arguing Wednesday that locking him up would leave his youngest children without either parent since his ex-wife is in jail.

80. New Group Hopes To Reinvigorate Airport Area - Monday, October 29, 2007

With its corporate charter on file and its executive director at the controls, the Memphis Airport Area Development Corp. is finally ready for takeoff.

On Thursday, after months of planning, native Memphian John Lawrence officially will take the reins of this newly chartered group, which is charged with reinvigorating the neighborhoods around Memphis International Airport.

81. Judge Defers Ford's Jailing - Tuesday, October 02, 2007

Former state Sen. John Ford will not be reporting to prison later this month as scheduled.

Monday, U.S. District Judge J. Daniel Breen delayed the Oct. 17 report date to a federal prison in Anthony, Texas, possibly until sometime in December or after Ford is tried on federal corruption charges in Nashville.

82. Events - Tuesday, September 25, 2007

The Memphis Regional Chamber and The Sales and Marketing Society of the Mid-South will hold the Metro Business Council Sales & Marketing Summit today from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Memphis Marriott East, 2625 Thousand Oaks Blvd. Cost is $50 for members and $100 for nonmembers. RSVP to Tunga Lee at 543-3571.

83. Events - Thursday, September 20, 2007

The Institute of Management Accountants - Memphis Chapter will hold its monthly Technical Session today at 11:45 a.m. in the Medallion Restaurant in the Holiday Inn-University of Memphis, 3700 Central Ave. The event is $20. For reservations or more information, visit www.imamemphis.org.

84. Touch and Go - Wednesday, September 12, 2007

What's in a name?

An out-of-town company answered that ageless question by choosing a moniker that taps into the city's burgeoning "aerotropolis" concept, in which Memphis International Airport serves as a hub of business, retail and other activity sprouting up around it.

85. Leadership Memphis Names Sessoms Board Chair - Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Leadership Memphis has named Glenn Sessoms its board chair for 2007-2008. Sessoms is currently the vice president of the FedEx Memphis Hub Day Sort, where he manages 3,500 employees, four directors, 25 senior managers and 150 managers. He is a twice-decorated Five Star Award winner, the highest level of recognition at FedEx. Sessoms also is a 1997 graduate of the Leadership Memphis Executive Program.

86. Beale Street's Dreamer Looks To Other Adventures - Monday, July 02, 2007

"The seven wonders of the world I've seen,

And many are the places I have been,

Take my advice, folks, and see Beale Street first."
- "Beale Street Blues," W.C. Handy

Concert posters, jackets worn and signed by music icons such as Garth Brooks and B.B. King and an entire wall of Ernest Withers photos greet visitors inside the office of Performa Entertainment Real Estate.
The company's Beale Street storefront is decked out with scores of other trinkets, including head sculptures of the four members of the rock group K.I.S.S.

87. Richardson, Wicker Advance in District 89 Primaries - Monday, June 04, 2007

Jeanne Richardson and Dave Wicker Jr. advanced Thursday to a July 17 general election showdown for the State House District 89 seat.

Richardson won the Democratic primary and Wicker captured the Republican primary in the low turnout special elections. Only 1,178 of the district's 33,000 registered voters cast ballots either on election day or during early voting.

88. Back to Nature - Monday, February 12, 2007

Laura Adams remembers when children played outside and not in front of the television. As executive director of the Shelby Farms Park Alliance, she is interested in getting kids and their families back to those days.

89. Events - Tuesday, February 06, 2007

The David Lusk Gallery presents "John Torina: Path Into the Wilderness" through Feb. 24 at 4540 Poplar Ave. For more information, call the gallery at 767-3800.

The Eclectic Eye in Midtown presents "Life As I See It," an exhibit by Tom Clifton, through March 1 at 242 South Cooper St. For more information, call 276-EYES (3937).

90. '06 Chamber Efforts Signal Good Things to Come in Region - Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Memo to the City of Memphis from the Memphis Regional Chamber: 2006 was a very good year.

Since this past summer, when the Memphis City Council approved a $175,000 one-year contract with chamber officials - part of a package that included other funding sources - the chamber parlayed its first government aid in two years into some impressive economic development victories.

91. MBA Board MembersAnnounced, Ready to Roll - Monday, December 11, 2006
     The Memphis Bar Association announced its 2007 officers during an event at The Peabody Hotel Thursday.
     David M. Cook of The Hardison Law Firm PC officially became the 2007 MBA president,

92. Memphis Bar Association Members Act Out at Buckman - Monday, October 09, 2006

Oct. 10

The Memphis Bar Association presents "Entertaining Motions" from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Buckman Performing Arts Center, 60 Perkins Road Extended. The production is a parody of legal life featuring music and skits by and for the Memphis legal community. Call 527-3573 for more information.

93. Memphis Bar Association Members Act Out at Buckman - Monday, October 09, 2006

Oct. 10

The Memphis Bar Association presents "Entertaining Motions" from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Buckman Performing Arts Center, 60 Perkins Road Extended. The production is a parody of legal life featuring music and skits by and for the Memphis legal community. Call 527-3573 for more information.

94. After Election, City's New Charter Commissioners Ponder the Task at Hand - Friday, August 11, 2006

In her free time, Sylvia Cox volunteers at The Orpheum Theatre and also works with a local group that hosts a science fiction convention, MidSouthCon, in Memphis each year.

She says she enjoys sashaying across a ballroom dance floor, a hobby she's pursued for about 10 years. But with her election Aug. 3 to the Memphis Charter Commission - admittedly a victory that surprised even her - the latest pursuit Cox has added to her day comes with considerable influence.

95. Dixon Teapot Exhibit Neither Short nor Stout; Runs Through Sept. 24 - Monday, May 15, 2006

May 15

The Dixon Gallery and Gardens hosts "The Artful Teapot: 20th Century Expressions from the Kamm Collection" through Sept. 24 at 4339 Park Ave. The exhibit examines the teapot as an inventive vehicle for artistic expression in the 20th century. All the works in the exhibit have been chosen from the celebrated Kamm collection, husband and wife Gloria and Sonny Kamm's person trove of more than 6,000 teapots. For more information, call 761-5250 or visit www.dixon.org.

96. On the Way Down - Wednesday, April 12, 2006

A number of notable building permits have been filed in the Memphis area during 2006's first quarter.

The State of Tennessee filed a $23 million permit for property at 951 Court Ave. in March and is planning to build the new Memphis Mental Health Institute on the site, said John Hundley of TRO, the project's architect.

97. Archived Article - Tuesday, March 28, 2006

1441 E. Brooks Road
Memphis, TN 38116
Cost: $1.5 million

Borrower: BSK Group Inc.

Lender: CIT Lending Services Corp.

98. City Council Wants to Hear from You Tuesday - Monday, March 27, 2006

March 27

Memphis Heritage presents "The Parkways: Framing our Midtown Neighborhoods" as part of its 2006 Preservation Series from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Trinity Methodist Church, 447 N. Evergreen St. Registration is $60. Call 529-9828 or visit www.memphisheritage.org.

99. It All Starts with Elvis - Wednesday, March 15, 2006

A sign at the Days Inn at 3839 Elvis Presley Blvd. quotes John Lennon as saying, "Before Elvis, there was nothing" - a truth that could apply to rock 'n' roll or even Whitehaven's tourism industry. Though Elvis came and went, the tourists kept coming to the area, and now The King might be responsible for more.

100. Joseph Kyles to Discuss the Merits of Black History Month - Monday, January 30, 2006

Jan. 31

The Memphis Area Association of Realtors Commercial Council presents a Commercial Property Tax and Reappraisal Forum from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the Martin Edwards Jr. Education Center of the MAAR offices, 6393 Poplar Ave. This is the first in the 2006 MAAR Commercial Council broker forum series. Cost is free for members and $15 for non-members. Call 818-2428 for more information.