Tennessee will not accept an expansion of Medicaid funding under the Affordable Care Act, Gov. Bill Haslam announced Wednesday, March 27, to a joint session of the state’s General Assembly.

But Haslam also told legislators he is pursuing a “third option” between acceptance and rejection of the funding that would use the federal funding to allow uninsured Tennesseans eligible for TennCare, the state’s version of Medicaid, to buy private health insurance.

2. Competing School Voucher Bill Withdrawn - Friday, March 22, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – The sponsor of legislation that was competing with Gov. Bill Haslam's to create a school voucher program withdrew her bill on Wednesday after proponents of a broader program decided they want to focus on the governor's plan.

3. Apperson Crump Expands in Triad III - Friday, March 15, 2013

Memphis’ oldest continuously practicing law firm is expanding its presence in Triad III.

Apperson Crump PLC added 2,037 square feet to its seventh floor space in a vacant adjacent area between Silverleafe Capital Partners LLC.

4. Macy's CEO Testifies in Fight Over Martha Stewart - Tuesday, February 26, 2013

NEW YORK (AP) – Macy's CEO Terry Lundgren testified on Monday that he hung up on home diva Martha Stewart after she called to inform him on Dec. 6, 2011 that the company that bears her name had inked a deal with J.C. Penney to open shops within most of the chain's stores.

5. Events - Friday, February 22, 2013

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

6. Events - Thursday, February 21, 2013

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

7. Honoring a Pair Of Fundraising History Makers - Friday, February 15, 2013

Lights, camera, action. In 1980 the United Negro College Fund launched the Parade of Stars telethon. It became a nationwide fundraising program raising millions of dollars for generations of students, and support for historically black colleges and universities. It became the largest one-day African-American special event in the country. It changed black history – and American history – creating an acknowledged culture of fundraising in the African-American community. America’s largest corporations became engaged. Small churches, teachers, sororities and fraternities became engaged. Donors and volunteers from across the country organized to support UNCF and celebrate black philanthropy.

8. Madewell Coming to Saddle Creek - Friday, February 08, 2013

The Shops of Saddle Creek in Germantown will soon gain another national retailer with no other presence in Tennessee.

Madewell, a subsidiary of J. Crew Group Inc., has signed a 3,061-square-foot lease in The Shops of Saddle Creek North, 7509 Poplar Ave., in part of the space that was previously The Gap in between James Avery Jewelry and Brighton Collectables.

9. Ramsey: State Senate Delays Bill to Ban Medicaid Growth - Friday, February 08, 2013

NASHVILLE (AP) – Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey says fellow Republican Sen. Brian Kelsey has agreed to delay consideration of a bill seeking to ban the state from participating in Medicaid expansion under the federal health care overhaul.

10. Filling the Voids - Saturday, February 02, 2013

Last year was a banner year for adaptive reuse projects in Midtown and Downtown.

Developers announced plans for the Sears Crosstown building, Overton Square, Hotel Chisca, James Lee House and old United Warehouse in the South Main Historic Arts District. Construction began on The Pyramid, turning it into a 220,000-square-foot mega-Bass Pro Shop Outdoor World, and Memphis in May moved into its new headquarters at 56 S. Front St., a 14,600-square-foot building that’s on the National Register of Historic Places.

11. Pinnacle Departure Brings Real Estate Challenge - Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Pinnacle Airlines Corp.’s relocation of its Memphis headquarters to Minneapolis by May should have long-term leasing effects on the Downtown office market.

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

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

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

13. Slow and Steady - Monday, December 03, 2012

The local office market saw little change in the third quarter, and brokers say the fourth quarter will likely yield similar results.

Memphis’ vacancy rate ended the quarter in the mid-14 percent range, the same levels as 2008, according to Colliers International Memphis’ Q3 office report. Vacancy during that period in 2007 was below 12 percent.

14. Merchandiser Five Below Signs Lease in Olive Branch - Friday, October 05, 2012

A growing Philadelphia-based value retailer has inked a substantial industrial lease deal in Olive Branch.

Five Below Inc. has leased 605,427 square feet in Hacks Cross Logistics Center Building 1, 9105 Hacks Cross Road.

15. They Really Did Write That! - Thursday, October 04, 2012

Re: The column in which I quoted lawyers’ courtroom and deposition questions and statements. Ron Curlin of Memphis writes, “Without question, this is the most hilarious column you’ve ever done. It has brightened my day tremendously! As far as I’m concerned, you have set a precedent with this one, and I fully expect to see more ‘Did They Really Say That?’ columns chosen from the attorney’s side of the proceedings. Thank you for making my day. Keep up the excellent work.”

16. Snyder’s-Lance Signs Deal In Southaven - Friday, September 21, 2012

A well-known snack food company has boosted its distribution presence in the Memphis area.

Snyder’s-Lance Inc. signed a 26,757-square-foot lease at Airways Distribution Center Building F, 8425 Airways Blvd., in Southaven.

17. First Tennessee Unit to Move Downtown - Friday, September 07, 2012

First Tennessee Bank is preparing its Downtown Memphis headquarters for occupancy of one of its units.

18. Dot-Com Moves Distribution To Memphis - Friday, August 10, 2012

Wilsonville, Ore.-based LinenTablecloth.com has entered the Memphis industrial market, leasing 82,500 square feet at 3046 Datsun Drive for its new distribution center.

19. City Should Keep Square Revival Front and Center - Monday, July 09, 2012

The plan for the revitalization of the Overton Square entertainment district needs to move forward before it changes again or becomes even more complex than it is now.

The latest iteration of the redevelopment plan includes Overton Square becoming part of a Tourism Development Zone and Tax Increment Financing district that would funnel its anticipated increase in sales tax revenue to get the Fairgrounds renovation back on track.

20. ‘Perfect Storm’ - Tuesday, July 03, 2012

Office sublease space reached a record high in the first quarter, and local experts are forecasting even more leases from one lessee to another to hit the market prior to year-end.

Office subleasing totaled 600,664 square feet during the first three months of the year, according to Cushman & Wakefield/Commercial Advisors LLC’s Q1 office market report. That’s nearly 14 percent of total available space.

21. Court Upholds Health Care Reform - Friday, June 29, 2012

The Supreme Court has upheld the individual insurance mandate that’s the centerpiece of President Barack Obama’s historic health care overhaul.

Chief Justice John Roberts Thursday, June 28, announced the court’s judgment, which will allow the law to move forward with its aim of covering more than 30 million currently uninsured Americans.

22. Arkansas Farmers Welcome Rain but Drought Persists - Wednesday, June 06, 2012

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) – Farmers welcomed this week's downpour after enduring one of the driest Mays on record in some parts of Arkansas and one that worsened drought conditions in the state.

23. Global Connections - Monday, May 07, 2012

Although the Memphis in May International Festival is widely known for its Beale Street Music Festival and World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, the festival’s focus on developing international economic trade and fostering Memphis companies’ global business relationships remains central to its mission.

24. Office Opportunities - Thursday, May 03, 2012

Memphis’ office real estate landscape is changing, and for three firms, those changes are creating opportunities.

Orlando, Fla.-based Parkway Properties Inc. in March completed the sale of its interest in Renaissance Center – a 190,000-square-foot office building at 1715 Aaron Brenner Drive in the Poplar Avenue corridor – to partner Parkway Properties Office Fund LP.

25. The Devolution Of Our Species - Friday, April 20, 2012

LEGISLATURE VOTES TO DEVOLVE. Dateline: Nashville, 2012, 1925 or 1869, your choice.

The Tennessee legislature has officially gone bananas and passed the Monkey Bill, allowing any student who disagrees with the findings of modern science to reject those findings and howl about it from the treetops with impunity. The debate lasted six days, and on the seventh they rested.

26. Fed Survey: No Movement in Area Lending - Monday, April 16, 2012

The local economy is inching toward improvement. A newly released report from the Federal Reserve shows the central bank’s regional district that includes Memphis saw modest improvement in residential real estate as well as the commercial real estate market since the Fed’s last survey.

27. Southland Sells Parcels To Bank For $1 Million - Friday, April 13, 2012

A Downtown property that real estate investor Terry Lynch once planned for residential and retail space was sold back to the lender for slightly less than $1 million.

28. Cubicles: Unintended Consequences - Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Finding ways to maximize office space isn’t really a new concept. After all, Dilbert has been parodying office life in and around the cubicle for more than 20 years.

But a recession has a way of challenging us all to do more with less and there may be no better example of that in commercial real estate than in the office sector, where there is a global trend toward allocating less square footage per person. Forty percent of respondents in a recent CoreNet Global survey project their office space per person will be 100 square feet or less by 2017 and a majority of respondents reported that they’ve already reduced space per employee by 5 to 25 square feet over the last five years.

29. Amro Still Strikes Chord In Music Retail Business - Monday, March 26, 2012

When customers walk into Amro Music, they are greeted first by two mannequins in marching band uniforms.

Next, they are greeted by one of the business’s employees.

The most recent addition to the longtime music store’s welcoming committee is an exquisitely crafted Steinway piano.

30. HopeWorks Fundraiser To Feature Poverty Expert - Thursday, March 22, 2012

HopeWorks, a faith-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Memphians break the cycle of crime and poverty, will feature Dr. Ruby Payne at its annual fundraiser, “An Evening of Hope,” Thursday, March 22, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Woodland Hills Event Center, 1000 Woodland Hills Drive, in Cordova.

31. Believe Memphis? Not if Lakers in Town - Friday, March 16, 2012

The evening started with such a great vibe. FedExForum public address announcer Rick Trotter just mentioned the visiting Los Angeles Lakers and sweet boos rained down onto the court.

32. Believe Memphis? Not if Lakers in Town - Thursday, March 15, 2012

The evening started with such a great vibe. FedExForum public address announcer Rick Trotter just mentioned the visiting Los Angeles Lakers and sweet boos rained down onto the court.

33. Worldly View - Monday, March 12, 2012

Ron Paul would feel right at home in the Economic Club of Memphis audience next week.

Duke University professor Bruce Caldwell will speak to the club Thursday, March 15, to make a presentation titled “Some (mostly) Austrian insights for these trying times.” That’s Austrian, as in the Austrian school of economic thought represented by a particular brand of deficit hawkishness, bailout-ballyhooing and bristling against big government that Paul the perennial Republican presidential candidate loudly champions.

34. Postal Closures Concern Election Officials, Voters - Friday, March 02, 2012

Elections officials in several states are concerned that the closing of mail-processing centers and post offices could disrupt vote-by-mail balloting this year, a potential problem that has led some members of Congress to call for a delay until after the November elections.

35. Room Service - Monday, February 27, 2012

The good news for the local hotel industry is that last year notched the most rooms ever sold on a daily basis with 4.8 million – 115,628 more than 2010 and 76,780 more than the previous high set in 2007.

36. Obama Takes Tougher Stance on Higher Education - Tuesday, February 21, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – Access to college has been the driving force in federal higher education policy for decades. But the Obama administration is pushing a fundamental agenda shift that aggressively brings a new question into the debate: What are people getting for their money?

37. White House Initiative Aims to Unite Asian Community - Wednesday, February 15, 2012

The White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders will stop in Memphis for a two-day forum aimed at drawing out the community’s local leadership.

The initiative, which is making its way across southern states, hopes to help diverse Asian populations coalesce into one community capable of utilizing their own strengths in business development and other areas.

38. New County Of Them - Friday, February 10, 2012

NEW BILL CREATES EIGHT NEW COUNTIES. Continually annoyed about existing law that gets in his way, Tennessee Rep. Curry Todd of Collierville has introduced a bill in the state house eliminating Memphis and Shelby County and creating eight new counties.

39. CRE Outlook Remains Mixed - Wednesday, February 08, 2012

A sophomore at the University of Memphis could open up an economics book and explain how the United States got to its current state through the laws of demand, diminishing returns and comparative advantage.

40. CRE Outlook Remains Mixed - Thursday, February 09, 2012

A sophomore at the University of Memphis could open up an economics book and explain how the United States got to its current state through the laws of demand, diminishing returns and comparative advantage.

41. Tax Reform in This Election year: It's Not Likely - Tuesday, February 07, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – Tax reform sounds like a good idea to lots of people, but where to start? Eliminate the popular deduction for home mortgages? End the write-off for charitable contributions? How about expanding the Social Security payroll tax?

42. Renaissance 2012 - Friday, February 03, 2012

It may be the start of a new year for most people, but for arts organizations in Memphis, it’s a new life altogether. Tough economic years in 2009 and 2010 led to creative collaborations in 2011, which some say will bloom into financial success in 2012.

43. Former French Quarter Hotel to Become Comfort Suites - Friday, January 27, 2012

The site of the abandoned French Quarter Suites Hotel is under contract to be purchased by a different ownership group than the one that recently planned to develop an upscale five-star hotel there. The Memphis Regional Design Center announced the news to its members via email and Facebook Wednesday, Jan. 25.

44. STCC Files Permit for Nursing Building - Thursday, January 26, 2012

Southwest Tennessee Community College this week moved closer to beginning its planned Nursing and Biotechnology Building at 693 Union Ave., according to a $14.6 million building permit application filed Monday with the city-county Office of Construction Code Enforcement.

45. After Protest, Congress Puts Off Movie Piracy Bill - Monday, January 23, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – Caving to a massive campaign by Internet services and their millions of users, Congress indefinitely postponed legislation Friday to stop online piracy of movies and music costing U.S. companies billions of dollars every year. Critics said the bills would result in censorship and stifle Internet innovation.

46. Brothers Carry on Legacy At Ron Archer Auto Care - Monday, January 16, 2012

When Ron Archer Auto Care owners Brandon Archer and Luke Archer took over the family business in late 2007, the brothers made a commitment to continue doing business the way their father had for the previous 32 years.

47. Haslam Wants to Put Off Estate Tax Cut Over Cost - Monday, December 26, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – Raising Tennessee's estate tax exemption by $500,000 would cost the state about $23 million in lost revenues, according to projections by Gov. Bill Haslam's administration.

48. Kids Take Center Stage with Circus - Monday, December 26, 2011

If the kids are pinging off the walls after a long winter holiday school vacation, Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center would like to put their excess energy to good use.

Starfish Circus, a pre-programmed artistic residency for high schoolers, will introduce kids to the many techniques of physical theater and stage acrobatics in a crash course culminating in a live performance.

49. ‘A Different Place’ - Friday, December 09, 2011

In Memphis’ small commercial real estate network, it’s not uncommon for brokers to be on opposite sides of the negotiating table one hour then clinking beers in celebration at Jim’s Place East the next.

50. Mercer Ready to Steer MAAR Commercial Council - Monday, November 28, 2011

John Mercer does not take over as 2012 president of the Memphis Area Association of Realtors Commercial Council until Jan. 1, but he is already working hard planning several big MAAR events for early next year.

51. JC Penney Posts a Q3 Loss - Tuesday, November 15, 2011

NEW YORK (AP) – J.C. Penney Co.'s new CEO Ron Johnson, a former Apple executive, told analysts Monday that the department store chain is rethinking everything it's doing – from pricing to products. The message comes as the retailer struggles to turnaround its business after reporting a quarterly loss.

52. Baseball Players: Chew on This - Thursday, November 10, 2011

“Senators urge baseball players to chew on smokeless tobacco ban,” the headline read “Chew.” Get it? I mean don’t get it. Don’t use tobacco, please. Smokeless or the other kind. From a health perspective, it’s not worth it.

53. Local Franchisee Opens TCBY in Olive Branch - Friday, October 28, 2011

TCBY has announced the opening of its newest location in Olive Branch.

Local family Ron and Michelle Rye are opening their first TCBY in the Olive Branch area, and fourth in the Memphis metro area.

54. Todd Apologizes for ‘Mistake’ - Tuesday, October 18, 2011

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (AP) – Gov. Bill Haslam said Monday, Oct. 17, that Tenn. Rep. Curry Todd has apologized for a “bad mistake” in being arrested on drunken driving and gun charges last week.

55. Todd Resigns as Chairman of House Firearms Panel - Friday, October 14, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – Rep. Curry Todd has resigned as chairman of a Republican firearms task force in the state House following his arrest on drunken driving and gun charges.

House Majority Leader Gerald McCormick said Thursday that he accepted the resignation because Todd "has other things to concentrate on."

56. Events - Friday, October 07, 2011

The annual Barrister’s Breakfast benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation will be held Friday, Oct. 7, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Calvary Church, 102 N. Second St. Cost is $10 per person and includes the full breakfast.

57. Long Wait at Tenn. License Centers Grows Longer - Wednesday, September 21, 2011

NASHVILLE (AP) – As thousands of older Tennessee residents prepare to visit driver service centers to get the photo IDs required by a new state voting law, they should be ready to stand in line a long time.

58. HopeWorks, Businesses Give Hope Through Internships - Thursday, August 11, 2011

A number of local businesses are offering hope to the city’s chronically unemployed in the form of internships that provide real-world, on-the-job training.

The program is coordinated by HopeWorks, a 22-year-old nonprofit, faith-based organization dedicated to helping poor and chronically unemployed Memphians find steady work.

59. Events - Thursday, August 04, 2011

The Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and Development will hold an open house for those interested in developing brownfields along the Wolf River Thursday, Aug. 4, at 5:30 p.m. at Rhodes College, Frazier Jelke, auditorium C. For more information, contact Marion Jones at 576-7181 or marion.jones@memphistn.gov.

60. Ranger Steel Opens on Presidents Island - Wednesday, August 03, 2011

Ranger Steel of Houston, Texas, has opened a new distribution center on Presidents Island. The Memphis center, at Kinder Morgan’s terminal, got its first steel shipment Monday, Aug. 1.

Ranger is leasing storage space and also contracting with Kinder Morgan for operations and shipping services.

61. Events - Wednesday, August 03, 2011

Talk Shoppe will present “How to Buy at Auction and Benefit Auction for Make-A-Wish” Wednesday, Aug. 3, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Better Business Bureau, 3693 Tyndale Drive. For more information, call Jo Garner at 482-0354.

62. Variety Spices Up BPACC Season - Monday, July 04, 2011

If you’re looking for opera, you’re out of luck, but the Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center has a little of most every other musical genre slated for the first half of the coming season.

63. Variety Spices Up BPACC Season - Friday, July 01, 2011

If you’re looking for opera, you’re out of luck, but the Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center has a little of most every other musical genre slated for the first half of the coming season.

64. Obama Reaps Victory as Judges Uphold Health Law - Thursday, June 30, 2011

CINCINNATI (AP) – In the first ruling by a federal appeals court on President Barack Obama's health care overhaul, a panel in Cincinnati handed the administration a victory Wednesday by agreeing that the government can require a minimum amount of insurance for Americans.

65. Flood-Prone Mobile Home Park At Center of Lawsuit - Thursday, June 09, 2011

As the Mississippi River at Memphis last month neared its highest crest since 1937, attorneys for 29 residents of a mobile home park on U.S. 51 in Frayser were filing suit in Memphis federal court over the floods that heavily damaged the park a year earlier.

66. 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.”

67. Memphis Businesses Go Ape for Marketing - Friday, May 27, 2011

Business leaders from across the city met earlier this week to put a little monkey in their marketing at the Greater Memphis Chamber’s Lunch and Learn series.

The workshop, titled “Guerrilla Marketing: Unconventional Strategies for Outsmarting Your Competition,” drew a sold-out crowd of business professionals to First Tennessee Bank’s Ron Terry Center.

68. Events - Thursday, May 26, 2011

Methodist North Hospital will hold a stroke support group for stroke survivors and caregivers Thursday, May 26, at 5 p.m. in meeting room one, basement level, 3960 New Covington Pike. This month’s topic is “Dealing with Life After a Stroke.” The group will meet every fourth Thursday of the month. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, call 516-5646 or visit www.methodisthealth.org.

69. Events - Wednesday, May 25, 2011

A Belgian Beer Dinner will be held Wednesday, May 25, at 7 p.m. at Mesquite Chop House, 88 Union Ave. The dinner will be presented by Steve Barzizza of Southwestern Beverages. For more information, call 527-5337 or visit www.mesquitechophouse.com.

70. Events - Tuesday, May 24, 2011

The Institute of Real Estate Management Memphis Chapter will join the Apartment Association of Greater Memphis for a meeting Tuesday, May 24, at noon at the Holiday Inn University of Memphis, 3700 Central Ave. For reservations, email irem20@bellsouth.net.

71. Events - Monday, May 23, 2011

Indie Memphis will present its Dance Film Series Monday through Wednesday at the Evergreen Theatre, 1705 Poplar Ave. “William Shatner’s Gonzo Ballet” will make its Memphis premiere Wednesday at 7 p.m. Other films include “Rumba,” playing Monday at 7 p.m. and “NY Export: Opus Jazz” Tuesday at 7 p.m. Award-winning short films will precede the three features. For more information, visit www.indiememphis.com.

72. Events - Tuesday, April 12, 2011

The Center City Revenue Finance Corp. Board of Directors will meet Tuesday at 9 a.m. in the CCC conference room, 114 N. Main St.

73. Front and Center - Monday, April 11, 2011

Hundreds of aviation leaders from around the globe will descend on Memphis this week for the annual Airport Cities World Conference & Exhibition.

The three-day event gives Memphis a platform to tout its aerotropolis initiative – the promotion of the city’s economy centered on the airport, other transportation assets and their connectivity.

74. Events - Monday, April 11, 2011

Methodist South Hospital will open its Farmers Market Monday at with a consecration service at 1 p.m. in front of the Medical Office Complex, 1251 Wesley Drive. The Farmers Market will open every Monday through Oct. 10 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and is open to the public. For more information, call 516-3580.

75. Haslam Pushes Research Consortium Funding During Memphis Visit - Thursday, March 17, 2011

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam told members of the Memphis Research Consortium that his decision to include $10 million in funding for the effort wasn’t a gift but an investment in the city’s future as a biomedical research center.

76. Events - Tuesday, March 08, 2011

The Greater Memphis Chamber will present a lunch and learn meeting Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First Tennessee, Ron Terry Center, 4385 Poplar Ave. Bridget DiCello will present the topic “High Impact Networking: Growing Your Business by Connecting Strategically.” For reservations, contact Nykesha Cole at 543-3519 or ncole@memphischamber.com.

77. Events - Monday, March 07, 2011

The Orpheum Theatre will unveil the 2011-2012 Broadway Series Monday at 2 p.m. at the theater, 203 S. Main St. The announcement will include a special sneak peek video presentation of the new season and an exclusive performance by two cast members of “Memphis the Musical.” A Q&A session will follow. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 529-4289.

78. Strickland to Bring Message of Hope to Memphis - Monday, February 21, 2011

Bill Strickland is widely admired for the many hats he wears; CEO, social entrepreneur, writer, speaker and visionary.

79. Shifting Gears - Monday, February 07, 2011

Memphis has long been a real estate town.

Family names like Belz, Boyle, Clark, Fogelman, Loeb, Snowden and Wilkinson – to name a few – have become synonymous not only with local commercial and industrial development but also with the city’s business fortunes and cultural identity.

80. Summit to Provide Insights for CRE Market - Tuesday, February 01, 2011

Commercial real estate professionals will soon have the opportunity to gain insight on local and national issues that have an effect on Memphis business.

The eighth annual Commercial Property Forecast Summit, presented by the Memphis Area Association of Realtors Commercial Council, will provide reviews and forecasts of four local commercial real estate sectors.

81. Boyle Fund Pays $14M for Germantown Mall - Monday, January 31, 2011

Boyle Investment Co. has made its first Memphis acquisition since setting up its Midsouth Capital Fund I LLC by acquiring a significant amount of Belz Enterprises Inc.’s interest in Germantown Village Square Shopping Center.

82. Eastgate Sells for $31.5 Million - Tuesday, January 04, 2011

The Eastgate Shopping Center on Park Avenue in East Memphis has sold to a Dallas-based entity for $31.5 million from Belz Enterprises Inc., according to documents filed with the Shelby County Register of Deeds.

83. Menlo Deal Tops Noteworthy Leases - Thursday, December 30, 2010

The Daily News in September launched a new weekly column called “Inked” to spotlight Memphis’ commercial leasing landscape.

Despite tough times, local commercial real estate firms were able to ink plenty of deals in the past four months. Here’s a rundown of some of the most noteworthy commercial leases since Inked’s debut:

84. Petty Joins Phoenix Power Group - Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Doug Petty has joined Phoenix Power Group as the new vice president of sales and marketing.

Hometown: Memphis
Education: I hold B.S. degrees in chemistry and industrial hygiene from the University of North Alabama
Work Experience: I worked for 10 years as a specialty hospital sales representative for Merck Pharmaceuticals. For nine years I was a senior industrial hygienist for EnSafe Inc.
Activities you enjoy outside of work: You can usually find me on a golf course, but I also spend time singing and playing guitar in the Memphis area. I enjoy watching Tigers football and basketball games and cooking out with friends.
Who has had the greatest influence on you? My parents are my greatest influences. I obviously chose wisely.
What drew you to Phoenix Power Group? I was drawn to the opportunity to become involved on the ground floor of such an innovative, revolutionary system. In addition, this was a chance to be associated with a talented and experienced group of professionals and investors. Based on my years of professional experience, I know a good thing when I see it.
What does your job as VP of sales and marketing entail? Our company utilizes breakthrough technology to convert used oil into electricity in an environmentally responsible manner. My position utilizes my background in environmental science, regulation, and high-performance marketing and sales. My specific responsibilities include managing regulatory affairs, developing marketing materials, training and distributor support.
What do you consider your greatest professional accomplishments? It would have to be the relationships that I’ve built with co-workers, clients and customers over the years. Those are things that can’t be measured on a spreadsheets or sales reports. Winning the Regional Medical Center’s 2007 Pharmaceutical Representative of the Year Award certainly comes to mind.
What do you most enjoy about your work? The level of excitement and energy around the PPG organization is remarkable. I’ve been looking for the opportunity to help launch a potential “Next Big Thing” for quite a long time. It is hard not to be excited when your field of work is always pushing the edge and creating new challenges and opportunities. No one has done what we are doing, so we really are a “new” idea. That comes with challenges and benefits; but there is something unique about “creating” a product, something that a cubicle just can’t offer.

85. CBRE Lands Leasing Contract With Parkway - Friday, October 01, 2010

The Memphis office of CB Richard Ellis Inc. will handle marketing and leasing services for Parkway Realty Service’s Memphis office building portfolio, the company announced this week.

86. Developers Run With Midtown Dunkin’ - Friday, September 24, 2010

Editor’s note: “Inked” is a new column by real estate reporter Sarah Baker on Memphis’ commercial leasing landscape. It will appear each Friday in The Daily News and also in our weekly publication, The Memphis News.

87. Actor Daniels Brings Singing Talents to BPACC - Monday, August 23, 2010

The Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center box office has had to clarify a few things about its upcoming concert by big-screen leading man Jeff Daniels on Aug. 28 at 8 p.m.

88. Ramsey Criticized for Calling Islam a 'Cult' - Wednesday, July 28, 2010

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Republican gubernatorial candidate Ron Ramsey is being criticized by a national Muslim rights group for positing that Islam may be more of a cult than a religion.

89. Brighter Future - Friday, July 23, 2010

The financial services industry in Memphis is apparently back to thinking about tomorrow, rather than simply making it through today.

Firms are hiring again, deepening their bench strength in key areas, recommitting to a focus on customer relationships – and, in some cases, once more turning a tidy profit.

90. Events - Friday, July 16, 2010

Small Biz Memphis will hold a small biz celebration Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Shirt Bistro, 4966 Poplar Ave. For more information, call 205-9303.

91. Events - Thursday, July 15, 2010

Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz PC will present “Best Compensation Practices and the Risks They Avoid” Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Baker Donelson’s office on the 20th floor, 165 Madison Ave. For more information or to register, contact Nicolette Thomas at 577-2328 or nthomas@bakerdonelson.com.

92. Campaign Calendar Crowded - Monday, June 21, 2010

Lt. Gov. and Republican contender for governor Ron Ramsey opened his Memphis campaign headquarters Friday with a call for grassroots conservative support in the Aug. 5 primary.

93. Haslam Vows a ‘Hands On’ Role in Economic Development - Friday, June 18, 2010

If elected governor, Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam said he will be “hands on” in economic development. But Haslam said parts of such a policy like land use should remain local decisions.

“I think the governor needs to be hands-on involved with economic development,” Haslam said during a wide-ranging discussion this week in Memphis as he met with the leadership of The Daily News.

94. First Tennessee Renovating Ron Terry Center - Monday, May 24, 2010

First Tennessee Bank is renovating its Ron Terry Center by the Oak Court Mall, at 4385 Poplar Ave. The building is in the process of getting new paint, wallpaper, carpet and furniture. Work will be finished by November.

95. Ex-Rivals Catch On to Gibbons’ Anti-Crime Ideas - Monday, May 17, 2010

Shelby County District Attorney Bill Gibbons didn’t have the money as a candidate for governor to get his campaign platform to a wide enough audience.

96. Governor Candidates Place Focus on Economic Development - Friday, May 14, 2010

Contenders for Tennessee governor differ on plans for the state’s next wave of economic development.

As most of the them are airing a new bank of television ads talking about job growth, Democratic nominee Mike McWherter and one of the three Republican contenders, Chattanooga Congressman Zach Wamp, have taken slightly different positions.

97. Endowment Emphasizes Sustainability - Friday, May 14, 2010

The Fogelman name is synonymous with Memphis business and real estate.

Not only is it affixed to some of the most successful companies in town – Fogelman Management Group and Fogelman Investment Co. – the name also adorns the University of Memphis’ business school and its executive conference center.

98. Fogelman Endowment a Nod to Sustainability - Thursday, May 13, 2010

The Fogelman name is synonymous with Memphis business and real estate.

Not only is it affixed to some of the most successful companies in town – Fogelman Management Group and Fogelman Investment Co. – the name also adorns the University of Memphis’ business school and its executive conference center.

99. Poston Appointed to Nursing Home Board - Monday, May 10, 2010

P. Elayne W. Poston has been appointed to serve on the board of examiners for Nursing Home Administrators by Gov. Phil Bredesen. Poston is administrator of Trezevant Manor’s Allen Morgan Health & Rehabilitation Center.

100. Gubernatorial Hopefuls Point to Memphis to Boost Campaigns - Monday, May 10, 2010

No one from Memphis is among the four major contenders for Tennessee governor.

But the four candidates are making more than the usual amount of campaign noise about how important Memphis is to them.