NEW YORK (AP) – It was supposed to be our IPO, the people's public offering.

Facebook, the brainchild of a young CEO who sauntered into Wall Street meetings in a hoodie, was going to be bigger than Amazon, bigger than McDonald's, bigger than Coca-Cola. And it was all made possible by our friendships, photos and family ties.

2. Unemployment Falls in 40 US States, Rises in 3 - Monday, May 20, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – Solid hiring helped lower unemployment rates in 40 U.S. states last month, the most since November. The declines show the job market is improving throughout most of the country.

3. Airport Passes $127.3 Million 2014 Budget - Friday, May 17, 2013

The Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority on Thursday approved a $127.3 million budget that slightly lowers the overall amount airlines pay at Memphis International Airport even after Delta Air Lines drastically reduced the number of flights it operates.

4. Grizzlies Take Down Thunder in Overtime - Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Moments before Game 4 of the Grizzlies-Oklahoma City playoff series tipped off at FedExForum Monday night, Tony Allen, Mike Conley and Marc Gasol stood at midcourt to be recognized for making the NBA’s All-Defensive teams (Allen first-team, Gasol and Conley second-team).

5. Construction Lending Still Facing Tepid Improvement - Saturday, May 11, 2013

As the economy starts to rebound, local lenders like Magna Bank, First Tennessee Bank and Renasant Bank are seeing moderate improvement in activity for new commercial and residential construction projects, and competition is intensifying to land deals.

6. US Wholesale Stockpiles Up 0.4 Percent in March - Friday, May 10, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – Wholesale businesses stepped up their restocking of supplies in March, but their sales fell sharply.

The Commerce Department said Thursday that stockpiles held by wholesalers rose 0.4 percent in March compared with February, when they had fallen 0.3 percent.

7. Police Changes Continue Amid Budget Talks - Friday, May 10, 2013

With the start of the new year, Memphis Police Director Toney Armstrong began a reorganization of the department that changed the boundaries of the city’s nine police precincts, evening out the amount of territory and calls each area handles.

8. US Job Postings Fell in March; Hiring Slowed - Wednesday, May 08, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. employers posted fewer job openings in March compared with February and slowed overall hiring, underscoring a weak month of job growth.

The Labor Department said Tuesday that job openings fell 1.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted 3.8 million jobs. Total hiring declined 4.3 percent to 4.3 million.

9. Suburbs Start Again on Municipal Schools - Wednesday, May 08, 2013

Aldermen in five of the six suburban towns and cities in Shelby County began the move Monday, May 6, to a July 16 referendum date for a second round of referendums on forming municipal school districts possibly as early as the 2014-2015 school year.

10. Tennessee Named Top Choice for Retirement - Wednesday, May 08, 2013

Retirees considering where to spend their golden years might want to consider Tennessee.

That’s according to Bankrate.com, the personal finance website, which this week ranked Tennessee at the top of its list of the 10 best states for retirement. The site’s analysts crunched numbers in several categories, including cost of living, taxes, health care, crime and climate.

11. Suburbs Start Second Move To Ballot On Municipal Schools - Tuesday, May 07, 2013

Aldermen in five of the six suburban towns and cities in Shelby County began the move Monday, May 6, to a July 16 referendum date for a second round of referendums on forming municipal school districts possibly as early as the 2014-2015 school year.

12. Commission Receives Schools Financials - Monday, May 06, 2013

Shelby County Commissioners formally get the financials of Shelby County’s two public school systems Monday, May 6, in an action that is not expected to generate much debate.

But the financial statements for the fiscal year that ended June 30 is another step along the path toward the formal merger of both school systems effective at the end of the current fiscal year.

13. US Home Prices Up Most in Nearly 7 Years - Wednesday, May 01, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. home prices rose 9.3 percent in February compared with a year ago, the most in nearly seven years. The gains were driven by a growing number of buyers who bid on a limited supply of homes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

17. Amro Milestone Attributed to Seasoned Staff - Wednesday, April 17, 2013

For the music retailer that traces its history back to 1921 and to the second-floor Downtown studio Mil Averwater opened to give piano lessons, 2013 is a time of reflection, celebration and pride in a few impressive numbers.

18. FDA Finds Safety Issues at Specialty Pharmacies - Monday, April 15, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Food and Drug Administration says it has uncovered potential safety problems at 30 specialty pharmacies that were inspected in the wake of a recent outbreak of meningitis caused by contaminated drugs.

19. Magna Bank Adds Investment Services - Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Magna Bank has added investment services to its mix of offerings available for customers.

The bank now is working with Cary Allen, a representative of independent investment securities firm LPL Financial Services. Allen will be based in Magna’s Quail Hollow branch at 6525 Quail Hollow Road, but he’ll be available to meet with customers at any of Magna’s other branches if they need.

20. Lessons Learned - Tuesday, April 02, 2013

What happened 15 years ago outside the Shelby County Courthouse between the seated figures of justice and wisdom informed much of what happened Saturday, March 30, when a different Ku Klux Klan group, the American Knights, came to Memphis and rallied at the other southern entrance to the courthouse – between the seated figures of authority and liberty.

21. Troubling Trends Plague Grizzlies’ Recent Play - Friday, March 29, 2013

Maybe, just maybe, this will make you feel a less panicked about the state of the Grizzlies. In beating the Grizzlies, 108-101, the other night at Madison Square Garden, the New York Knicks led by as many as 30 in the first half yet saw the Grizzlies claw back to within 4 points in the final minute.

22. Hopson Goes ‘All In’ on Schools Post - Friday, March 29, 2013

Dorsey Hopson’s answer was quick and concise when he was asked Wednesday, March 27, if he wanted the job of being superintendent of the consolidated school system on a permanent basis.

“No,” Hopson said, as he stood with a “cabinet” of 10 school systems administrators from both school systems who will help him take city and county schools into the merger in the next four months.

23. Sales of New US Homes Slip 4.6 Percent in February - Wednesday, March 27, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – Sales of new homes fell in February after climbing to the highest level in more than four years in January.

Sales of new homes dropped to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 411,000 in February, the Commerce Department reported Tuesday. That is a decline of 4.6 percent from the January level of 431,000, which had been the strongest sales pace since September 2008.

24. XMC Reaches Anniversary, Expands in East Tennessee - Monday, March 25, 2013

XMC Inc., the second-largest Xerox dealer in the U.S., is celebrating 20 years in business and is currently expanding into new areas of East Tennessee.

25. Magna Bank Runs First Television Ad - Saturday, March 23, 2013

Starting this week, Magna Bank will begin airing a 30-second TV ad as part of its “We’re For You” print, online and broadcast advertising campaign.

26. Events - Saturday, March 23, 2013

The Cotton Museum will host Patrick O’Daniel, discussing his book “When the Levee Breaks: Memphis and the Mississippi Valley Flood of 1927,” Thursday, March 28, at 5 p.m. at the museum, 65 Union Ave. Cost is free and includes a complimentary museum tour and reception. Visit memphiscottonmuseum.org.

27. Look at the Facts, Not Rhetoric - Wednesday, March 20, 2013

CITE YOUR SOURCE. In human psychology, fear seems more legitimate than hope. Claims of “impending doom,” and “bursting bubbles” elicit fast emotional responses that seem impervious to critique. So many programs, speeches and advertisements prey on this phenomenon today.

28. Sales: PR’s Missing Ingredient - Wednesday, March 20, 2013

If your company’s contributions are more newsworthy than the media coverage generated, you could have a sales problem. That’s right, I said a “sales” problem.

The minimum cost of entry into a successful career in public relations is the ability to write. About 50 percent of those in the field have strong writing skills, capable of inspiring readers. Given the sheer volume of press releases crossing the average reporter’s desk each week, however, it’s clear that writing skills alone don’t land stories.

29. Magna Bank Runs First Television Ad - Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Starting this week, Magna Bank will begin airing a 30-second TV ad as part of its “We’re For You” print, online and broadcast advertising campaign.

30. US CEOs Optimistic about Economy - Saturday, March 16, 2013

Chief executives at the largest U.S. companies are much more optimistic about their sales prospects than they were three months ago, though many remain cautious about hiring.

The Business Roundtable said Wednesday that 72 percent of its members expect sales will increase in the next six months. That’s up from 58 percent at the end of last year.

31. 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.

32. US CEOs Optimistic About Economy - Thursday, March 14, 2013

Chief executives at the largest U.S. companies are much more optimistic about their sales prospects than they were three months ago, though many remain cautious about hiring.

The Business Roundtable said Wednesday that 72 percent of its members expect sales will increase in the next six months. That’s up from 58 percent at the end of last year. And 38 percent plan to invest more in plant and equipment, up from 30 percent in October-December quarter, when the Roundtable released its last report.

33. Kyle Gives Democrats Voice in GOP-Dominated Senate - Thursday, March 14, 2013

State Sen. Jim Kyle, D-Memphis, the Democratic leader of the Senate, sees things at the legislature these days he does not like.

34. Urbanization Equals Global Opportunities - Tuesday, March 05, 2013

The worldwide adoption of competition and capitalistic principles has unlocked tremendous prosperity growth. At the core of this prosperity movement are the unique advantages created by urbanizing the world’s population. Urban populations are more productive, more innovative and more efficient than their rural peers.

35. Family Values Drive Success at United Warehouse Transportation - Friday, March 01, 2013

United Warehouse Transportation, along with parent company United Warehouse & Transit Logistics, is riding an impressive wave of success over the past 18 months.

Near the end of 2011, UWT acquired a small local transportation company and formed United Warehouse Transportation, with projected annual revenues of $895,000. By the end of 2012, that number had grown to $6 million, and company CEO Chris Williams expects it to top $10 million by the summer.

36. Downshift - Wednesday, February 27, 2013

No company is completely immune to the effects of political squabbling in Washington, the stakes of which have intensified lately for the average taxpayer.

That includes even a company as seemingly unrelated to the political world as Memphis-based AutoZone Inc., the leading car parts retailer in the U.S.

37. AutoZone Blames Slower Sales on Tax Refund Delay, Winter Weather - Tuesday, February 26, 2013

No company is completely immune to the effects of political squabbling in Washington, the stakes of which have intensified lately for the average taxpayer.

That includes even a company as seemingly unrelated to the political world as Memphis-based AutoZone Inc., the leading car parts retailer in the U.S.

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

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

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

39. US Home Sales Rise to Second-Highest Pace in 3 Years - Friday, February 22, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. sales of previously occupied homes rose in January to the second-highest level in three years, a sign that the housing market is sustaining its recovery and helping bolster the economy.

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

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

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

41. Medtronic Debuts Next-Gen Pacemaker System - Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Medtronic Inc. is moving forward with the U.S. launch of its next-generation Advisa DR MRI SureScan pacemaker system, following recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval.

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

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

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

43. Burger King Feels Heat as Rivals Focus on Value - Monday, February 18, 2013

NEW YORK (AP) – A revamped menu helped boost Burger King's profit in the fourth quarter but now the world's second biggest hamburger chain says it needs to play up value more aggressively to compete with rivals.

44. For Love of Money - Thursday, February 14, 2013

The staples of a great Valentine’s Day with your sweetheart – flowers, candy and delicious food – equal big business for local establishments specializing in romantic fare.

Annual Valentine’s Day spending in the U.S. totals more than $13 billion, according to numbers from the Retail Advertising and Marketing Association and statisticsbrain.com. The average consumer spends $120 wooing that special someone on Valentine’s Day.

45. Saluting UNCF Founder Patterson - Friday, February 08, 2013

Black History Month celebrations are incomplete without a salute to nationally recognized fundraiser Dr. Frederick Douglass Patterson, founder of the United Negro College Fund. Named for abolitionist Frederick Douglass, Patterson was committed not only to fundraising but to collective fundraising that has changed the lives of generations of African-Americans.

46. Businesses, Schools to Participate in Citywide Weight Loss Challenge - Wednesday, February 06, 2013

Memphis businesses, school systems and individuals are gearing up to participate in the HealthyWage $10,000 Team Weight Loss Challenge, a citywide three-month weight-loss contest beginning Feb. 22 that will reward three top-performing Memphis teams with a total of $18,000.

47. Community Ties Into Elevator Pitch - Tuesday, February 05, 2013

Last week we highlighted the importance of being intentional to share hope-filled and uplifting stories that infuse positive energy into our community, so we can take control of our perspective and future. This week let us tie that positive perspective and our central theme of community engagement into a few tips that can help us refine our story and elevator pitches.

48. Super Ads - Tuesday, February 05, 2013

What will $126,000 buy you? Exactly one second of airtime during Super Bowl XLVII. This year 30-second spots sold for more than $3.8 million. That kind of investment puts momentous pressure on the big brands to break through the commercial clutter with a memorable ad that distinguishes the brand and drives targeted consumers to take action.

49. Events - Wednesday, January 30, 2013

The Prosperity Series Memphis will host U.S. Learning CEO and author Don Hutson Wednesday, Jan. 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. at Memphis Botanic Garden, 750 Cherry Road. Cost is free for members and $149 for nonmembers. R.S.V.P. to huey@uslearning.com or 767-0000.

50. Events - Tuesday, January 29, 2013

The Blues Foundation will host the 29th annual International Blues Challenge Tuesday, Jan. 29, through Saturday, Feb. 2, in Beale Street venues and other Downtown locations. Visit blues.org for a schedule and tickets.

51. Events - Monday, January 28, 2013

Luna Nova presents the Robert Patterson Memorial Concert Monday, Jan. 28, at 7 p.m. in the Hardie Auditorium of Palmer Hall at Rhodes College, 2000 North Parkway. The program includes a new work titled “Mountain Paths” as well as works by several well-known composers. Cost is free. Visit rhodes.edu/music for details.

52. Events - Saturday, January 26, 2013

The Blues Foundation will host the 29th annual International Blues Challenge Tuesday, Jan. 29, through Saturday, Feb. 2, in Beale Street venues and other Downtown locations. Visit blues.org for a full schedule and tickets.

53. Dyersburg Mall Sells for $4.4 Million - Thursday, January 24, 2013

The Dyersburg Mall has fetched $4.35 million after hitting the online auction block in November.

Yazoo, Miss.-based Action Properties LLC purchased the 191,038-square-foot regional shopping mall at 2700 Lake Road in Dyersburg, Tenn., under the entity Action Dyersburg LLC. The seller, Jackson, Miss.-based Mattiace Properties Inc., disposed of the asset under the entity Dyersburg Mall Co. LLC.

54. Stretched Care - Thursday, January 24, 2013

The Herb Kosten Foundation and the International Children’s Heart Foundation (ICHF) are two of many local health care-related nonprofit organizations that face ongoing funding challenges.

A November report from the Alliance for Nonprofit Excellence concluded that, in general, local nonprofits are facing increased costs for running operations, and some cannot fully meet the demand for their services because of funding constraints.

55. New Webinar Series Dissects Health Care Reform Rules - Wednesday, January 23, 2013

The employee benefits attorneys at Bass, Berry & Sims PLC hope their new free Affordable Care Act webinar series will educate employers and employees about the upcoming health care reform.

In the series, which began last week, they plan to demystify some of the confusion centering on the formation of the new insurance exchanges later this year and explore potential penalties for those that do not participate in the new system.

56. ‘Stable’ Foreclosures - Thursday, January 17, 2013

The Crowne Plaza Hotel at 300 N. Second St. sits on a little less than two acres near Interstate 40. The Shelby County Assessor of Property’s 2012 appraisal for the 11-story, 244-room hotel was $6.6 million.

57. Coca-Cola to Address Obesity for First Time in Ads - Tuesday, January 15, 2013

NEW YORK (AP) – Coca-Cola became one of the world's most powerful brands by equating its soft drinks with happiness. Now it's taking to the airwaves for the first time to address a growing cloud over the industry: obesity.

58. Crowne Plaza Hotel Sells Out of Foreclosure - Tuesday, January 08, 2013

300 N. Second St. Memphis, TN 38103

Sale Amount: $9.4 million

Sale Date: Dec. 28, 2012

59. UT Health Science Center Revives Bachelor of Nursing Program - Tuesday, January 08, 2013

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center plans to reactivate its baccalaureate program for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing beginning in the fall. The program was suspended in December 2009.

60. Forecasting 2013 in Sports - Friday, January 04, 2013

2013 Sports Forecast by the numbers: 1. The Grizzlies swing a deal before the trade deadline but are fined by the NBA when, out of habit, they try to trade O.J. Mayo.

2. The Memphis Airport is invited to join the Big East.

61. Fewer US Banks Fail as Industry Strengthens - Wednesday, January 02, 2013

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. banks ended 2012 with their best profits since 2006 and fewer failures than at any time since the financial crisis struck in 2008. They're helping support an economy slowed by high unemployment, flat pay, sluggish manufacturing and anxious consumers.

62. Turning the Page - Saturday, December 29, 2012

It’s that time of year again. It’s that time when journalists across the fruited plain collectively try and make God laugh – with our prognostications, of course, about the year ahead and of what might be.

63. Events - Saturday, December 29, 2012

The 54th AutoZone Liberty Bowl Football Classic, featuring Iowa State University vs. University of Tulsa, will be held Monday, Dec. 31, at 2:30 p.m. at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, 335 S. Hollywood St. The Temptations will perform at halftime. For a list of bowl week events, visit autozonelibertybowl.org.

64. Changes on Horizon for Achievement School District - Monday, December 31, 2012

As the Achievement School District added six low performing Memphis schools in December for the new school year that begins in August, the leader of the state-led district was in Memphis to deal with backlash in the community around one of the six existing Memphis Schools that have been part of the district since last August.

65. Hostess Expects to Split Up Snack Cakes in Sale - Wednesday, December 26, 2012

NEW YORK (AP) – Twinkies, Wonder Bread and Devil Dogs are likely to return to shelves in coming months, but probably not under the same owners.

Hostess Brands Inc. said in bankruptcy court last week that it's narrowing down the bids it received for its brands and expects to sell off its snack cakes and bread to separate buyers. The testimony came from an investment banker for Hostess, which is in the process of liquidating.

66. Storms Improve Outlook for Mississippi River - Friday, December 21, 2012

ST. LOUIS (AP) – A release of water from the Missouri River and recent snow and rain are offering some relief for the Mississippi River.

Though still dangerously low, the Mississippi River channel at St. Louis was roughly 12 feet deep on Thursday – up about a foot-and-a-half since Monday.

67. Perl Retires From Airport Board - Thursday, December 20, 2012

The Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority will begin the next year with an empty chairman’s seat as Arnold Perl retired Thursday, Dec. 20, after 31 years of service, including 16 years as the committee’s chairman.

68. FedEx Reports 12 Percent Earnings Drop - Thursday, December 20, 2012

Memphis-based FedEx Corp. on Wednesday, Dec. 19, reported second quarter net income of $438 million, down 12 percent from last year’s $497 million. The company attributed the income drop to several factors, including weakness in global markets, higher fuel costs and disruptions resulting from Superstorm Sandy.

69. FedEx Reports Earnings Drop, Buys More Planes - Wednesday, December 19, 2012

FedEx Corp. this morning reported revenue rose 5 percent to $11.1 billion for its fiscal second quarter, compared to $10.6 billion during the same period in 2011. Operating income dropped $718 million, 8 percent from $780 million last year.

70. Wimbish’s Goal: People Stopping in West Memphis - Monday, December 17, 2012

It’s hard to make an impression on a stream of speeding cars and trucks, but Ward Wimbish, the man responsible for growing West Memphis’ economic development, hopes to divert drive-thru traffic into town.

71. Hickory Hill Warehouse Sells for $15.7 Million - Tuesday, December 11, 2012

6380 Holmes Road Memphis, TN 38141

Sale Amount: $15.7 million

Sale Date: Dec. 5, 2012

72. US Bank Earnings Rise 6.6 Percent, Most in 6 Years - Wednesday, December 05, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. banks earned more from July through September than in any other quarter over the past six years. The increase is further evidence that the industry is strengthening four years after the 2008 financial crisis.

73. Triumph Bank Reports 15th Straight Profit - Monday, December 03, 2012

Triumph Bank has enjoyed one of the most consistent success stories among Memphis-area community banks.

Triumph, which was founded in 2005, has reported its 15th straight quarterly profit, meaning even 2008’s Great Recession was not enough to ding Triumph’s prospects.

74. Volunteer State - Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Sarah Petschonek grew up with the importance of volunteering instilled in her by her parents.

As children, she and her two younger siblings would pull a wagon around the Jacksonville, Fla., neighborhood where she grew up, handing out fliers and picking up canned goods for food drives.

75. Madison Automotive Wants to Brighten Holidays for Car Owners - Monday, November 26, 2012

Cars are indispensable necessities for many Memphians who don’t live close to their jobs. When they break down, the repairs often are costly and can force some tough choices to be made.

Many drivers are delaying those repairs. That’s according to Memphis-based AutoZone Inc., which says the average car on the road today is a little past the decade mark.

76. Bike Lane Boost - Monday, November 26, 2012

A year ago, city roads crews were wrapping up the installation of dedicated bike lanes on the two-mile stretch of Madison Avenue between McNeil and Cooper streets – the culmination of an extensive debate that included those radically for or radically against the two-wheeled route that entailed a major road diet and on-street parking.

77. Twinkies Maker Hostess Lives at Least Another Day - Wednesday, November 21, 2012

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (AP) – Twinkies will live to see another day.

Hostess Brands Inc. and its second largest union agreed on Monday to try to resolve their differences after a bankruptcy court judge noted that the parties hadn't gone through the critical step of private mediation. That means the maker of the spongy cake with the mysterious cream filling won't go out of business yet.

78. Five Big US Banks Cut Mortgage Balances by $6.3 Billion - Tuesday, November 20, 2012

LOS ANGELES (AP) – Five of the biggest U.S. banks have cut struggling homeowners' mortgage balances by $6.3 billion, part of a total $26.1 billion in home loan relief provided under a landmark settlement over foreclosure abuses.

79. Training Day - Monday, November 19, 2012

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

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

80. So Long, Hostess - Monday, November 19, 2012

Hostess Brands Inc. says it’s going out of business after striking workers across the country crippled its ability to make its Twinkies, Ding Dongs and other snacks.

81. Center City Revenue Finance Corp. Passes Financing for Downtown Buildings - Thursday, November 15, 2012

The Downtown Memphis Commission’s Center City Revenue Finance Corp. passed several housekeeping items at its Tuesday, Nov. 13, board meeting, including assigning a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) lease agreement to Montreal-based Olymbec USA LLC for Brinkley Plaza, 80 Monroe Ave.

82. Garland Sells Real Estate to Beat of His Own Drum - Friday, November 09, 2012

Chris Garland was drawn to the hustle and bustle of the real estate business in his early teens.

83. Shelby Early Vote Shows Cohen Winning - Two Tax Questions Losing - Wednesday, November 07, 2012

Early vote totals from Shelby County were released just before 10 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 6, after the vote count was delayed in part by long lines of voters waiting to vote at the 7 p.m. closing of polls.

84. Decision Day - Tuesday, November 06, 2012

The last election of 2012 will be one where questions continue to command as much attention if not more than candidates.

The polls are open Tuesday, Nov. 6, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Voters come to the polls in this election to vote in the presidential general election. That is what drives the only election cycle in which more than half of the county’s registered voters consistently show up.

85. Cash Clashes With State on Charter Schools - Thursday, November 01, 2012

Memphis City Schools Superintendent Kriner Cash warned countywide school board members Tuesday, Oct. 30, of what could be a second front in the clash between local school systems and Gov. Bill Haslam’s administration over charter schools.

86. Judge’s Ruling Moves Beale’s Future Forward - Thursday, November 01, 2012

For at least a year, a box containing copies of a report on the future of Beale Street has been in storage awaiting a settlement of the two levels of court disputes for control of the entertainment district.

87. Beale Street Bankruptcy Ruling Clears Way for City Control - Wednesday, October 31, 2012

More than two years after the city of Memphis reached a settlement with the company that managed and developed the Beale Street entertainment district, a federal bankruptcy court ruling Tuesday, Oct. 30, cleared the way for the city of Memphis to regain day to day control of the district.

88. City Sends Cease and Desist Letter in Voter ID Case - Wednesday, October 31, 2012

As national political pundits talked Tuesday, Oct. 30, about the impact of Hurricane Sandy on the Nov. 6 elections, a different kind of tempest raged between Memphis and Nashville over the state’s photo voter ID law.

89. Third-Quarter Earnings Vary Widely - Monday, October 29, 2012

Third-quarter earnings season is wrapping up, and the results have been all over the map for banks and financial institutions with ties to Memphis.

One common thread: many are still making money – an increase in profits, in fact. But the low interest rate environment is eating into how much some of them are able to achieve.

90. Regions Financial Shares Drop as Yields Shrink - Wednesday, October 24, 2012

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Regions Financial Corp. on Tuesday posted sharply higher third-quarter earnings, as the regional bank set aside less cash to cover loan losses. But its shares fell sharply in morning trading after the results showed record-low interest rates cut into interest income from loan and deposits.

91. Sullivan Branding Celebrates Year of Integration - Wednesday, October 24, 2012

In Sullivan Branding’s new digs in the Toyota Center, matted images depicting what inspires each employee adorn the walls.

Principal and CEO Brian Sullivan’s contribution is a picture of Mount Everest. But he’s not actually inspired by the daunting mountain itself or the 2,000 people who have climbed it.

92. Race for the Cure Marks 20th Local Event - Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Pink is prevalent during the month of October, but don’t let its playful, flirtatious demeanor mislead you. The thousands of Mid-Southerners who will be wearing it this weekend are strong, resilient and determined. And they are waging a fierce battle against breast cancer.

93. Cohen, Fincher Discuss Issues at Krone - Monday, October 22, 2012

U.S. Reps. Steve Cohen and Stephen Fincher couldn’t be more different.

For starters, Cohen is a Democrat and Fincher is a Republican. Both are the congressmen who represent Shelby County in Washington. Cohen’s district is entirely within Shelby County. Fincher’s district is rural West Tennessee for the most part, with a part of East Memphis and East Shelby County included.

94. Hospital Liens Escalate in Third Quarter - Monday, October 22, 2012

Circuit Court filings for the third quarter of 2012 were up from a year ago while Chancery and Probate Court filings were down.

The filings for the three civil courts, as followed by The Daily News Online, www.memphisdailynews.com, also included a spike in hospital liens filed in Circuit Court.

95. TV Host Campaigns for Arkansas Medical Marijuana Plan - Friday, October 19, 2012

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) – Talk show host Montel Williams on Thursday accused opponents of an Arkansas ballot measure that would legalize medical marijuana of resorting to "racist" imagery with a television ad featuring an African-American actor portraying a drug dealer.

96. Wells Fargo Earnings Rise as Loan Book Grows - Monday, October 15, 2012

Wells Fargo posted record earnings in the third quarter as the bank increased mortgage lending and pocketed more fees.

Wells, the nation's biggest mortgage lender, expanded its loan portfolio by making new loans to consumers. It collected more interest on loans than in the same period a year earlier.

97. Triumph Bank Turns in Another Profit - Monday, October 15, 2012

It’s hiring, making plenty of new loans, growing its pool of assets, opening new offices – and enjoying a now long-unbroken run in profitability.

Triumph Bank’s latest quarterly numbers are in, and the result is the bank ending comfortably in the black for the 14th straight quarter. The bank in recent weeks presented its second quarter financials to shareholders. And they included raising more than $12 million in new capital, money that was used to purchase investments and for other general corporate purposes.

98. 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.

99. 30-Year Mortgage Rate Hits Record 3.36 Percent - Friday, October 05, 2012

WASHINGTON (AP) – Average U.S. rates on fixed mortgages fell to fresh record lows for the second straight week. The declines have led more homeowners to refinance, a trend that could help jumpstart the economy.

100. Grassroots Effort - Thursday, October 04, 2012

Approaching the second anniversary of “New Face for an Old Broad” and the Historic Broad Avenue Business Association’s painting of its own bike lanes, the Binghampton district has seen activity increase exponentially on several fronts.