VOL. TMN-5 | NO. 50 | Saturday, December 8, 2012
THE MEMPHIS NEWS
As busiest day in history nears, FedEx changes course in hopes of saving money
On Dec. 10 FedEx Corp. is expected to have its busiest day in the 40-year history of the global shipping company.
Charles Riley is a Memphian breaking new ground in modern dance.
Triumph Bank has enjoyed one of the most consistent success stories among Memphis-area community banks.
FedEx Corp. took another step Tuesday, Dec. 4, in its reaction to a slow growth global economy as well as its own desires to make major changes to the oldest division of the Memphis-based global corporate giant.
AutoZone Inc. reported lower-than-expected sales during its fiscal first quarter ended Nov. 17, partly the result of a warmer-than-expected winter that resulted in less of a need to replace car components because of parts wearing out.
Annual ‘festival of light’ show brings crowds to Shelby Farms
It’s been in the works for an entire year. More than 130,000 visitors are expected to drive through the Starry Nights holiday light show at Shelby Farms Park this year. And when they do, they’ll see the handiwork of volunteers who have been building dozens of set pieces starting as early as February.
Students and public schools in Shelby County’s six suburban towns and cities are almost certainly going to be part of the consolidated Shelby County public school system that debuts in August.
The residential housing market is recovering, but traditional real estate agents may not be, according to one agent who began at the height of the economic collapse.
Two Mid-South doctors with an eye for nature photography and exotic locales opened their new art show on South Main Street last week.
A year ago, Loeb Properties Inc. was granted the green light from Memphis City Council for the funds necessary to construct a parking lot and detention pond west of Cooper Street – the last component in the more than $30 million public/private partnership to revitalize the once thriving Overton Square district.
Momtrepreneurs creating own ways to business success
In 2009, Charity Helvie, 35, left a successful career in the investment industry to start a home-based business, MadiBella, a custom clothing boutique featuring her handmade children’s clothes and women’s accessories.
There still will be nine Memphis police precincts with the new year. But they will each have six wards, new boundaries and handle something closer to the same amount of calls.
As suburban mayors were scheduled to meet this week to talk over their options, the consolidation of all public schools in Shelby County that begins in August began to show signs of a shift.
A week after they won a major argument in the federal court fight over municipal school districts, Shelby County Commissioners approved Monday, Dec. 3, an additional $473,549 from its contingency fund to pay its legal fees in the lawsuit.
Area groups promote food label awareness
Two organizations are combating the area’s obesity crisis and promoting healthier lifestyles by placing an emphasis on food label education.
Dr. Jon McCullers unveiled plans for a Center for Excellence in Pediatric Obesity at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital at the recent Healthy Memphis Common Table Let’s Change Summit.
Memphis’ economy and commercial real estate industry is recovering, but not as fast as other places – like Nashville.
At least from a regulatory perspective, the fog is starting to lift on what the next several years will bring in the way of employment law changes and updates.
Four city golf courses were scheduled to close for the winter season on Dec. 1, with one of the four – Whitehaven – to close permanently.
South Memphis Alliance increasing community impact
Reginald Milton calls it the “dirty little secret” of nonprofits whose mission is to provide social services.
Mississippi River water levels approaching historic lows in the Mid-South are expected to rise during the next few weeks due to increased precipitation to the northeast.
High-end clothier chain Brooks Brothers plans to open a new location at The Shops of Saddle Creek West in Germantown.
Google has extended its Street View technology inside select shops and businesses around the country.
Construction sounds coming from a museum can be jarring, even when you know the exhibits are protected or have been moved.
Any metaphorical picture of the Tigers’ Geron Johnson requires that he hold a basketball in one hand and baggage in the other.
His team had been on his back all night long. Now, with 1:50 left in overtime and the Grizzlies up by five points, Zach Randolph was about to score the last of his 38 points.
Commercial real estate is making a strong come back for one Memphis brokerage firm as previously shelved projects come roaring back to life.
6525 Quince Road Memphis, TN 38119
MEMPHIS NEWSMAKERS
Myra Gammon has joined Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare as a business development account manager for Community Care Associates. In her new role, Gammon is responsible for the development and management of the Occupational Health and Wellness Services program.
MEMPHIS LAW TALK
Charles McGhee of Shea Moskovitz & McGhee PLC grew up in a family dedicated to service.
MEMPHIS STANDOUT
When Nikki Lekhy talks about Memphis, she speaks with the pride and knowledge usually heard in the voices of older residents who have been around for years and witnessed decades of changes.
LOCAL COLUMNISTS
There are those who continually improve their knowledge and skills and have accumulated 30 years experience. And then there are those who simply repeat their initial year of experience 30 times, learning very little along the way.
Last week we shared some easy holiday givebacks with The Exchange Club Family Center, SRVS, Shield Inc. and Youth Villages. Keeping the spirit alive, this week let us share more ways you can celebrate the holidays while giving back, at the same time.
Author, motivational speaker and consummate salesman Zig Ziglar died in late November at the age of 86. Heralding from Yazoo City, Miss., Ziglar impacted the lives of salespeople worldwide. His influence was undeniable and his legacy, long lasting. This compilation of “Zigisms” is in celebration of his life’s work. May they bring you inspiration.
Business banter talks a lot about “the process for innovation,” which is usually referenced in the singular and stated definitively, leaving most business leaders scratching their heads. It makes us think that there is one correct process, the secret sauce that top companies have and follow. There are actually thousands of innovation processes, none of which have been quantified or proven to be the most effective. There is no one size fits all.
Beneath the “fiscal cliff” debate is a fundamental battle of philosophy. Liberal economics prioritizes equality, while conservative economics prioritizes efficiency. Migration toward either of these polls contains costs and benefits. Below is an excerpt from a tax study of developed nations commissioned by the Paris based OECD:
Ray’s Take No matter what your position on global warming, going green and using fewer natural resources still makes sense. Why not preserve as much quality of the air, water, and earth as possible for our grandchildren? It’s another form of saving for the future. Plus, a lot of times it can save you money as well.
In a recent newspaper article, a basketball coach is quoted: “I think our guys are champing at the bit to get back on the court.” The context was aptly suggested by the lead: “It’s been a long break between games … .” The team hasn’t played in nine days. They’re eager to get back into competition. They are champing at the bit. Congrats, coach! Your usage of the phrase is perfect!
START. STOP. START SOMETHING NEW. There we were in our shirtsleeves, playing golf on a 70-degree Saturday in December, when my old friend, cart mate and Republican said, “I could get used to this global warming stuff.” Unable to resist the smart-ass opening I had just been provided, I replied, “Must be tough on you guys these days – not only do you have to admit to global warming, you have to throw Grover and the pledge under the elephant.”
Part two of a two-part series on year-end fundraising Year-end giving is in full swing. Amid the hustle and bustle of the holidays nonprofits are busy soliciting. Email, direct mail, TV and in-person solicitations are on in full force. Competition for the philanthropic dollar is fierce as organizations seek to encourage our generosity. Our heartstrings are pulled at, and it is easy – and good! – to impulsively give. With just a “click” on a link we can make a difference in no time flat.