VOL. 128 | NO. 35 | Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Medtronic Inc. announced on Tuesday, Feb. 19, higher than anticipated revenues of more than $4 billion for its fiscal third quarter ended Jan. 25, marking an increase of 3 percent as reported compared to the same period last year.
Master of Social Work graduates facing bright job prospects
Twenty graduate students this spring will become the first to graduate with a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Memphis.
A new craft brewery is coming to one of Memphis’ up-and-coming areas – the Broad Avenue Historic District.
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.
EdR reported a net income of $4.8 million in the fourth quarter, compared to a $5.8 million loss during 2011’s fourth quarter.
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.
The ZeroTo510 startup accelerator is now accepting applications from entrepreneurs who’d like to be part of the program’s sophomore season.
The countywide school board voted down two attempts to add resolutions to its agenda Monday, Feb. 18, including one seeking a year’s extension of the August 2013 schools merger start date and another seeking to slow the process while still meeting the date.
MEMPHIS NEWSMAKERS
Dorchelle T. Spence has been promoted to vice president at Riverfront Development Corp. Spence, who formerly served as director of communications, will assume broader organizational responsibilities to focus on providing strategic direction in addition to marketing, public relations, advertising, community relations, programming and government relations.
LOCAL COLUMNISTS
Marketing opportunities change so rapidly these days that it can be tough to keep up. If you’re unsure whether your brand is setting the pace or falling behind, take a look at the following marketing strategies to avoid in 2013.
When consulting with clients here in the Memphis area, we often have to deliver the bad news first. This bitter pill usually comes in the form of a Sunset Analysis that details when the client’s once market-leading products will be costing more to keep in production than generating revenue.
Buyer Intent Building By some analysis, the last two weeks have exhibited the lowest stock market volatility since 1986. While sideways markets are boring, they also reduce anxieties. On average, since 1980, the S&P 500 experienced intra-year declines of 15 percent.
STATEWIDE
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) – The trustees of Chattanooga's public hospital have chosen Kevin Spiegel as the new chief executive officer.
STATE GOVERNMENT
NASHVILLE (AP) – A measure that would allow Tennessee to approach Congress about forming the state's own health care system has failed a second consecutive year after opponents said Tuesday it's unnecessary and could hurt the state's other health initiatives.
NASHVILLE (AP) – A plan that would let state officials overrule local school board decisions about charter schools in the state's two largest cities is being sharply criticized.
REGIONAL
VICKSBURG, Miss. (AP) – After a two-barge tow carrying 1.5 million gallons of oil hit the U.S. Highway 80 bridge in the early morning hours of Jan. 27, Coast Guard officials had to rely on a Vicksburg industry to respond.
NATIONAL GOVERNMENT
WASHINGTON (AP) – The Supreme Court will hear a challenge to campaign finance laws limiting how much an individual can give to political campaigns.
WASHINGTON (AP) – The Supreme Court appeared likely Tuesday to side with Monsanto Co. in its claim that an Indiana farmer violated the company's patents on soybean seeds that are resistant to its weed-killer.
REAL ESTATE
LOS ANGELES (AP) – Confidence among U.S. homebuilders slipped this month from the 6.5-year high it reached in January, with many builders reporting less traffic by prospective customers before the critical spring home-buying season.