E-commerce growth is driving FedEx’s plans to add 55,000 employees this holiday season, increase workers’ hours and permanently run its U.S. ground parcel operation six days a week.

The Memphis-based company announced the moves Wednesday, Sept. 12, as it ramps up for what’s expected to be another record package volume during the peak season from Thanksgiving to Christmas.

2. Some Tennessee Lawmakers Living the Life - Thursday, September 13, 2018

Early in his U.S. Senate campaign, former governor Phil Bredesen shied away from talking about his opponent, Republican U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn, preferring to focus instead on ideas.

3. Memphis in May Adds Four to Festival Board - Saturday, September 8, 2018

Memphis in May International Festival is adding four members to its board of directors for the 2019 festival.

They are Dow McVean, principal of McVean Trading and Investments; Al Gossett, president and CEO of Gossett Motor Cars; Ron Cohen, territory account manager for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. and Pat Kerr Tigrett, chairwoman, president and CEO of Pat Kerr Inc. and a past Memphis in May board member.

4. U of M Explores Medical School at Lambuth Campus - Saturday, September 8, 2018

The University of Memphis is exploring the feasibility of adding a doctor of osteopathic medicine school to its Lambuth campus in Jackson. Students who earn a doctor of osteopathic medicine degree are fully licensed physicians who focus on primary care and wellness.

5. U of M Explores Medical School at Lambuth Campus - Friday, September 7, 2018

The University of Memphis is exploring the feasibility of adding a doctor of osteopathic medicine school to its Lambuth campus. Students who earn a doctor of osteopathic medicine degree are fully licensed physicians who focus on primary care and wellness.

6. Memphis in May Adds Four to Festival Board - Tuesday, September 4, 2018

Memphis in May International Festival is adding four members to its board of directors for the 2019 festival.

They are Dow McVean, principal of McVean Trading and Investments; Al Gossett, president and CEO of Gossett Motor Cars; Ron Cohen, territory account manager for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. and Pat Kerr Tigrett, chairwoman, president and CEO of Pat Kerr Inc. and a past Memphis in May board member.

7. Caffeine Hit for Coca-Cola as it Buys Costa Coffee Chain - Monday, September 3, 2018

LONDON (AP) — Coca-Cola is hoping for a caffeine-fueled boost with the acquisition of British coffee chain Costa.

The soda giant said Friday it is spending $5.1 billion in cash for Britain's biggest coffee company. Costa has more than 2,400 coffee shops in the U.K. and 1,400 others in more than 30 countries, including around 460 in China, its second-biggest market.

8. Accounting for Music - Wednesday, August 29, 2018

For veteran accountant and accomplished musician Steve Dunavant, balancing his two passions – music and accounting – is easy. For more than 20 years, he has maintained music as a side gig, playing multiple instruments around town, recording albums, and creating a music label and recording studio to help showcase Memphis musicians. During his weekdays, he crunches numbers as CBIZ senior managing director.

9. El Salvador, Taiwan Break Ties as China Isolates Island Foe - Wednesday, August 22, 2018

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwan broke off diplomatic ties with El Salvador on Tuesday as the Central American country defected to rival Beijing in the latest blow to the self-ruled island China has been trying to isolate on the global stage.

10. When You Max Out Your 401(k) - Friday, August 17, 2018

Ray’s Take: According to Bloomberg, only 41 percent of workers are saving in a 401(k) at the 79 percent of American companies that offer a plan to their employees. So if you are one of the 41 percent of Americans contributing to a 401(k), good work. And if you are contributing the maximum amount, which was $18,500 for 2018, you’re even better off, and certainly making progress towards a better retirement.

11. Lake District Developers Acquire Last Bits of Land - Saturday, August 11, 2018

Gilad Development Inc., doing business as Lake District Holdings TN Inc., has closed on the last parcels of land for its sprawling Lakeland development for a little over $7 million.

12. U of M Secures Record $23.1M in Academic Funds - Saturday, August 11, 2018

The University of Memphis has secured a record $23.1 million in academic commitments during the fiscal year that ended June 30.

The total mount raised surpasses its previous fundraising record of $21.1 million in fiscal year 2015.

13. Concern in Arkansas Town Highlights Trade Fears Across U.S. - Thursday, August 9, 2018

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. (AP) — A Chinese company's announcement two years ago that it would spend more than $1 billion and hire hundreds of workers for a paper mill on the outskirts of this rural college town was seen as a much-needed shot in the arm for the region's economy.

14. Lake District Developers Acquire Last Bits of Land - Wednesday, August 8, 2018

Gilad Development Inc., doing business as Lake District Holdings TN Inc., has closed on the last parcels of land for its sprawling Lakeland development for a little over $7 million.

15. U of M Secures Record $23M In Academic Fundraising - Wednesday, August 8, 2018

The University of Memphis has secured a record $23.1 million in academic commitments during the fiscal year that ended June 30, surpassing its previous fundraising record of $21.1 million in fiscal year 2015.

16. Police HQ No Longer in Running for Second Convention Center Hotel - Tuesday, August 7, 2018

The Civic Center Plaza building that is currently Memphis Police Department headquarters is out of the running to be the site of a second convention center hotel.

“That site was contemplated in the beginning. It’s no longer in the running,” Downtown Memphis Commission president Jennifer Oswalt said of 170 N. Main St. on the WKNO/Channel 10 program “Behind The Headlines.”

17. Long, Winding Road - Saturday, August 4, 2018

Considered by many to be the main artery of Memphis’ robust logistical and distribution network, the Lamar Avenue Corridor has long been clogged by its own narrow lanes and outdated capacity. 

18. Trump administration considering tax break on capital gains - Wednesday, August 1, 2018

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is studying the idea of implementing a big tax break for wealthy Americans by reducing the taxes levied on capital gains, but no decision has been made yet on whether to proceed.

19. Chamber Taps New Economic Development SVP - Tuesday, July 31, 2018

With a new focus on proactive rather than reactive recruitment, the Greater Memphis Chamber has hired Eric Miller as its new senior vice president of economic development. 

With nearly two decades of local and regional economic development experience, Miller was chosen after an extensive national search conducted by the chamber. 

20. In His Final Months as Tennessee Governor, Haslam Reflects on His Education Legacy - Monday, July 30, 2018

While Gov. Bill Haslam entered office as an education-minded leader intent on reforms, much of his administration’s K–12 public school work has focused on holding the line on sweeping policies launched under his predecessor.

21. Local Sushi Chain Renovating Old TGI Fridays - Saturday, July 28, 2018

A plumbing permit has been filed to begin remodeling the closed TGI Fridays on Winchester Avenue.

The permit was filed by North Eastern Plumbing Co. LLC and did not provide additional details other than a description of “remodel restaurant.”

22. Local Sushi Chain Renovating Old TGI Fridays - Thursday, July 26, 2018

A plumbing permit has been filed to begin remodeling the closed TGI Fridays on Winchester Avenue.

The permit was filed by North Eastern Plumbing Co. LLC and did not provide additional details other than a description of “remodel restaurant.”

23. Memphis’ Youngest Students Show Reading Gains On 2018 State Tests – And That’s A Big Deal - Monday, July 23, 2018

Those working to improve early literacy rates in Shelby County Schools got a small morale boost Thursday as newly released scores show the district’s elementary school students improved their reading on 2018 state tests.

24. JLL Circling Again Just When State Workers Felt Safe from Outsourcing - Thursday, July 19, 2018

Just when workers at the state’s college campuses thought it was safe to go back in the water, corporate sharks are once again circling.

Jones Lang LaSalle, the state’s contractor for facilities management and grounds, asked to make proposals at Tennessee’s 13 junior colleges to see if it can take over. Tennessee’s colleges of applied technology are believed to be in the mix, too.

25. Billionaires Fuel US Charter Schools Movement - Tuesday, July 17, 2018

SEATTLE (AP) – Dollar for dollar, the beleaguered movement to bring charter schools to Wash-ington state has had no bigger champion than billionaire Bill Gates.

26. Survey of Economists: US Sales and Employment Likely to Grow - Tuesday, July 17, 2018

DETROIT (AP) – Most U.S. business economists expect corporate sales to grow over the next three months and hiring and pay to rise with them.

But a majority of the economists surveyed by the National Association for Business Economics say the corporate tax cuts that the Trump administration pushed through Congress have yet to affect their plans for hiring or investment. The administration had promoted its tax cuts, which were heavily tilted toward corporations and wealthy individuals, as likely to raise worker pay and promote corporate investment and expansion over time.

27. FCC Commissioner Tours Baptist eICU to Learn About Telemedicine - Monday, July 16, 2018

It may sound like science fiction, but doctors at Baptist Memorial Health Care Corp. recently saved a patient from becoming paralyzed by essentially Skyping with an infectious diseases specialist.

28. Treasury Bonds, Savings Bonds are Gifts That Keep on Giving - Friday, July 13, 2018

Ray’s Take: U.S. savings bonds were once considered the ugly duckling of personal investments. It seemed the only time people bought them was when they were feeling super patriotic or when you couldn’t think of a better gift to give someone. Growing up, I remember them being a popular gift for newborns – the thought being that as the baby grows so does the money.

29. What If? Preparing For The Future - Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Do you know what the future will hold? How do you plan for future opportunities and challenges that may not be known and might not materialize? Is it a waste of time, or important work?

While no one can predict the future, we can prepare for potential opportunities and challenges. Taking time with board members, volunteers, staff and community leaders can help your organization consider future possibilities. Some changes are likely, others unknown. Think about what data you may need to review to help you understand potential changes in demographics, economics, government programs, law, policy, the arts and the environment. There’s a lot to consider. You can’t think of everything, but you can build future thinking into the life of your organization.

30. New Mississippi laws target dogfighting, left-lane driving - Monday, July 2, 2018

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Several new laws are taking effect Sunday in Mississippi. They are listed with bill numbers used during the legislative session.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE — House Bill 387 requires Mississippi officials to study sentencing disparities and juvenile detention. It lowers some criminal penalties and says courts can't imprison people for failing to pay fines they can't afford. It also lets judges impose lesser sentences on some third-time felons.

31. Bain Capital Buying Varsity Brands for $2.5B - Saturday, June 23, 2018

Memphis-based Varsity Brands Inc. is being purchased by Bain Capital Private Equity in a deal Varsity says will help it "accelerate our growth to the next level."

32. Tiger Hoops Sees Boost In Season Ticket Sales - Wednesday, June 20, 2018

Mark Cockerell saw his fill of University of Memphis basketball last season – and admitted it wasn’t on his nickel. “Went to almost all the games with tickets I got at work,” said Cockerell, who works for FedEx. “There were always lots of unused tickets floating around.”

33. Bain Capital Buying Varsity Brands for $2.5B - Tuesday, June 19, 2018

Memphis-based Varsity Brands Inc. is being purchased by Bain Capital Private Equity in a deal Varsity says will help it "accelerate our growth to the next level."

34. What Do Statewide Candidates Say About Health Care in Tennessee? - Tuesday, June 19, 2018

According to Think Tennessee’s State of Our State dashboard, the state ranks near the bottom in the number of adults with heart disease, obesity and diabetes. It also ranks near the bottom of all states for the health of senior citizens, infant mortality, number of adults who smoke, and at the absolute bottom in childhood obesity. Tennesseans are, on the whole, not healthy. What can and should our next political leaders do about it?

35. Startups Dive Into 2018 Summer of Acceleration - Friday, June 15, 2018

Now in their fourth year as partners on the Summer of Acceleration entrepreneurial program, EPIcenter, Start Co. and Memphis Bioworks Foundation are helping to foster success for promising startup companies across different industries.

36. Harris and Lenoir Clash in First General Election Mayoral Debate - Thursday, June 14, 2018

The two contenders for Shelby County mayor on the Aug. 2 ballot differed Wednesday, June 13, on leadership experience and whether county government has been breaking ground on important issues or has taken too long to act on those issues.

37. Corky’s BBQ Eyes Southeast Expansion Under New Partnership - Thursday, June 14, 2018

More and more people across the Southeast will be getting the chance to enjoy Memphis-style barbecue thanks to a new partnership announced Friday between Corky’s BBQ and Dobbs Equity Partners LLC. The deal will help Corky’s to expand its corporate-owned brick-and-mortar footprint, with plans to open 15 additional stores over the next three years, as well as invest and expand the Corky’s food manufacturing and distribution operations.

38. Line Between ‘Get Out the Vote,’ ‘Crossover’ Melts In Campaign Heat - Tuesday, June 12, 2018

Get Out The Vote – the plan known among politicos by the shorthand GOTV – has slipped across the line that separates it from “crossover” – the sometimes-controversial act of pushing to get those on the other side of the partisan divide to cross political lines and vote for the other party’s nominee.

39. Lake District Lands Malco Theater, Former Benchmark Seeks New Life - Monday, June 11, 2018

3536 Canada Road,
Lakeland, TN 38002

Tenant: Malco Theatres Inc.

Tenant’s Agent: Michael Lightman, Michael Lightman Realty

Landlord: The Lake District

40. Laurenzi Joins Baker Donelson After Long Career as Prosecutor - Monday, June 11, 2018

Larry Laurenzi describes himself as a “litigator” – meaning much of his 35-year career in the Memphis U.S. Attorney’s office was about the courtroom – going to trial or preparing to go to trial.

41. $20M Permit Filed For Bakery Apartments - Saturday, June 9, 2018

The team redeveloping the Wonder Bread bakery and several nearby properties has filed a $20 million building permit application for the apartment portion of the $73 million mixed-use project.

LRK was tapped to handle the design work, while Montgomery Martin Contractors will head up the construction.

42. $20M Permit Filed for Bakery Apartments - Friday, June 8, 2018

The team redeveloping the Wonder Bread bakery and several nearby properties has filed a $20 million building permit application for the apartment portion of the $73 million mixed-use project.

LRK was tapped to handle the design work, while Montgomery Martin Contractors will head up the construction.

43. Few Ripples to End City Hall’s Budget Season - Thursday, June 7, 2018

The Memphis City Council gave final approval Tuesday, June 5, to a $685 million city operating budget, an $87 million capital budget and a $3.19 city property tax rate.

The votes ended City Hall’s budget season with few changes to the budget proposed by Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland for the fiscal year that begins July 1.

44. City Council Approves $685M City Budget, Takes City Tax Rate to $3.19 - Wednesday, June 6, 2018

The Memphis City Council gave final approval Tuesday, June 5, to a $685 million city operating budget, an $87 million capital budget and a $3.19 city property tax rate.

The votes ended City Hall’s budget season with few changes by the council to the budget proposed by Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland for the fiscal year that begins July 1.

45. Sears to Close Another 72 Stores as Sales Plunge - Friday, June 1, 2018

NEW YORK (AP) – Sears will close another 72 stores as sales shrink and losses grow, an announcement that has become a familiar refrain as the company retrenches.

The beleaguered retailer, which operates Kmart and Sears stores, said it has identified about 100 stores that are no longer turning a profit, and the majority of those locations will be shuttered soon.

46. County Commission Asked to Fill SCS Budget Gap - Thursday, May 31, 2018

With the Shelby County Schools system’s $1 billion budget delivered to Shelby County commissioners Wednesday, May 30, county government’s consolidated budget started to come into focus.

47. Memphis Manufacturer Classic American Hardwoods Still Thriving - Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Classic American Hardwoods could just as easily be called Classic American Success Story. The latter name fits just about as well as the former.

The privately held company in late April received the Small Business Exporter of the Year Award from the Washington, D.C.-based Export-Import Bank of the United States.

48. Are Nonprofits For ‘Them’ Or For Everyone? - Tuesday, May 29, 2018

The impact of the nonprofit sector can be felt in all aspects of our individual and collective lives. We may not always see that impact, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t there.

Direct services, advocacy, education, research and performing arts are but a few of the types of organizations with impact that rolls, ripples and roars across our country and beyond our borders.

49. Bitcoin Fans Rave, But Understand It’s Still a Risky Business - Monday, May 28, 2018

By now, anyone who follows Wall Street even slightly has heard of cryptocurrency and its most famous spawn – bitcoin, which launched in 2009 but grabbed headlines last year for its wild swings in valuation.

50. Last Word: One Beale Changes, Treedom and Motel Mirrors in Cooper Young - Thursday, May 24, 2018

For all of the expectation and ambition present in a Memphis where Crosstown Concourse is almost a year old, Shelby Farms Park is an institution and the local economy in general has shaken off a lingering recession that wanted a rent to own deal – there may be some limits to our ambition. At least the scope of some of our ambition, which brings us to the One Beale project at Beale and Riverside.

51. If Only Legislators Could Focus on Important Issues - Thursday, May 24, 2018

A year-old law enabling Tennessee colleges and universities to keep secret the “proprietary” fees they pay money managers for handling risky investments is likely to be reviewed this year.

52. Sweet for Necco: 3 New Bidders Emerge in Wafer Maker's Sale - Wednesday, May 23, 2018

REVERE, Mass. (AP) – Three new bidders have stepped in with offers to buy the bankrupt manufacturer of Necco Wafers, Sweethearts and other iconic candies.

There are now four offers for Massachusetts-based Necco, or New England Confectionery Co., at a bankruptcy auction scheduled for Wednesday in Boston.

53. Faropoint, Belz Sell of Part of Retail Portfolio - Monday, May 21, 2018

7501 Goodman Road, Olive Branch, MS 38654 and 7685 Hacks Cross Road, Olive Branch, MS 38654:  Faropoint Ventures continues to remain active in the Greater Memphis Area with the sale of two Olive Branch retail centers for a combined $9.24 million.

54. Sears Explores Sale Of Kenmore, Other Assets - Saturday, May 19, 2018

Sears Holdings Corp. is considering selling its storied Kenmore brand along with other related assets.

The ailing company, which operates Sears and Kmart department stores, says a special committee of its board is exploring the sale after the retailer received a letter from its largest shareholder, ESL Investments, headed by Sears chairman and CEO Edward Lampert, expressing interest in all or some of the assets.

55. Jernigan Capital Names Chief Investment Officer - Saturday, May 19, 2018

Jernigan Capital Inc., a Memphis-based real estate investment trust that provides debt and equity capital for self-storage facilities, has named Jonathan Perry executive vice president and chief investment officer. He is expected to join the company in early June.

56. Faropoint Sells Two Olive Branch Retail Centers - Saturday, May 19, 2018

Faropoint Ventures continues to remain active in the greater Memphis area with the sale of two Olive Branch retail centers for a combined $9.2 million.

NAI Saig Co. executive vice president Brian Califf and Elliot Embry negotiated the sale of the more than 54,000 square feet of retail space by representing Faropoint in the deal.

57. UT Lobbied to Keep Details of Investments Secret - Friday, May 18, 2018

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) – Records show that the University of Tennessee has pumped millions from its endowment into private investment funds, including many in the Cayman Islands.

The USA Today Tennessee Network reports that the school successfully lobbied state lawmakers to pass a law to make details about these types of investments secret from the public.

58. Grant Awarded For Auto Museum - Thursday, May 17, 2018

A facade improvement grant for a new automotive museum near Sun Studio was approved by the Downtown Memphis Commission’s Center City Development Corp. on Wednesday, May 16, clearing the way for Richard Vining’s $1.4 million renovation project at 645 Marshall Ave. to begin.

59. Faropoint Sells Two Olive Branch Retail Centers for Almost $10M - Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Faropoint Ventures continues to remain active in the Greater Memphis Area with the sale of two Olive Branch retail centers for a combined $9.24 million.

NAI Saig Co. executive vice president Brian Califf and Elliot Embry negotiated the sale of the more than 54,000 square feet of retail space by representing Faropoint in the deal.

60. Jernigan Capital Names Chief Investment Officer - Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Jernigan Capital Inc., a Memphis-based real estate investment trust that provides debt and equity capital for self-storage facilities, has named Jonathan Perry executive vice president and chief investment officer. He is expected to join the company in early June.

61. Sears: Committee Explores Sale of Kenmore, Other Assets - Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Sears Holdings Corp. is considering selling its storied Kenmore brand along with other related assets.

62. Corporate Leaders Are True Partners - Tuesday, May 15, 2018

“What can we do to help?” That was the question asked by a corporate representative at a conference we attended last week.

We were in Winston-Salem, participating in the State of Black North Carolina conference. We fell in love with the people, energy and positive, forward thinking. We were surrounded by people – including high school students and senior citizens – all of whom were asking questions, offering solutions, sharing history and strategizing.

63. Postal Service: More Financial Loss as Mail Delivery Slumps - Monday, May 14, 2018

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. Postal Service reported another quarterly loss on Friday after an unrelenting drop in mail volume and costs of its health care and pension obligations outweighed strong gains in package deliveries.

64. What Do Statewide Candidates Say About Rural Tennessee? - Saturday, May 12, 2018

Like most of America, Tennessee’s metropolitan areas have prospered during the last eight years, while the rural areas have lagged in almost every measure. The state has 19 of its 95 counties classified as “distressed.” What can and should we do to give every Tennessean a chance to succeed?

65. Tech Leaders Seek More Focus on AI at White House Summit - Friday, May 11, 2018

Top U.S. tech executives and researchers want the Trump administration to invest more in artificial intelligence and craft policies they hope will strengthen the economy without displacing jobs.

The administration said Thursday it is doing just that. President Donald Trump's technology adviser Michael Kratsios pledged to a gathering of corporate leaders that "the Trump administration will ensure our great nation remains the global leader in AI."

66. Fall Creek Falls Project Leaves Destructive Trail - Thursday, May 10, 2018

The Fall Creek Falls Inn and Conference Center will soon be in ruins like the livelihoods of the state employees who worked there.

Fewer than half the state employees who worked at the inn found new state jobs after it closed in early April. Some are working for nearly half the pay, and some had to move away from Van Buren County or drive long distances to keep a job with the state.

67. Memphis Startup Soundways Wins $200,000 in Rise of the Rest Competition - Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Memphis startup company Soundways, which helps professionals in the music industry collect unpaid royalties, won a $100,000 investment from Steve Case and other entrepreneurs as part of the Rise of the Rest tour that stopped in the Bluff City Tuesday, May 8.

68. Memphis Startup Soundways Wins $200,000 in Rise of the Rest Competition - Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Memphis startup company Soundways, which helps professionals in the music industry collect unpaid royalties, won a $100,000 investment from Steve Case and other entrepreneurs as part of the Rise of the Rest tour that stopped in the Bluff City Tuesday, May 8.

69. Microsoft Launches $25M Program to Use AI for Disabilities - Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Microsoft is launching a $25 million initiative to use artificial intelligence to build better technology for people with disabilities.

CEO Satya Nadella announced the new "AI for Accessibility" effort as he kicked off Microsoft's annual conference for software developers. The Build conference in Seattle is meant to foster enthusiasm for the company's latest ventures in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, internet-connected devices and virtual reality.

70. Fogelman Properties Adds VP of Acquisitions - Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Fogelman Properties has appointed Mike Aiken vice president of acquisitions, a newly created position at the Memphis-based multifamily real estate services company.

71. Buffett Says Stocks Remain Best Investment Option for Most - Tuesday, May 8, 2018

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – Billionaire Warren Buffett recommends that investors stick with simple stock index funds – not bonds and especially not bitcoins.

Buffett discussed a variety of topics during an interview on CNBC Monday after he spent Saturday answering questions before thousands of Berkshire Hathaway shareholders.

72. No Easy Path Forward for Fred’s - Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Memphis-based discount retailer Fred’s Inc. operates 584 company-owned stores that each stock more than 14,000 items and saw average sales of more than $3 million in 2017.

That’s one picture of the company, laid out in Fred’s just-released annual report. Another picture, though, can be found in Fred’s dismal financial performance of late – and in the fact that Wall Street has basically lost faith in the company’s prospects, which led to the price of Fred’s shares sinking 60 percent since January.

73. Two Large Industrial Portfolios in Southeast Memphis Sold - Monday, May 7, 2018

4049 Willow Lake Blvd., Memphis, TN 38118 (portfolio)

Sale Amount: $21.8 million

Buyer: Faropoint Ventures

Buyer Rep: Brian Califf, NAI Saig Co.

74. Keeping What's Yours: Fund Investing Has Never Been Cheaper - Monday, May 7, 2018

NEW YORK (AP) – Being cheap pays off when it comes to fund investing, and more investors are heeding the call.

Investing is full of uncertainties, as the gyrations of the past few months attest, and keeping costs low is one of the few things that investors have within their control. Plus, having low fees is a pretty good predictor of a fund's future success, researchers say. That's why it's encouraging that a pair of recent reports show that investors paid less in expenses last year across their stock, bond and other types of funds.

75. Stifel, Nicolaus & Co. Grows Jackson, Tenn., Office - Saturday, May 5, 2018

Crystal Barcello has joined the Jackson, Tennessee, office of Stifel, Nicolaus & Co. Inc., the broker-dealer subsidiary of Stifel Financial Corp., as an associate vice president/investments.

76. Rapid Expansion - Friday, May 4, 2018

For the fifth time in a little more than two years, commercial real estate brokerage Avison Young is growing in Memphis. Now the rapidly expanding local franchise, which started out as two men in a temporary office and currently employs 15, will be occupying 5,200 square feet in an iconic building along the Poplar corridor, more than doubling its previous footprint.

77. MLK-Inspired - Thursday, May 3, 2018

What today is known as the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis was born out of the city’s fallout from the Memphis sanitation workers’ strike and Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination on April 4, 1968.

78. Stifel, Nicolaus & Co. Grows Jackson, Tenn., Office - Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Crystal Barcello has joined the Jackson, Tennessee, office of Stifel, Nicolaus & Co. Inc., the broker-dealer subsidiary of Stifel Financial Corp., as an associate vice president/investments.

79. Young Says Construction About to Begin on South City Residential - Tuesday, May 1, 2018

South City is about to begin construction east of Danny Thomas Boulevard and the road to construction has had some unexpected turns. “There’s a certain amount of anxiety when you talk about these big projects because people don’t know whether it’s actually going to happen or not,” Memphis Housing and Community Development Division director Paul Young said on the WKNO/Channel 10 program “Behind The Headlines.”

80. Toyota to Spend $170M to Expand Mississippi Plant, Hire 400 - Monday, April 30, 2018

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – Toyota Motor Corp. plans to invest $170 million and add 400 jobs at its Mississippi assembly plant as it shifts some production of the Corolla sedan from Canada.

81. Poag Names New Chief Strategy Officer - Saturday, April 28, 2018

Poag Shopping Centers has promoted Brian Smith to chief strategy officer and executive vice president of leasing for the Memphis-based commercial real estate company, which specializes in the leasing, development and management of open-air retail complexes across the United States.

82. Poag Names New Chief Strategy Officer - Friday, April 27, 2018

Poag Shopping Centers has promoted Brian Smith to chief strategy officer and executive vice president of leasing for the Memphis-based commercial real estate company, which specializes in the leasing, development and management of open-air retail complexes across the United States.

83. Calling Our Bluff - Thursday, April 26, 2018

Marie Pizano believes everyone has a story, and she is building her business on telling it. The founder and CEO of MVP3 Entertainment Group, Pizano is producing films based on Memphis history.

On April 19, Pizano was in Washington, D.C., getting footage for her latest film, “Journey4Justice: The Abigail Noel Story.” Noel, a native Memphian and psychic/medium, claims there is more to be known regarding music icon Prince’s death. Noel is leading the movement #JusticeforPrince, which aims to press President Donald Trump to order a new investigation into the artist’s 2016 death.

84. Supreme Court Wrestles With Administrative Law Judge Case - Tuesday, April 24, 2018

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Supreme Court wrestled Monday with a case brought by a former financial adviser known for his "Buckets of Money" strategy who is challenging the appointment of the administrative law judge who ruled against him.

85. First Tennessee to Put $4B In Community Investment - Saturday, April 14, 2018

Memphis-based First Tennessee Bank, along with its newly acquired Capital Bank, are launching a five-year, nearly $4 billion effort to expand the availability of financial resources in low- to moderate-income communities across an eight-state footprint.

86. Report: Many State Pension Systems Have Huge Funding Gaps - Friday, April 13, 2018

CHERRY HILL, N.J. (AP) – A public employee pension crisis for state governments has deepened to a record level even after nearly nine years of economic recovery for the nation, according to a study released Thursday, leaving many states vulnerable if the economy hits a downturn.

87. Kroger Spends Millions to Permanently Cut Prices in Memphis and Beyond - Thursday, April 12, 2018

Kroger has made a “multimillion-dollar investment” to permanently cut prices on more than 3,000 products in its grocery stores across Memphis and its multistate Delta Division.

Shoppers will be met with oversized signage announcing the price cuts almost anywhere they turn inside Memphis-area Kroger stores. That includes messaging that completely covers the entrances that shoppers walk through at locations like the Kroger at 1675 N. Germantown Parkway, where a bright yellow image of a few grocery items and the announcement “Say Hello To Lower Prices” covers the doors.

88. First Tennessee Bank Launching $4 Billion Community Investment Effort - Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Memphis-based First Tennessee Bank, along with its newly acquired Capital Bank, are launching a five-year, nearly $4 billion effort to expand the availability of financial resources in low- to moderate-income communities across an 8-state footprint.

89. Council Gets First Look At MATA Route Changes - Tuesday, April 10, 2018

A task force looking to overhaul the city’s bus system presents a draft report Tuesday, April 10, to Memphis City Council members.

The Memphis 3.0 transit plan goes to the council at a 1 p.m. committee session for discussion.

90. Midlife 'Wealth Shock' May Lead to Death, Study Suggests - Wednesday, April 4, 2018

A big financial loss may shorten your life, a new study suggests.

Middle-aged Americans who experienced a sudden, large economic blow were more likely to die during the following years than those who didn't. The heightened danger of death after a devastating loss, which researchers called a "wealth shock," crossed socio-economic lines, affecting people no matter how much money they had to start.

91. Philanthropic Investments in the Black Community - Tuesday, April 3, 2018

As Memphis and the world marks the anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., there is much to reflect on and much to look forward to. Our reflections can be a source of inspiration for what we can accomplish together moving forward into the future. We can embrace the “fierce urgency of now” that King spoke of.

92. Rebranded Shoemaker Insurance Expands - Tuesday, April 3, 2018

Shoemaker Financial president and CEO Jim Shoemaker isn’t sure there is ever a perfect time for expansion and rebranding, but with the economy strong and his company well positioned for a transition of leadership, he could not hold off growing Shoemaker’s insurance line any longer.

93. EDGE Sets Date to Vote on Graceland Expansion Plans - Monday, April 2, 2018

The Economic Development Growth Engine board has set a date to vote on Elvis Presley Enterprises’ Graceland expansion plans.

At the specially called meeting, which will be held Thursday, April 5, at 3 p.m. at the Embassy Suites Hotel on Shady Grove Road, the EDGE board will review both of Graceland’s requests for tax incentives – the approximately 80,000-square-foot exhibition and convention space and the roughly 6,200-seat performance venue.

94. Community LIFT Looking to Build $5 Million Loan Pool Amid Growth - Saturday, March 31, 2018

An organization that pursues sources of financial, human and intellectual capital to strategically revitalize neighborhoods wants to build a $5 million loan pool for investing in Memphis communities and leaders.

95. USL Memphis Makes ‘Huge Get’ In Hiring Andrew Bell as its First Sporting Director - Friday, March 30, 2018

Andrew Bell had come to Memphis in January to discuss the possibility of becoming the first sporting director for the new USL (United Soccer League) franchise that will begin play here in 2019. And Bell was blown away by AutoZone Park, which will be the team’s home; the venue reminded him of the stadium where the Portland Timbers of Major League Soccer play.

96. Eyes on Retirement? Consider These Steps First - Wednesday, March 28, 2018

It’s the beginning of a new year and the thought of retirement is becoming more realistic to you. The idea of working a 9 to 5 may not give you the same thrill as when you were a spring chicken entering the workforce.

97. The Right To Be Wrong - Tuesday, March 27, 2018

“Fundraising is known for its abundance of failures and few successes.” We can’t recall who said this, but we know it is true. Yet many people think otherwise. Plans are created; goals are set. Most are focused on “incremental growth.”

98. City Working to Settle EPE/Grizzlies Dispute as Litigation Mounts - Tuesday, March 27, 2018

As the litigation piles up in a dispute between two of the most recognizable brands in Memphis, city officials say they are still hopeful a deal can be worked out between Elvis Presley Enterprises and the Memphis Grizzlies.

99. USL Memphis Selects First Sporting Director - Saturday, March 24, 2018

USL Memphis has named Andrew Bell, formerly of the Charleston Battery, its inaugural sporting director, team president Craig Unger announced. Bell, who has spent nearly 20 years with the United Soccer League’s Battery, will be tasked with handling all player and technical staff-related decisions and building the USL Memphis front office ahead of the team’s 2019 debut.

100. What Do Statewide Candidates Say About Infrastructure Investment? - Saturday, March 24, 2018

Is investment in public infrastructure important? And should Tennessee have more dedicated revenue sources to pay for construction and maintenance of infrastructure across the state, or is the existing tax structure – primarily the state tax on fuel, and wheel taxes – sufficient to pay for what Tennessee needs to sustain and grow its economy?