Tom Rieger recently joined the Greater Memphis Chamber as senior vice president of member development, a role in which he will oversee major fundraising activities, conduct membership drive campaigns and implement revenue enhancement opportunities.
RIEGER
Rieger will also manage the Bravo Team, the chamber’s membership department staff, developing new-member and member-retention programs and enhancing sponsorship opportunities and member benefits. In addition, Rieger will work to broaden outreach with the chamber’s board of advisors and board of governors members.
Hometown: Parker, Colo.
Experience: Rieger was instrumental in the creation of the chamber’s Chairman’s Circle, a group of more than 100 CEOs who collaborate with organizations in the greater Memphis region to propel Memphis into a world-class city. He has also provided strategic consulting services for the chamber as the President of TNR & Associates, based in Denver. Rieger has worked with chambers of commerce and other nonprofits, providing strategic planning, fundraising and business consulting for 15 years. He received a Bachelor of Science in business administration and a Master of Business Administration, both from the University of Phoenix in Denver.
Family: Wife, Beth, and daughter, Amelia. Lab named Kacey.
Favorite quote: “Unsolvable problems are often opportunities in disguise.” – Peter Drucker
Favorite movie: “Lord of the Rings”
The sports teams you root for: Denver Broncos and the Manchester United English Premier League and now the Memphis Grizzlies!
What’s playing on your stereo right now? “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
Activities you enjoy outside of work: Everything outdoors: hiking, climbing, kayaking, golfing and hunting.
What talent do you wish you had? If I could have any talent I wanted, I wish I could carry a tune and play the guitar.
What attracted you to the Greater Memphis Chamber? I was attracted to this position at the chamber because of the possibility and growth potential. Their staff is so talented, and I fully believe in their mission.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment? My greatest accomplishment is my daughter, Amelia.
What do you most enjoy about your work? So many people aren’t aware of what the chamber has done for them over the years, and I’m really looking forward to sharing that message and what it means for them.
WHELCHEL
If you could give one piece of advice to young people, what would it be? Consistency. When you start something, finish it.
Carol Dodge Whelchel, an employee with Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division, has been named the 2015 Youth Engineer of the Year by the Memphis Chapter of the Tennessee Society of Professional Engineers. Whelchel joined MLGW 4 1/2 years ago and works in natural gas distribution and transmission design.
Shoemaker Financial has recognized employees for their 2014 achievements: Frank Allen, MDRT (Million Dollar Round Table) Court of Table and Presidents Club; Jim Whitehead, Bill Regenold and Paul Rich, MDRT and Senate level recognition; Nathan Greene, MDRT and Senate I level recognition and Mid-Org Advisor of the Year; Landon Mills and David Rochester, MDRT; Jonathan McAlister, MDRT, Focus Club and New Advisor of the Year; Ted Minor, Pinnacle Club; and Damon Davis, Achievers Club.
Chelsea Surrett has joined Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South as coordinator of marketing and special events. Surrett, a graduate of the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, will handle JA’s e-communication, social media and fundraising events such as the Bowlin’ On the River Bowl-A-Thon and Chick-fil-A 5K.
Tennessee Sen. Mark Norris of Collierville has received the Legislator of the Year Award from the Tennessee Development District Association. The TDDA is an association of the state’s nine development districts, which are regional planning and economic development organizations. Norris authored the Labor Education Alignment Program legislation in 2014, through which Northwest Tennessee was awarded an $850,000 grant.
Chad Cunningham has joined Commercial Bank and Trust’s Memphis operations as lender and assistant vice president. Cunningham has worked in the financial services industry since 2011, most recently at First Tennessee Bank.
The Center for Southern Folklore has announced its 2015 board of directors: Kurt Abisch, chairman; Willie Artison, vice chairman; Earl Schwarz, secretary-treasurer; and Deanna Lubin, Stephen Wachtel, Stephen Len White, Ronald Kent and Johnny Phillips, board members.
The Memphis Development Foundation, the nonprofit organization that operates The Orpheum Theatre, has announced six new members on its board of directors and new elected officers on its executive committee. New board members are: Judge Debbie Branan, Ricky Busey, Holly Clark, Robert J. DelPriore, Willie Gregory and M. David Rudd. Officers are: Andy Taylor, chairman; Keri Gage, treasurer; Sara Adams, secretary; Robert Cox, legal counsel; and George Alvord, Karen Fields-Isaacman, Philip Gould, Suzanne Landers, Jason Landrum and Jim Wiertelak, at-large officers.
Memphis Drum Shop has been named the Best Percussion Single-Store Dealer of 2014 by the National Association of Music Merchants. Owner Jim Pettit received the honor at NAMM’s 2015 Music and Sound Awards.
Shelby County Schools has been named a Best Community for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation. The designation is awarded to school districts that have shown an outstanding commitment to music education in their academic curriculum.