Memphis Distributor Doubles HQ, Signs New Lease

DYK Automotive, a national aftermarket automobile parts and accessories distributor, will nearly double its current 150,000-square-foot headquarters at 4500 Malone Road.

Kemp Conrad with Cushman & Wakefield/Commercial Advisors LLC brokered the lease renewal and 316,666-square-foot expansion, and Tim Mashburn with Colliers represented the property owner.

The deal indicates that the local industrial sector’s dynamite year is going out with a bang.

“Our region is on track for one of the best years in recent history,” Conrad said. “We currently are tracking demand for approximately 25 users looking in the market for warehouse space greater than 100,000 square feet, half of which are looking for more than 500,000 square feet. In general, we are seeing a flight to quality, with a significant percentage of these deals involving Class A accommodations.”

The warehouse at 4500 Malone in the Shelby Air Park totals 475,000 square feet.

– Madeline Faber

FedEx Joins US Chamber’s Hiring Our Heroes Council

FedEx has signed on to a nationwide initiative to help veterans and military spouses find meaningful employment.

The Memphis-based shipping giant became the newest member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes Veteran Employment Advisory Council, a group of more than 35 large employers spanning all industries and sectors.

In addition to providing private-sector insights to Hiring Our Heroes leadership, FedEx has committed $150,000 to sponsor hiring events and programming across the country, including $50,000 in transportation support, making FedEx the official shipping service for HOH.

“FedEx’s commitment and input will allow Hiring Our Heroes to continue hosting free events and programs, as well as sharing valuable resources with veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses,” said Eric Eversole, a vice president at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and president of Hiring Our Heroes, in a statement. “We look forward to working together to get these talented men and women hired.”

More than 28,200 veterans and military spouses have obtained jobs through Hiring Our Heroes events, and more than 2,000 businesses of all sizes have pledged to hire 707,000 heroes as part of the Hiring 500,000 Heroes campaign. Of those commitments, 500,000 hires have been confirmed.

– Daily News staff

Hard Rock Acquires Elvis Presley Piano

Hard Rock International has acquired its 80,000th piece of memorabilia: Elvis Presley’s 24-karat gold leaf grand piano.

The piano will join Hard Rock's collection of pieces that include handwritten lyrics, clothing and instruments from new and legendary music stars like Taylor Swift, Imagine Dragons, The Beatles, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Jimi Hendrix and more.

Presley's grand piano was played by the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll inside a music room at Graceland. Presley originally bought the piano for his mother in 1955. It was placed into storage after his mother's death until Priscilla Presley decided to adorn the piano in 24-karat gold-leaf finish as a gift for the couple's first wedding anniversary.

– Andy Meek

U of M Sets Up Relief Fund For 6 Tigers Athletes

On Sept. 30, the apartment of University of Memphis basketball players Trahson Burrell and Markel Crawford caught fire. Not only was that apartment destroyed, another two apartments housing four Tiger football players – Taylor Fallin, Tevin Jones, Ryan Mack and Greg McKillion – sustained substantial water damage.

The university has set up two fundraising accounts at the Bank of Bartlett. One is titled “The University of Memphis for the benefit of Trashon Burrell and Markel Crawford.” The other account is “The University of Memphis for the benefit of Taylor Fallin, Tevin Jones, Ryan Mack and Greg McKillion.”

Donations can be made at the Bank of Bartlett. The university also reminds fans and boosters that the NCAA prohibits donations made directly to student-athletes, including but not limited to cash, clothing, discounted furniture, and/or tangible goods.

– Don Wade

Mid-South Lions Receive $25K for Vision Program

Mid-South Lions Sight and Hearing Service Inc.’s Vision for Tennesseans program is getting a boost from the Walmart Foundation.

A $25,000 contribution from the foundation’s Tennessee State Giving Program will work to provide sight and vision services to underprivileged Tennesseans.

The nonprofit Mid-South Lions Sight and Hearing Service aims to enhance the lives of indigent sight- and hearing-impaired individuals by providing light, sound and hope through partnerships among Lions Clubs, medical professionals and facilities throughout the Mid-South. The program has provided services to more than 30,000 individuals since its founding in 1942.

“Without Walmart we would not be able to provide these services,” said Matt Webber, president of Mid-South Lions Sight and Hearing Service, in a statement. “Without their support, many patients would have to go on the waiting list and likely not receive services when they are needed most. It is incredible what Walmart does to help our community.”

– Daily News staff