Memphis Grizzlies Suffer 15th Consecutive Loss

The Grizzlies lost their 15th straight game, 119-110 at Chicago, on Wednesday, March 7.

The team has not won since defeating the Phoenix Suns at FedExForum on Jan. 29.

Memphis trailed by 15 points going into the fourth quarter, but cut the lead to a point as rookie Dillon Brooks scored 20 of his 29 points in the fourth quarter. The Bulls (22-42), however, pulled away over the last two minutes.

Marc Gasol and Ben McLemore each scored 17 points.

Five Bulls scored in double-figures, led by Lauri Markkanen’s 22 points and 21 points each from Zach LaVine and Kris Dunn.

The Grizzlies are now 18-46, currently the worst mark in the NBA. They return to FedExForum for a 7 p.m. game vs. the Utah Jazz on Friday, March 9.

– Don Wade

Accurate Communications Inks Lease in Clark Tower

Accurate Communications Corp. has signed a lease for 1,830 square feet at Clark Tower, suite 2100, after considering several other office locations.

“There are a few reasons we chose Clark Tower over some other similar properties,” said John Maddox, director of sales and operations for Accurate Communications. “Firstly, the name ‘Clark Tower’ still holds quite a bit of prestige in our community, and we wanted a building we could be proud to call home. Secondly, the cost per square foot was extremely competitive with other buildings, but nowhere could match the amenities that Clark boasts.”

A voice, data and cloud solutions company, Accurate Communications launched in 1994 as a music-on-hold company, but it has evolved since then.

A big change came in 2001 when its EarGlue Harmony marketing firm enabled clients to get messages to shoppers through in-store music and marketing messages.

In 2012, Accurate launched its technology distribution services firm.

The EarGlue brand designs, implements and directs audio marketing solutions that help small and midsize businesses better communicate with customers, and drive profit increases.

Privately held Accurate Communications serves approximately 1,500 customer locations in all 50 states and throughout Canada.

Clark Tower owner In-Rel recently completed a $9 million renovation of the high-rise, including a modern redesign of the main lobby, entrance way, common areas and restrooms. All mechanicals have been replaced, elevators upgraded and a 60-person conference room was added along with new pedestrian walking paths connecting to surrounding restaurants and retail.

Colliers International Asset Services in Memphis handles leasing for In-Rel’s 1.25 million-square-foot office portfolio, which includes Clark Tower.

– Patrick Lantrip

32nd Super Chevy Show Kicks Off in Memphis April 6

The 32nd annual Super Chevy Show will kick off in Memphis Friday, April 6, and run through Sunday, April 8, as part of an expanded nine-stop tour.

The show will act as a one-stop shop for all things Chevrolet and will include drag racing for cash prizes, an automotive swap meet, a Chevrolet-focused performance marketplace and a large collection of Chevrolet vehicles vying for the best-in-class award.

“Of all the events in the series, we have to say that Memphis is our favorite,” Super Chevy editor Steven Rupp said in a release. “Traditionally, it’s the largest show and we find it draws in some of the nicest Chevys in the area.”

The Super Chevy Show will be held at the Memphis International Raceway, 5500 Victory Lane in Millington, Tennessee, and will open each day at 8 a.m.

For spectators, the cost for one-day admission for adults is $20 on Friday and Sunday and $25 on Saturday. Entry for children ages 6-12 will be $10 while children 5 and under will get in for free. A three-day pass will cost $45 for adults and $20 for children 6-12.

More information on pricing, tickets and vehicle registration can be found at www.superchevy.com/show or www.racemir.com.

– Patrick Lantrip

Troon Takes on Management Of Colonial Country Club

Golf course management, development and marketing company Troon has been chosen to manage Colonial Country Club, a private golf club in Cordova that once hosted the annual PGA Tour stop in Memphis.

Troon Privé, the private club operations division of Troon, will manage the 18-hole facility.

Established in 1913, Colonial Country Club has long been regarded as one of the premier private clubs in the Mid-South.

Now known as the FedEx St. Jude Classic, the PGA’s 30-year run at Colonial produced champions such as Lee Trevino (three-time winner) and Jack Nicklaus.

“Colonial Country Club is an outstanding club with deep traditions, a storied history and reputation as a premier Southern club,” said Bob Barrett, CEO of Honours Golf, a division of Scottsdale, Arizona-based Troon. “Our Troon Privé team will now look to further advance Colonial’s service levels, agronomy standards and overall club operations.”

In addition to the 18-hole South Course, Colonial members have access to a 35,000-square-foot Southern-style clubhouse with casual and fine dining venues, six Har-Tru tennis courts with one the region’s most active tennis programs, a full-service fitness center with personal trainers and group classes, an Olympic-size swimming pool with poolside food & beverage service, and full calendar of family social events.

“Troon’s reputation and track record of success are unmatched in the private club industry,” said Jim Russell, managing partner and principal stockholder, Colonial Country Club. “Troon will bring our club a consistency and continuity of management which is woefully lacking in most member-managed clubs. Troon will enhance and position our product to match an evolving market, while preserving the rich history of our grand old club.”

The Troon Privé division currently manages more than 80 private clubs, half of which are member-owned.

– Daily News staff

TNECD Touring State For Apprenticeship Opportunities

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development will host an apprenticeship listening tour across the state to discuss the future of apprenticeship in Tennessee.

In Memphis, TNECD will be at Southwest Tennessee Community College’s Macon campus, 5983 Macon Cove, on Monday, March 19, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The listening tour is in partnership with state and local agencies and is funded through the Federal Department of Labor ApprenticeshipUSA State Accelerator Grant.

“Apprenticeships help Tennesseans become better prepared and in return become more successful in the future workforce,” TNECD commissioner Bob Rolfe said in a release. “We look forward to seeing what ideas come out of the apprenticeship listening and learning tour.”

Apprenticeships are a crucial cornerstone in building Tennessee’s future workforce, Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Burns Phillips said.

After the five listening tour stops, an all-day summit will be held in Nashville in May. The goal of the tour is to determine three objectives: the current state of apprenticeship programs; the interest and opportunity for apprenticeships; and the obstacles faced or resources needed to get to each community’s goal for apprenticeships.

Go to tn.gov/ecd/apprenticeship-tour to learn more and to RSVP to a listening tour location.

– Daily News staff

Tennessee Counties Cite Racketeering in Opioid Suits

Two Tennessee counties are suing pharmaceutical companies over the opioid epidemic, joining governments around the country in using federal racketeering laws to try to hold drug manufacturers and distributors responsible.

The Knoxville News Sentinel reports that government leaders in Campbell and Scott counties have authorized filing lawsuits in U.S. District Court. Both counties have logged more opioid prescriptions than people, and in 2016, Campbell County ranked among the nation’s top 10 counties for prescription rates.

Each lawsuit used federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization laws to try to prove that so-called Big Pharma companies lied about opiate properties, lobbied for loose regulations under false pretenses and bribed politicians.

Individual companies have previously denied such accusations.

– The Associated Press