Memphis, TN — September 10, 2024 — The Greater Memphis Chamber, in partnership with Moore Tech and The Goodwill Excel Center, is excited to announce the launch of a new training cohort designed to equip 22 students with the skills and credentials needed for a successful career in manufacturing. The training cohort is made possible through a Workforce Invest grant from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), which has recognized the importance of developing a skilled workforce to support the region’s economic growth. This initiative represents a significant step forward in addressing the growing demand for skilled workers in the region’s manufacturing sector.

Beginning this month, 22 dedicated students will embark on an intensive weekend bootcamp training at Moore Tech, where they will work toward earning a NIMS (National Institute for Metalworking Skills) credential. This credential serves as a critical entry point into the manufacturing career pathway, opening doors to entry-level positions that start at $20 an hour or more, according to the Greater Memphis Chamber’s Economic Research Group (GMERG).

“Memphis is home to over 44,000 manufacturing professionals, and we’re excited to further expand this sector in the Digital Delta,” stated Ted Townsend, President and CEO of the Greater Memphis Chamber. “Collaborating with partners such as Moore Tech and The Goodwill Excel Center, this initiative will equip local talent to meet employer needs and excel in high-demand careers.”

The Goodwill Excel Center, an adult high school providing traditional diplomas to students 18 and older, will be a key partner in this effort. Students will attend high school classes from Monday to Thursday and dedicate their weekends to NIMS credential training on Fridays and Saturdays. To support their journey, the program will offer daycare services and an “earn to learn” stipend, ensuring that participants can focus on their studies without financial strain.

“This partnership is a game-changer for our students,” said Samantha Dowdy, Director of Career and Workforce Development, of The Goodwill Excel Center. “Not only are they earning their high school diplomas, but they are also gaining the technical skills and industry credentials that will open doors to meaningful careers in manufacturing. Over the course of the year, this grant will allow us to train 60 students, providing them with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly growing field.”

Tony Martini, President and CEO of Memphis Goodwill, added, “Over the past 100 years, Memphis Goodwill has worked hard to follow the organizational mission – to give people with barriers to employment job skills training through the power of work, education, and empowerment. We are excited to collaborate with these community partners to provide adult students educational opportunities to further that mission.”

Moore Tech is excited to be at the forefront of this training initiative. “Our goal is to provide hands-on, industry-relevant training that meets the needs of both our students and local employers,” said Skip Redmond, President of Moore Technical College. “By partnering with the Greater Memphis Chamber and The Goodwill Excel Center, we are helping to build a strong pipeline of skilled workers who are ready to step into well-paying jobs in the manufacturing sector.”

Local manufacturers need a steady flow of skilled workers from this program. “The demand for skilled labor in manufacturing is higher than ever,” said Carlos Manning, Senior Director, Peanut Butter Operations at J.M. Smucker Company, a leading manufacturer in Memphis. “This partnership is crucial for meeting our workforce needs. We’re excited to engage with these students, offer them real-world insights, and potentially welcome them into our team as they complete their training.”

In addition to technical training, students will receive soft skill instruction to prepare them for the workforce. They will also have the unique opportunity to interact with local manufacturers during the cohort and tour manufacturing facilities, gaining first-hand insight into the industry.

This training cohort is made possible through a Workforce Invest grant from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), which has recognized the importance of developing a skilled workforce to support the region’s economic growth. “TVA Economic Development is committed to our communities. Workforce Invest allows us to invest in programs that address the specific workforce and education needs at a local level. Each project funded provides needed training to residents while also filling the needs of industry. We are proud to support our local economic development partners,” said John Bradley, Senior Vice
President of Economic Development for TVA.

For more information about this program and how it is shaping the future of the Memphis workforce, please email workforce@memphischamber.com.

-MEMPHIS-

About The Greater Memphis Chamber
One of Memphis’ oldest institutions, dating back to 1838, the Greater Memphis Chamber is a privately funded nonprofit that serves as the region’s lead economic development organization and the “Voice of Memphis Business” on local, state, and national issues. The Chamber’s mission is to drive the Memphis business agenda for Greater Memphis. We do this by relentlessly pursuing prosperity for all — through economic and workforce development, pro-growth advocacy, and by providing support and resources to its investors, which include many of the region’s largest employers. For more information, please visit www.memphischamber.com.

About Moore Technical College
Moore Technical College is a leading institution providing technical education and training to prepare students for successful careers in various industries. With a focus on hands-on learning and strong partnerships with local businesses, Moore Technical College equips students with the practical skills and knowledge needed to meet the demands of today’s workforce, particularly in high-demand sectors like manufacturing, technology, and skilled trades.

About Goodwill Excel Center
The Goodwill Excel Center is an adult high school that offers traditional high school diplomas to students 18 and older. By providing flexible scheduling, individualized support, and a focus on career readiness, the Excel Center empowers individuals to achieve their educational and career goals. Its mission is to remove barriers to education and employment, equipping adults with the tools needed to create meaningful and sustainable career pathways.

About the J.M. Smucker Company of Memphis
The J.M. Smucker Company of Memphis is a part of the larger J.M. Smucker Company, a leading manufacturer of food products. The Memphis facility plays a crucial role in the company’s production, contributing to its well-known portfolio of brands that includes everything from coffee to pet food. The company is committed to delivering high-quality products while supporting its employees and the local community through workforce development, sustainability initiatives, and economic partnerships.

About the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is the nation’s largest public power provider, serving nearly 10 million people across seven states in the Southeast. In addition to delivering reliable and affordable electricity, TVA is deeply committed to supporting economic development, environmental stewardship, and workforce development across the region. Through initiatives like Workforce Invest, TVA partners with local communities to create opportunities for training and education, helping to ensure a skilled workforce that meets the needs of local industries.

The post GREATER MEMPHIS CHAMBER, MOORE TECHNICAL COLLEGE & THE GOODWILL EXCEL CENTER LAUNCH INNOVATIVE TRAINING COHORT TO EMPOWER FUTURE MANUFACTURING WORKFORCE appeared first on Greater Memphis Chamber.

In addition to reaching a milestone anniversary, archimania has another reason to celebrate. The company has been ranked nationally as high as the eighth best Design Architect from more than 20,000 architectural firms in the United States and is the most AIA award-winning architect in the history of Tennessee. Its work regularly draws national and international architectural attention, placing Memphis at the forefront of design that is relevant outside the traditional centers of design.

Most recently, they created the world’s first two dual-certified Zero Energy and Zero Carbon buildings with certification by the International Living Future Institute. Both are certified LEED Platinum and have received a coveted COTE Top Ten Award, the industry’s best-known award program for sustainable design excellence awarded by The American Institute of Architects Committee on the Environment, launched in 1997 to honor projects that integrate excellence in design with sustainability and performance. That first building, called Civitas, is the Mud Island home of Barry, his wife, Kathy and their son Crews. The second building is archimania’s new office at 663 South Cooper.

archimania was founded in 1995, and it’s a thriving collaboration with 20-something “archimaniacs.”

So, what’s the story behind the unique name?

Founding Partner Todd Walker, FAIA, came up with the name archimania while still in college at Mississippi State University as a commingling of the words “architect” and “maniac.” Both partners sign their names in all lower-case letters. “I’ve signed my name that way since 7th grade,” Barry said. Given the pair’s propensity for lower-case letters, it is natural their company name uses only those smaller letters.

Their work on behalf of their clients has been recognized with more than 300 design awards and has been published in many of the top architectural journals, featured in books and elevated in more business-minded publications such as Fast Company, Metropolis, Wallpaper*, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.

The company is the Architect of Record and is collaborating with Pritzker prize laureates Herzog & de Meuron of Switzerland as Design Consultant on the new Memphis Art Museum and recently started design on a ground-up College of Veterinary Medicine for Arkansas State University. They’ve completed many projects including the Ford BlueOval Campus training center, The Oasis for FedEx Express, Hattiloo Theatre, Ballet Memphis, Collage Dance, Girls Inc, The University of Memphis Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center, a variety of projects at Regional One Health and Conservation Hall at the Tennessee Governor’s Mansion in Nashville.

Barry takes particular pleasure in the Transplant Institute archimania designed for Methodist and UTHSC. The funder was Laurene Powell Jobs in honor of Steve Jobs’ high-profile liver transplant in Memphis in 2009. “We were the designer for a couple of floors of the new tower, and that part of the project has received multiple AIA awards,” said Barry. Laurene Jobs was quite pleased with the results, Barry said, “For me personally, to work on something that saves lives – that’s a life-extender project, that’s very rewarding.”

Barry’s family moved to Memphis from Knoxville in 1957 and took up residence in a duplex on South Cooper. Coincidently, archimania relocated its offices from South Main to 663 South Cooper in 2019, a renovated building that was constructed in 1957. Barry is a graduate of Sheffield High School and the University of Tennessee School of Architecture.

What most excites him most about Memphis? “It’s really on the rise,” he said. “I’m excited about where we can go.”

Faith plays a big role in Barry’s life. In fact, he met his wife Kathy at church. “We are believers…” he said. Barry loves playing golf, “but it doesn’t rule my life. Golf is not better than architecture. Architecture is my work and my hobby.” His favorite book is Outliers. “It’s a game-changer. I wish I had read it a decade ago,” he said. His favorite movie? 2001: A Space Odyssey. “That was a big deal to me. I was drawn to it. It inspired me for the first time to draw something three-dimensionally,” he said. Barry has four children and seven grandchildren.

Barry has a clear view of what he thinks is important for the continued success of the Greater Memphis region. “It’s education. It’s who helps young people along the way. That early education is important,” he said. And he has personal experience with that. It was his third-grade teacher who inspired him to become an architect. That third-grade teacher was Mrs. Atnip at Goodlett Elementary School. For extra credit she let him build models from milk carton flats (you remember those small milk cartons, right?). Barry built houses – what else?! – for his project. “She told me I’d be a good architect,” he said. “She set my career for me on the spot. What a good teacher says can be most impactful.”

And architecture has been a good career for Barry, indeed.

The post Meet the Chairman’s Circle: Barry Alan Yoakum, FAIA appeared first on Greater Memphis Chamber.

Landaiche runs a group at the University of Memphis called UMRF Ventures. He’s the CEO of the company that employs UofM students to provide managed services – or a specified set of IT services – to clients including FedEx, the City of Memphis, MLGW, Sedgwick and Raymond James.

For 22 years he managed the Renasant Convention Center – formerly the Memphis Cook Convention Center – and in 2018 led the startup of the Memphis Sports Hall of Fame before joining UMRF Ventures in 2020.

Landaiche was recently interviewed about UMRF Ventures by UofM President Dr. Bill Hardgrave for the video news magazine The President’s Perspective.

In the video Landaiche explains that UMRF Ventures is a unique for-profit company that is owned by a nonprofit that’s owned by the University of Memphis. The company employs UofM students to provide managed services in cybersecurity work, call center work and data analytics to organizations, private companies and government entities.

“This company was created in 2017 as a way to provide good-paying jobs and practical experience to our students,” he said. The company employs 170 students working under about a dozen contracts with eight companies, he said. “It looks great on the students’ resumes,” he said. “They’re getting real-world experience. They’re earning money that helps support them while they’re in school. Some of them even go on to be supervisors with work within the Ventures organization.”

Dr. Hardgrave explained the benefits of UMRF Ventures. “It’s a win for the students because we give them income to stay in school,” he said. “It’s a win for the university because they stay in school.” Landaiche explained the benefit to the business community. “It’s a win for the companies that we serve because we become a talent pipeline for the companies that work with us. FedEx has employed about 90 students from UMRF Ventures.”

Landaiche clearly takes pride in what his company does for students. “Today’s students have to successfully balance life with their school commitments,” he has said. “Many students take on significant debt to further their education and work multiple jobs while they go to school to meet their financial obligations. UMRF Ventures’ mission is to help our students succeed by providing good-paying, part-time jobs scheduled around their classroom commitments and conveniently located on campus. Our employees are all UofM students who are getting paid well to support themselves and getting valuable experience before they graduate.”

Landaiche is a native of Baton Rouge, La., as is his wife, Gay. They have a daughter, Caroline, who lives and works in her “beloved Memphis.”

Pierre Landaiche earned his B.A. in communications from Louisiana State University. After graduation, he worked at the Baton Rouge Convention and Visitor’s Bureau before moving to Jacksonville, Fla., to manage that city’s convention center. The family moved to Memphis in 1996 when Landaiche was hired as general manager of the Memphis Cook Convention Center.

In addition to his work serving the business community and UofM students, Pierre Landaiche has served on the boards of the Better Business Bureau, The Hospitality Hub, the Dorothy Day House and the Bridge Street Newspaper, among others. He is former president of the Rotary Club of Memphis and an active member of St. Peter Catholic Church downtown.

Landaiche is excited about the potential of Memphis. UMRF Ventures chooses to invest in the Chairman’s Circle because “the success and progress of our city has a direct effect on the university and our employees,” Landaiche said. “We invest in the Chairman’s Circle because of its proven track record of influencing positive change in Memphis.”

The post Meet the Chairman’s Circle: Pierre Landaiche appeared first on Greater Memphis Chamber.

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, today announced that the Tennessee and Arkansas Departments of Transportation were successful in securing $393,750,000 for a new Interstate 55 Bridge over the Mississippi River at Memphis to be known as America’s River Crossing.

Congressman Cohen has worked diligently with the Biden-Harris Administration to secure funding for this project, inviting Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to Memphis when the Hernando DeSoto Bridge was out of commission in May of 2021to see how critical the Mid-South transportation corridor is to interstate commerce. Congressman Cohen also joined Administrator Shailen Bhatt of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) during his trip to Memphis in May to talk about the need to replace the I-55 Bridge over the Mississippi River and his concerns that it would be vulnerable to serious damage in an earthquake and is far out of date.

In addition to writing a fervent letter of support, Congressman Cohen has discussed the regional and national significance of this project in Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearings, most recently with Secretary Buttigieg on June 28. See his recent committee hearing exchanges with Secretary Buttigieg here and with Administrator Bhatt in May here.

Congressman Cohen was the only member of the current Tennessee and Arkansas Congressional Delegations to vote for the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the source of major funding for the project.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“I’m proud to have worked with the President, the U.S. Department of Transportation, as well as the outstanding team in Memphis and the governor’s office in successfully getting this extremely large and necessary grant for the construction of the new bridge. As President Biden would say, ‘This is a big…deal!’ And it sure is: Probably the biggest investment made in Memphis by the federal government ever.

“I was proud to vote for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that created this Bridge Program and allow these funds to be available for Memphis. Mine was the only vote for the bill in either the Tennessee or the Arkansas Congressional delegations. We are two red states. This shows how President Biden works for the best interest of the country. It is important to America and not politically good for a red or a blue state. It’s the United States of America and that’s what this bridge is for. Transportation across America creates jobs and improves our economy – America’s River Crossing.”

Memphis Mayor Paul Young made the following statement:

“This historic investment in Memphis will help further connect our community with the region and the world. Memphis’ prominence as a logistics hub is made stronger by the investment in this key piece of infrastructure and we are honored by the grant.”

Greater Memphis Chamber President and CEO Ted Townsend made the following statement:

“For over two decades, the Greater Memphis Chamber has led local efforts to ensure a new bridge would be built further solidifying Memphis as a global logistics leader. Over those 20 years, Congressman Steve Cohen has remained a constant advocate with us. We want to appreciate the leadership of the Tennessee Department of Transportation for helping to initiate and convene this most recent effort, the Mayor’s office – both Jim Strickland and Paul Young – for being local advocates, and the Chamber’s Transportation Committee for being persistent and never taking their eye off of the ball.”

The Tennessee and Arkansas Departments of Transportation submitted a joint application through the Bridge Investment Program (BIP) Large Bridge Projects Program. The Federal Highway Administration announced today that the project will move forward.

The post Congressman Cohen Announces $393.7 Million for a New Interstate 55 Bridge Over the Mississippi at Memphis appeared first on Greater Memphis Chamber.

MEMPHIS, TN Friday, June 28, 2024 The Greater Memphis Chamber has kicked-off summer break by embedding 18 local high school teachers at 17 companies for two weeks to strengthen connections between classrooms and companies as part of its Teacher Externship Program. In its third year, the program is aimed at strengthening local talent pipelines into high-demand careers and industries with additional emphasis on stem related roles. In its Prosper Memphis 2030 strategic plan, the Chamber set a goal of awarding 20,000 STEM degrees and credentials annually.

The Teacher Externship Program gives teacher externs a $2,500 stipend, a $200 gift card for classroom supplies and a deeper understanding of job opportunities and workforce needs that they can share with their students. Teacher externs were chosen in a competitive application process and placed with a company that mirrors their subject areas. Over the course of two weeks (64 hours) between now and the end of July, they will participate in job shadowing, facilities tours, and other hands-on, job-related activities.

“Our program has garnered national recognition as a solution to the talent gap and a means to develop our workforce pipeline,” stated Ted Townsend, President & CEO of the Greater Memphis Chamber. “This initiative has significantly benefited both our educators and employers. Most importantly, it has provided students with invaluable insights into the opportunities available in our community and how to prepare for them.”

The following teacher externs are participating in the 2024 program:

Valerie Coleman
- White Station High School
Nadia Abrego
- Crosstown High School
Jarianna Bates
- Sheffield High School
Ryan Pryor
- Crosstown High School
Renita Bryant
- Memphis School of Excellence
Cassandra Jones
- Southwind High School
Britney Taylor
- Memphis Business Academy
DeShon Brown
- Freedom Preparatory School
Torrey Lewis
- Cordova High School
Brittany Latham
- Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering
Shelley Cox
- Crosstown High School
Eric Winfrey
- Ridgeway IB Middle
LaTausha Brown
- MLK College Prep High School
Jullie Wallace
- East High School
Matthew Davis
- Collegiate School of Memphis
Micah Davis-Bowen
Bolton – Agri-STEM High School
Tyrone Smith
- White Station High School
Jennie Willingham
- White Haven High School

The following companies have signed-up to host a teacher extern in 2024:

ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Cigna
Cummins
Dunavant
Flintco
International Paper
Lehman Roberts
Lonestar Truck Group
Memphis Shelby County Airport
MLGW
Nucor
Peabody Hotel
Regional One
Riviana Foods
Transnetyx
Turner Construction
Varsity Spirit

Click here to watch a video that captured the experience of last year’s Teacher Externship.

-MEMPHIS-

About The Greater Memphis Chamber
One of Memphis’ oldest institutions, dating back to 1838, the Greater Memphis Chamber is a privately funded nonprofit that serves as the region’s lead economic development organization and the “Voice of Memphis Business” on local, state, and national issues. The Chamber’s mission is to drive the Memphis business agenda for Greater Memphis. We do this by relentlessly pursuing prosperity for all — through economic and workforce development, pro-growth advocacy, and by providing support and resources to its investors, which include many of the region’s largest employers.

The post Memphis Companies Host Teachers This Summer in Greater Memphis Chamber’s Teacher Externship Program appeared first on Greater Memphis Chamber.

After graduating with honors, he married his wife and began his banking career with SunBank in Orlando. They eventually moved to Memphis in 2002 when he joined Regions.

Phillip led commercial banking teams through a series of mergers at Regions. In 2007 he left Regions and join a small group to start Metropolitan Bank, where he served as West Tennessee market leader. The bank was very successful; Renasant Bank bought Metropolitan just 10 years later.

In 2018 Phillip founded Avodah Mobilization Partners to provide private capital and consulting for organizations seeking a greater missional, social or environmental impact while delivering sustainable economic results. Avodah supported companies in a wide variety of industries, from organic agriculture and athletic training and rehabilitation to real estate development and women’s fashion.

In 2020 Phillip became market president for Pinnacle Financial Partners.

Pinnacle is headquartered in Nashville and has more than $50 billion in assets, offices in eight states and 3,600 associates. Pinnacle is the third largest bank in Memphis, with $2.4 billion in deposits, eight offices and 250 employees.

Phillip says community involvement is a priority for Pinnacle. Pinnacle supports small businesses as the largest SBA loan originator in West Tennessee. The bank also invests in the economic prosperity of the community by supporting nonprofit organizations with financial contributions and employee volunteers. That’s where Pinnacle’s support of the Chamber – and particularly the Chairman’s Circle – comes in. “The Chamber is important to helping Memphis continue its growth and vitality for our future,” he said.

Phillip himself gives generously of his time. He is vice chair for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Memphis and a board member of River City Capital Corp, Aurora Collegiate Academy and Downline Ministries.

So what does Phillip think about Memphis today? “Memphis is surging now,” he said. “We’ve got so much to offer, and community leaders are working together to help realize our city’s potential. I believe the Chamber is playing a critical role in this surge, while our leaders in city and county government are listening and willing to take calculated risks to grow our local economy. There’s a lot of work to do to get our city where it needs to be, but I believe we have people who are willing to do things differently and shake things up to get better outcomes.”

Phillip has been married to his wife, Robin, for 30 years. They have two children, Anna, who works on the legislative team for a congressman in D.C., and Ben, who is an engineer for an electric vehicle manufacturing company in San Francisco.

He says Robin is his greatest influencer. “We have a lot of fun together, share a common faith that is most important and laugh at the same things, but we are so very different,” he said. “She is strong where I am weak and helps me find my many blind spots. She is always able to remind me of what’s truly important just by the way she lives her life and cares for others. She provides me so much confidence in knowing she’s always somewhere praying for me.”

May enjoys running, working out and playing golf, and the couple likes to travel with friends. They particularly enjoy the ocean and mountains of the Pacific Northwest, and his favorite place to visit is the Monterey Peninsula in California.

His favorite book? Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara. “This book talks about much of what has been missing in society in recent years, the simple, thoughtful act of giving people more than what they ask for and how that’s good for business,” he said.

The post Meet the Chairman’s Circle: Phillip May appeared first on Greater Memphis Chamber.

MEMPHIS, TN Monday, June 17, 2024 The Greater Memphis Chamber’s research and analytics team, the Greater Memphis Economic Research Group (GMERG), is the recipient of the Council for Community and Economic Research’s (C2ER) 2024 Community, Economic, and Workforce Research Award for their Market Industry Reports. The reports focus on nine target industries within the Memphis MSA, with the goal of supporting business recruitment and retention efforts. The reports highlight Memphis’s industry strengths, labor force, educational opportunities, and trade activity. 

The reports are free with an active email address and can be found here: https://memphismoves.com/locate-expand/research-reports/ 

“The world’s attention is focused on Memphis and businesses are eager to find out more about our city,” said Ted Townsend, President & CEO, for the Greater Memphis Chamber. “The impact of these reports on the region’s economic development strategy has been significant. Our goal is to offer site selectors and businesses considering growth or expansion the most compelling data available. I’m exceptionally proud of Tecora and the GMERG team for producing these outstanding reports.” 

The Market Industry Reports significantly contribute to applied research in the Greater Memphis area. They provide key insights into nine target industries, including Advanced Manufacturing, Automotive, Supply Chain & Logistics, Agribusiness, Healthcare, HQ & Finance, Information Technology, Food & Beverage Manufacturing, and Music & Entertainment. These reports have been used by local economic development partners, chamber staff, and companies to inform strategic decision-making, policy development, and workforce planning. 

“It’s an honor to have the team’s work recognized,” said Tecora Murray, Executive Director of GMERG. “Even more so, it’s a privilege to play such a significant role in the recruitment of jobs to our region. To know that our work is impacting the lives of families in Memphis and Shelby County is perhaps the most rewarding and it is what continues to drive us to provide the data to help us continue to grow.” 

For more information on the C2ER Community, Economic, and Research Awards, click here. 

-MEMPHIS-  

About The Greater Memphis Chamber  

One of Memphis’ oldest institutions, dating back to 1838, the Greater Memphis Chamber is a privately funded nonprofit that serves as the region’s lead economic development organization and the “Voice of Memphis Business” on local, state, and national issues. The Chamber’s mission is to drive the Memphis business agenda for Greater Memphis. We do this by relentlessly pursuing prosperity for all — through economic and workforce development, pro-growth advocacy, and by providing support and resources to its investors, which include many of the region’s largest employers.   

Media Contact:  

Amy Daniels
901-569-4796
adaniels@memphischamber.com 

The post GREATER MEMPHIS CHAMBER RESEARCH TEAM RECOGNIZED FOR INDUSTRY REPORTS appeared first on Greater Memphis Chamber.

MEMPHIS, TN, Wednesday, June 5, 2024 –xAI’s Gigafactory of Compute – the World’s largest supercomputer – would be located in Memphis, Tennessee. Representing the city’s largest capital investment by a new-to-market company in Memphis history, the company would occupy a former manufacturing facility. This project is pending approval by the Memphis Shelby County Economic Development Growth Engine (EDGE), Tennessee Valley Authority, and governing authorities.

The Greater Memphis Chamber’s economic development team, led by Chief Economic Development Officer Gwyn Fisher and Vice President of Global Business Development, Troy Parkes, moved at lightning speed to ensure xAI would make Memphis their top choice. This landmark achievement signals a new era of growth and innovation for Memphis.

“Our Chamber is built for this,” said Ted Townsend, President & CEO of the Greater Memphis Chamber. “In less than three weeks, the Chamber’s economic development team demonstrated remarkable coordination, swiftly providing solutions and rallying partners faster than any other community. From the initial three weeks until today, Memphis emerged as a global nexus where velocity meets potency, which are attractive attributes to the xAI team.”

This groundbreaking investment would not be possible without the support of building owners, Phoenix Investors, and the great partnership the Chamber shares with City of Memphis, Shelby County, and MLGW.

“Memphis is a city of innovators, so it’s no surprise that it feels like home to those looking to change the world,” said Memphis Mayor Paul Young. “We get things done here. We have great partners at the Greater Memphis Chamber and MLGW who were ready to make this happen. We had an ideal site, ripe for investment. And we had the power of our people who created new and innovative processes to keep up with the pace required to land this transformational project.”

“I am proud of our work to provide utilities for such a massive project and to do it quickly. The adaptive reuse of a former manufacturing space and its existing utility infrastructure are exactly the kind of economic development we have been seeking for our city,” said Doug McGowen, President & CEO, of MLGW. “The good-paying jobs, the cachet of hosting the world’s most powerful supercomputer, and the significant additional revenues for MLGW this project brings will help support our reliability and grid modernization efforts. These are all wins for our community.”

The company’s proposed unprecedented commitment underscores the tremendous potential and limitless opportunities that Memphis offers as a vibrant hub for business, technology, culture, and community. The company expects to create high quality jobs upon completion of Phase 1, with opportunities for more substantial investment in future phases.

“Memphis is the Digital Delta,” said Gwyn Fisher. “We are experiencing a dynamic wave of development across various sectors, including technology, infrastructure, healthcare, manufacturing, and education. This monumental recruitment investment marks a pivotal point in our city’s trajectory, and will drive continued entrepreneurship and ingenuity, propelling Memphis to the forefront of global innovation and competitiveness.”

“Historic opportunities like this are born of strong partnerships, and I am delighted that Shelby County Government through our health department and the Memphis & Shelby County Office of Planning and Development has played a significant role,” said Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris.

-MEMPHIS-

About The Greater Memphis Chamber

One of Memphis’ oldest institutions, dating back to 1838, the Greater Memphis Chamber is a privately funded nonprofit that serves as the region’s lead economic development organization and the “Voice of Memphis Business” on local, state, and national issues. The Chamber’s mission is to drive the Memphis business agenda for Greater Memphis. We do this by relentlessly pursuing prosperity for all — through economic and workforce development, pro-growth advocacy, and by providing support and resources to its investors, which include many of the region’s largest employers.

Media Contact:

Amy Daniels
901-569-4796
adaniels@memphischamber.com

The post VELOCITY MEETS POTENCY: xAI ANNOUNCES MEMPHIS AS NEW HOME appeared first on Greater Memphis Chamber.

Besides what is on LinkedIn, where did it all begin?

I was born and raised in my earlier years in Brooklyn, New York. Then, I finished high school in Upstate New York (Rochester). Still, after all these years, I remain a big city guy at heart!

Since you are not from Memphis, when did you move here and why?

My trek to Memphis was not a straight shot from New York.  I have lived in nine states, plus Canada (including twice in both New York City and Los Angeles). I was relocated here from Atlanta in 2020 by Cigna to be the president of Tri-South for the company.

Can you share some insight into your early career path?

I graduated as a mechanical engineer from Michigan State University. So the first chapter of my career was in aerospace, specifically working on the space shuttle program. I then received my MBA from Pepperdine University in Los Angeles, which facilitated my transition from a technical discipline to a business orientation in healthcare. Since that career change, people clearly found me more interesting at parties when I was in aerospace, as opposed to now when I am in insurance!

Please provide an at-a-glance look at Cigna, a major employer in Memphis.

Cigna Healthcare is a health benefits provider that advocates for better health through every stage of life. We guide our customers by empowering them with the information and insights they need to make the best choices for improving their health and vitality. Our products and services include an integrated suite of health services such as medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, vision, supplemental benefits and others.

Key Points

• • 2,100 full-time employees in the Memphis area
  • 70,000 employees globally for The Cigna Group, which is made up of Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth Health Services
  • More than 164 million customers relationships
  • 2.2 million relationships with healthcare and mental health providers, clinics and facilities
  • #15 on the 2023 Fortune 500 list of biggest U.S. companies by revenue 

Anything you wish to share about your company’s commitment to moving Memphis forward? 

Cigna Healthcare is a mission-driven company, which entails leaving a positive impact on the communities we serve. This includes creating a better environment for all people, whether they are clients or not. We want health and quality of life to be attainable for everyone. Thus we support health-related issues and environmental challenges like food insecurity and health access throughout the Tri-South (Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi) geography.  We also help support the YMCA and its many youth activities that focus on wellness.

Any personal public service or community involvement you’d like to share?

When I arrived, I told people that I was willing to help… and the City of Memphis has taken me up on it!  So I am on the boards of the Greater Memphis Chamber, New Memphis, Memphis Medical District Collaborative (MMDC), Mid-South Minority Business Council Continuum (MMBC) and the University of Memphis Board of Visitors. In addition, I am involved in a long-term initiative on the West Coast that uses entrepreneurship to help the homeless start their own businesses and new lives. This is one of the most impactful programs I have ever been associated with.

What most excites you about Memphis?

Unlimited potential!!!  My best contribution is to now help Memphis dream bigger! I want this city to achieve what it deserves and orchestrate the support of the right types of organizations/people across Tennessee who can make it happen. That aligns directly with the goals of the Chairman’s Circle.

How about a peek inside your family?

I am the oldest of three children. My two sisters, whom I am very close to, live in Las Vegas and Copenhagen, Denmark. I am also the proud father of a 26-year-old daughter who lives in the D.C. area and a just-turned-25-year-old son who lives in Orlando. Both are making positive inroads on their career journeys. Meanwhile, I have an adopted rescue dog that I named Memphis who brings me joy every day in my new city!

Who is the most influential person in your life and best advice you were ever given?

My mother was clearly the biggest influence in my life. She stressed education as a road to success. So I attribute all credit to her for what I have achieved. Yet her greatest advice was to always be a good person, no matter what. As a tribute to her, I will always adhere to that philosophy.

Now, for the fun stuff…

Any favorite pastime, hobbies or ways to unwind?

I played a lot of sports in my youth, so now I love both watching and attending sporting events. I even had the pleasure of going to the Super Bowl in Vegas this year, which was a supernova for me! I also like to read, so I subscribe to about 12 different magazines a month for diversity of thought/info. And, although I do not have much spare time, I enjoy hitting the golf course. Finally, I need to admit that I am a rare breed of man who likes clothes and shopping. There are a few of us in the Chamber, and we know who we are!

Favorite vacation spot/where do you like to travel?

Hawaii… it is a paradise on earth. And I am indeed a traveling man. So, I love going to Europe, Asia, Caribbean and more. I actually have a large map with pins across the globe marking the many places I’ve been. Not bad for a kid who never got to fly on a plane until he was in college.

Do you have a favorite book or movie and why?

My favorite movie is Boyz in the Hood.  It is a very close depiction of what I experienced in the younger stage of my life in the inner city. So I have the framed movie poster in my house as a remembrance of where I am from and why I need to help others in difficult living environments.

Anything else you’d like to add?

While I have lived in many places, I must say that I have found Memphis to be the most welcoming of them all. For that, I am eternally grateful to be an honorary Memphian.

The post Meet the Chairman’s Circle – An interview with John J. Webb appeared first on Greater Memphis Chamber.

Wednesday, May 29, 2024 The Greater Memphis Chamber, in conjunction with ARTSMemphis and the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, debuted the 2024 Memphis in May Honored Country Poster on Saturday, May 25 at the Cannon Center at 7:00 p.m. Celebrating France for all of 2024, the Chamber commissioned a fine arts poster through ARTSmemphis to commemorate France, continuing a longstanding tradition of the Memphis in May International Festival. This year’s chosen artist is  Michele Noiset. The poster debuted during the Symphony’s performance of DVOŘÁK NEW WORLD SYMPHONY on Saturday, May 25 at the Canon Center for Performing Arts. The fine arts poster is sponsored by Phelps Dunbar and 1910 Frameworks.

Noiset, an acclaimed illustrator and Assistant Professor of Illustration at the University of Arkansas in Little Rock, has a rich career spanning the publishing, advertising, and editorial sectors with prominent clients like McDonald’s, Nickelodeon, and the New York Times. Noiset has a long history when it comes to France, with her parents having sought refuge during World War II from Belgium to Toulouse, France. She was recommended by an ARTSmemphis selection panel comprised of curators from museums and academia, and arts organization representatives.

“We are grateful to the Chamber for continuing to recognize local artists and applaud Michele for being selected by the Chamber as the latest in a long line of distinguished Memphis in May Poster artists,” said Elizabeth Rouse, President & CEO for ARTSmemphis .

“We couldn’t think of a better partner than ARTSmemphis to help us find the artist that would embody the spirit of Memphis with a nod to France. For the Chamber team, Michele captured the soul of Memphis in her artwork, while at the same time capturing the strength of France,” said Ted Townsend, President & CEO for the Greater Memphis Chamber. “France is a crucial trade partner to Memphis and Tennessee: Tennessee imports more than $1 billion in products from France each year (up 83% from 2017-2022) and the state exports nearly $500M per year to France (up 17.5% from 2017-2022). Throughout this year, we will continue to honor France it’s ties specifically to Memphis business.”

The poster will be available to purchase through 1910 Frame Works and Gallery at their store at 2029 Union Avenue or on their website at https://www.1910frameworks.com/.

-MEMPHIS-

About The Greater Memphis Chamber

One of Memphis’ oldest institutions, dating back to 1838, the Greater Memphis Chamber is a privately funded nonprofit that serves as the region’s lead economic development organization and the “Voice of Memphis Business” on local, state, and national issues. The Chamber’s mission is to drive the Memphis business agenda for Greater Memphis. We do this by relentlessly pursuing prosperity for all — through economic and workforce development, pro-growth advocacy, and by providing support and resources to its investors, which include many of the region’s largest employers.

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