The air is crisp. Leaves begin to change colors. There is a certain buzz to the city. That’s because it is October in Memphis. Octobers in Memphis are for Manufacturing and Music. These two industries are crucial to our economy and have made an impact on the world around us, so it’s only right to celebrate them.

“We’re a city of trendsetters,” said Boo Mitchell, Grammy Award winning engineer, producer and composer. Mitchell is also the owner of Royal Studios here in Memphis.

Manufacturing Month

Whether you know it or not Memphis is home to over a dozen manufacturing companies. In fact, Memphis plays a role in the production of some of your favorite products.

Who makes the packaging for Cheetos, Hot Cheetos and even Skittles? Bryce Corporation at their Memphis location. Ice Breaker Mints are made by Hershey’s here, too. Household products like Angle Soft Bath Tissue and Brawny Paper Towels are made by Georgia Pacific in the city, as well.

But it goes even further than that. Transformers are made by Hyosung HICO. International Paper provides boxes for Amazon. And Ace Pumps manufactures aggregation water pumps.

These companies are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to manufacturing in Memphis. To celebrate Manufacturing Month, the Greater Memphis Chamber is hosting a series of manufacturing tours.

“We want to introduce educators and their students to the manufacturing industry through tours,” said Jeanette Jones, Director, Existing Business & Manufacturing Industry Council for the Greater Memphis Chamber.

The Chamber’s research entity, Greater Memphis Economic Research Group (GMERG), shared in their Manufacturing Report, the industry in Memphis is projected to grow 37% in the next 5 years. It is imperative that we educate our youth and show them the many career paths Memphis has to offer. As Jones put it, manufacturing in Memphis is a “viable workforce opportunity.”

The Chamber is working with middle schools, high schools and local education partners to provide a glimpse into what Memphis makes. Throughout the year, there have already been eight tours, but thanks to the many partners opening up their doors, we will be taking eight tours this month alone. That will bring us to a total of sixteen manufacturing tours which surpasses our yearly goal of 12 tours.

Kicking off Manufacturing Month, we are celebrating Manufacturing Day on October 4 with two tours to local manufacturing locations.

Memphis Music Month

Our city is rich with music history. For decades we’ve been known to produce some of the world’s greatest musicians, top songs and historic studios. You may instantly think of music legends like, Elvis Presley, Isacc Hayes, or Johnny Cash; but despite being Home of the Blues and home to these icons, we still produce artists who have made a name for themselves across different genres. Think of Justin Timberlake, Three Six Mafia, The Band Camino or newer artist, GloRilla.

“Memphis music—more than any other place on the planet—has changed the world and impacted culture,” said Mitchell. “It has been the most influential place for music on the planet.”

A recent GMERG industry report said, over a ten-year period the Music and Entertainment Industry grew 63% and is projected to grow another 3% in the next 5 years. The Memphis music scene is thriving and deserves to be recognized.

“Music drives our economy.” Mitchell continued, “There are millions and millions of dollars that come into the city because of… music.”

Jessica Mosley, Director of Community Development helps lead the Entertainment Council. She explained the economic impact by saying, “The Music and Entertainment Industry is the heartbeat of Memphis, driving our economy and culture. It creates jobs, attracts tourism, and showcases our rich heritage, making the city a vibrant hub of creativity and innovation.”

Mempho Presents is hosting their seventh annual Mempho Music Festival October 4-6 at the Radians Amphitheatre at Memphis Botanic Gardens. Each year they bring a line up of unique musicians from a variety of genres.

Headliners for the event include Grammy award winner, Jack White, Trey Anastasio & Classic Tab, and Cody Jinks. The line up doesn’t stop there. The Roots, house band for The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, perform Saturday evening.  In the spirit of celebrating Memphis music, the line includes Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors. Holcomb was raised in Memphis and frequently returns to the city for performances like their annual “Drew and Ellie Holcomb’s Neighborly Christmas.”

“I see further global impact. Our music is still influential, even to the music that’s on the radio today,” Mitchell said.

Get Involved in the Celebrating

Our city has so much to offer beyond what you might think. It is important for our community to celebrate how great Memphis is, which is why you should get in on all the celebrations.

If you are looking to get involved in Manufacturing Month, Jeanette Jones can help you. There are so many ways you can get involved whether it be through sponsorship or opening the doors to your manufacturing facility for students and educators to tour.

Mempho tickets are on sale now.  They offer weekend-long passes, day passes, and VIP passes. For information on the lineup, schedule, or tickets visit their website.