[Read more…] about HIRE Memphis Connects Youths to Local Jobs
Considerations in Creating a Diverse Workplace
It is almost axiomatic in the 21st Century that workplace diversity is not merely a good thing but that it is nearly a mandatory component of running a successful business. That said, what does “diversity” mean? For some employers, it’s ensuring that a workplace is composed of people from a variety of backgrounds. For others, it simply means having policies against jokes about race, gender or physical disability.
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Chamber Recap | May 13-17, 2019
It was a busy week at the Greater Memphis Chamber. Here’s a quick overview of some of the important events and activities from the week of May 16, 2019.
Legislative update
On May 17th, the Chamber’s State lobbyist, Wendell Moore, briefed members of the Government Affairs Council and members of the Chairman’s Circle Public Policy Task Force on this past legislative session. Wendell shared with the group that Shelby County received over $19 million in appropriations during this session for a number of projects. Wendell urged the group to consider pulling the City of Memphis and Shelby County (including the individual municipalities) together to prioritize the top two to three priorities for the Greater Memphis region, saying that a consolidated effort in the 2020 legislative session could offer more opportunity for Memphis and Shelby County.
Wendell is developing a final report, which we will share with the board and our membership as soon as it is complete.
[Read more…] about Chamber Recap | May 13-17, 2019
3 Ways the Chamber Can help your business grow
When you invest in the Greater Memphis Chamber, you invest not only in the success of your business, but in the success of the Greater Memphis region. We are the voice of business in West Tennessee, advocating on behalf of thousands of businesses and working every day to create a strong business climate so that our citizens can prosper.
[Read more…] about 3 Ways the Chamber Can help your business grow
Member Advice with Michelle Burns
It takes hard work, dedication and sometimes good old fashion luck to build a strong, profitable business. One of the best pieces of advice for entrepreneurs and emerging business owners is to get smart insights from people who have been there before.
See what Michelle Burns of Fayette Janitorial Services has to say on how she keeps her business growing.
How to Develop and Improve Industry Standards
Technology is growing at an exponential rate, and it’s important for industries to adapt their standards accordingly in order for companies and organizations to work with one another efficiently.
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Methodist Germantown CMO & U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Earns Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
The Mid-South Quality Productivity Center offers an evening Lean Six Sigma program for Yellow, Green, and Black belt certifications. This 17-week course is conducted each Tuesday evening from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at the Whitehaven Campus of Southwest Tennessee Community College: 1234 Finley Road, Memphis, TN. This course is conducted in a live classroom setting as opposed to on-line or blended courses to allow the participant an opportunity for peer-to-peer interaction, problem solving, project reporting, and accountability that cannot be experienced through e-courses. Each participant works on a project with their respective organization, providing practical experience for the Green/Black Belt candidates, which will enforce the skills they learn in class and produce a tangible benefit for their organizations.
Cassandra Howard, M.D., chief medical officer (CMO) for Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown Hospital, has been an active participant in these courses. She works with physicians and hospital administrators to ensure that patients are receiving the highest quality care. In addition, Dr. Howard has over 31 years of service in the United States Air Force in the Air National Guard. She is currently the senior medical officer for Tennessee. She previously held the rank of Colonel, and served as the State Air Surgeon assigned to Joint Force Headquarters in Nashville, Tenn.
Dr. Howard was summoned last week to the Pentagon and has been appointed in the Reserve of the United States Air Force to the grade of Brigadier General.
Pictured L to R: Dr. Donn Fisher – Executive Director/CEO – MSQPC; General Cassandra Howard, M.D. – Chief Medical Officer for Methodist Le Bonheur Hospital-Germantown and Brigadier General U.S. Air Force and a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Participant/Candidate; Kendra Kea – Manager of the Memphis Lean Six Sigma Institute (MLSSI) and a Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt; Monte Massongill – Certified Master Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and MLSSI Lead Facilitation/Instructor
Ribbons: Empire Beauty School
Here at the Greater Memphis Chamber we love to celebrate business growth and development! There’s nothing like standing beside you as you open the doors to your new business or reveal your new expansion. That’s why we offer our members our expertise and assistance with hosting grand opening and expansion ceremonies. Thank you to our Ribbon Cuttings sponsor, Paragon Bank for helping us support local businesses like you.
We’re happy to celebrate Empire Beauty Schools on their grand opening.
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Dr. Jennifer Eberhardt, Author of Biased
Dr. Jennifer Eberhardt is widely considered one of the world’s leading experts on racial bias. She is a professor of psychology at Stanford and a recipient of a 2014 MacArthur “genius” grant. Dr. Eberhardt has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and was named one of Foreign Policy’s 100 Leading Global Thinkers.
Bridging the Gap Between Job Vacancies and Ex-offenders
Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland and Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris both agree that helping ex-offenders get connected to jobs is a top priority to create prosperity for all in the Greater Memphis region.
“Reducing recidivism and helping ex-offenders get back on their feet has been a priority and passion of ours at City Hall, and the importance of a strong workforce re-entry program cannot be overstated.”
– Mayor Jim Strickland
On June 11 at the University of Memphis, public officials and business leaders will join at the How to Help Your Business and Your Community Forum to discuss how employers can tap into sources of skilled, qualified workers while at the same time expand opportunities for ex-offenders and create a pathway for their success in our community. Speakers include Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Tennessee Department of Correction Commissioner Tony C. Parker, Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris and Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland.
“If we can find ex-offenders with real employment opportunities, we can reduce recidivism, tackle future crime and provide employers with a much-need workforce.”
– Mayor Lee Harris
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Orion Moves HQ to Historic Wonder Bread Site
Young Memphis Class of 2019 Nominations
The Greater Memphis Chamber is pleased to announce that nominees are currently being sought for the Young Memphis Class of 2019. Sponsored by LSI Graphics, Young Memphis recognition initiative is designed to cultivate and showcase exceptional young professionals in the Greater Memphis area.