Taylor Ann Carpenter

Spring is almost here. The days are getting longer. The sun is shining. The weather is getting nicer.

And with springtime comes new opportunities, new activities, and new good news!

You know what that means? Share it. Share it with me. Share it with your friends. Share it with your neighbors. Share the good news FOR MEMPHIS

Duncan

Keep Reading the Good News For Memphis. 

From Memphis to Milwaukee to Christmas Day: Craig Brewer’s Journey to His Biggest Moviemaking Stage Yet

Memphians make movies happen, that movie being “Song Sung Blue”—a Neil Diamond biopic. While it takes place in Milwaukee, this movie has Memphis all over it. The music was recorded in Memphis. All the musicians were all from right here in Memphis. And most importantly, the movie was directed by the director known for he hit movie, “Hustle & Flow,” Craig Brewer. Read more about the movie here.

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Memphis Creator Featured in New PBS Series

A Memphis creator got a national spotlight for the work he’s doing in the Memphis creative space. Bryan Roberson, perhaps better known as YoBreezye, was featured on episode 2 of PBS’s series “The Story in Us.” The episode entitled From Front Porches to Feeds spotlights YoBreezye alongside two other Southerners and the way they all use their creativity in the digital age. Read about it here or watch the full episode.

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City Launches Memphis Music Live 365 Initiative

Staying in this creative space, the City of Memphis launched their new initiative, Memphis Music Live 365, to highlight local musicians. As part of the initiative, live music will happen every week across the city. Watch this segment to learn more.

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Got Good News? Share it with goodnews@memphischamber.com 

Check Out More Good News HERE.

We’re two months into sharing the good news of Memphis, and I could not be more excited. Thank you to all who have subscribed to this email and shared it with their friends, family, coworkers, etc.

Keep it going.

We want ALL the good news. So if you have good news about Memphis, share it.

This isn’t about a particular industry or sector. It’s about Memphis. The news doesn’t have to be about business.

As you’ve seen, it’s about the community—the people who make up Memphis. From football players to doctors, to actors, to teachers, it’s about people doing good in and FOR MEMPHIS. That’s where the good news comes from.

Duncan

Keep Reading the Good News For Memphis.

Memphis’ Competitive EDGE

Memphis is building strong economic opportunities by supporting industry, neighborhoods, and the workplace. Listen to the full conversation between Mayor Paul Young and Dr. Joann Massey here.

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Memphis Named a Top 20 Metro for Workforce-Ready for Industrial Employers

Memphis made yet another list, but this time it’s about our workforce. Listed at number five, Memphis was named one of the 20 top metros for industrial employers, noting our MSA’s ability to meet employers’ workforce needs.  (Thank you, Courtney Blanchard for sharing the good news.)

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UTHSC Dentistry Provided Free Dental Care at 10^th Annual Give Kids a Smile Event

Memphians are doing great work for the city. At the 10^th annual Give Kids a Smile Event, UTHSC faculty and students provided over 600 procedures to 73 children in the Memphis community. Read more about it. (Shout out to Allyson Lawson for sharing.)

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Got Good News? Share it with goodnews@memphischamber.com 

Check Out More Good News HERE.

Good news is everywhere. I am thrilled with the response to this email. Good news in Memphis happens every single day—so share it.

If you’re receiving this email from a friend and want to get on the main mailing list, click here.

If you’ve got positive Memphis news, share it with our good news inbox: goodnews@memphischamber.com.

Duncan

Keep Reading the Good News For Memphis. 

Regional Project Secures Business Facilities 2025 Deal of the Year Impact Award

Memphis keeps winning. Silver Hills Bakery received the 2025 Deal of the Year Impact Award from Business Facilities Magazine, winning in the “Rural Renewal” category. This is the second year in a row that a Memphis-area project received a Deal of the Year award. Read more here. And in case you missed it, Silver Hills was featured in this video talking about our 2025 regional economic development wins.

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Epicenter to Partner with Chattanooga-based CO.LAB to Spark Logistics Startup Economy

Memphis-based Epicenter is crossing city lines to join forces with CO. LAB in Chattanooga. This partnership is expanding opportunities and resources to startups across the state. Learn more here. (Shout out to Anthony Young for sharing this good news.)

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NBA Foundation Names 5 Memphis Non-Profits Among Its 2026 Local Grantees

Each year the NBA Foundation invests in programs across the country that create school to career pathways for young people. This year, 5 Memphis organizations were grantees. Read more to see which local groups are receiving the support. (Thank you Adam Chambers for sharing the good news.)

This week, you may notice that the email looks a little different. It’s still coming straight from me, but we’ve grown so large that I’ve had to enlist the help of an email platform.

But that doesn’t mean you stop sharing. Share the good news with anyone and everyone. It’s because you shared the good news FOR MEMPHIS with your network that I’ve had to get some extra help. And I am looking forward to seeing the good news shared with even more people!

If you’ve got positive Memphis news, share it with our good news inbox goodnews@memphischamber.com.

Duncan

Keep Reading the Good News For Memphis.

100^th Ribbon Cutting

In 2025, we had businesses all over the area celebrating grand openings, grand reopenings, and anniversaries. I had the pleasure of celebrating alongside the team at RKA at an anniversary ribbon cutting which also happened to be the Chamber’s 100^th ribbon cutting of 2025. Check it out.

Memphis Spa Ranked in the Top 100 Spas in America

Need a break? You don’t have to go far. Feathers Spa at the Peabody Hotel was ranked #6 by Spas of America. This puts Memphis and Feathers Spa in the top 1% of spa and wellness destinations in North America. Read more here. (Thank you Doug Browne for this good news.)

Memphians Are Nationally Recognized Innovators

It’s not just our city that makes headlines, it’s our people. Forbes released a list of the top 250 innovators in American history. And several Memphians were listed, including: Fred Smith, Clarence Saunders, Kemmons Wilson, and Robert R. Church. Read the full list here. (Shout out to Richard Smith for sharing this piece of good news.)

 

 

Got Good News? Share it with  goodnews@memphischamber.com

Check Out More Good News Here.

We keep on growing! Flood inboxes everywhere with good news from Memphis for Memphis.

Keep sharing the email with your clients, vendors, friends, family, colleagues, or whoever else you come in contact with.

And while you’re at it, if you’ve got positive Memphis news, share it with our good news inbox goodnews@memphischamber.com.

Duncan

Keep Reading the Good News For Memphis.

Memphian Named the Super Bowl 60 MVP

Memphis has another story taking the national stage. Kenneth Walker III was named the Super Bowl LX MVP. Walker is a Memphis-area native and a graduate of Arlington High School. He was the first running back to be named Super Bowl MVP since Terrell Davis earned the in Super Bowl 32. Read more here and here.

 

Hyde Foundation Grant Awards over $6.9M Across 24 Local Organizations

The Hyde Family Foundation had its largest funding cycle of 2025. They gave over $6.9M across 24 organizations. They gave to organizations in several different industries including: education, arts & culture, neighborhoods & public spaces, and leadership & civic pride.  Groups like the Hyde Foundation help Memphis grow. Read more. (Special thanks to George Abbott for sharing this piece of good news.)

CEO of FedEx Talks Adapting with Fortune 

As the world evolves and changes, Memphis is right there with it. Raj Subramaniam, CEO of FedEx, sat down with Fortune to talk about how FedEx is adapting in the world of re-globalization. He gave insight into the global economy and how businesses can keep up. Read what Subramaniam said here.

Got Good News? Share it with  goodnews@memphischamber.com

Check Out More Good News Here.

I love to see people on FIRE for Memphis. The good news is flowing!!

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE CREATED THEIR LIST AND SHARED WITH YOUR NETWORK.   FOR EVEYRONE ELSE, SNOW DAYS ARE OVER,  WE NEED YOU!!

Let’s keep this momentum going!

Make your list of 100+ and share, share, share!!  With every email, we are shaping the Memphis narrative.

We are not ignoring our challenges but moving forward and making change.

Duncan

Keep Reading the Good News For Memphis.

Memphis Wins at the Grammys

Memphis won again at this year’s Grammys. Memphis musicians Boo Mitchell and Eric Gales won Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media for their work on the hit movie “Sinners.” Read more about it here and view the whole list of nominees (several of them being Memphians) and winners here.

 

2025 Next-Gen Awardees

I’ve got news about the future of Memphis—it’s in good hands. Watch this video to see 10 of the top young professionals in the Memphis area who were recognized with the Memphis Next-Gen 10 Award.

Memphis Chess Club is the 2^nd Oldest Chess Club in the US

Who knew Memphis has the 2^nd Oldest Chess Club in the United States? The Memphis Chess Club is an award-winning chess club and was originally opened in 1877. Nowadays, it’s rare to see a brick-and-mortar chess club. Not only do we have one here, but it doubles as a café. Read more about the Memphis Chess Club here.

 

Got Good News? Share it with  goodnews@memphischamber.com

Check Out More Good News Here.

The FOR MEMPHIS newsletter is growing! And it’s a good thing, because I’ve got good news to share.  A little cold weather is not going to keep the 901 down!!

Keep sharing the good news to your network. Forward this email. Post on social media. Bring it up in conversation. Whatever way it is, SHARE.

Share the good news FOR MEMPHIS!

Duncan

Keep Reading the Good News For Memphis.

Cordova High Teacher Awarded 2025 Grammy Music Educator Award

The 2026 Grammys are this Sunday. As you well know, Memphis is known for music, and that goes all the way down to our music educators. Last year, Cordova High School’s choir teacher, Adrian L. Maclin, was awarded the 2025 Grammy Music Educator Award. Watch this video to hear from his students on just why he won that award.

Actor, Billy Bob Thornton, Shouts Out A Memphis Brand

Actor, Billy Bob Thornton, most recently recognized for his role in the Paramount+ hit series Landman, was interviewed on CBS Mornings last week. In a brief discussion about his outfit, Thorton shouted out a local clothing store for much of his overall style. Watch what he said here or see the full interview here. And shortly after, another national publication shared the news here.  (Special thanks to Margo Metz for sharing this piece of good news.)

Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital Named a Top Hospital by Leapfrog Group

Our hospitals keep winning. The Leapfrog Group named Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital a Top Hospital in 2025. This is one of the most prestigious and competitive awards hospitals can receive for their commitment to safety and quality.  Read more. (Shout out to Dr. Trey Eubanks for sharing this good news.)

 

Got Good News? Share it with  goodnews@memphischamber.com

Check Out More Good News Here.

Happy New Year!

I am honored to be the new Chairman for the Greater Memphis Chamber. I will focus squarely on the future of our city and proudly FOR MEMPHIS!

One major initiative for me is helping change the narrative we all tell about Memphis.

I’m not talking about spin.

I’m talking about sharing the good news that’s plentiful in our community while acknowledging the challenges we face.

Every Tuesday at 9:01 a.m., I am sending you this weekly “For Memphis” email to help amplify the wins that often get overshadowed. I’m personally committing to share good news with you and at least 99 others on a weekly basis and asking each of you to share with 100 more.  

I want you to do it FOR Memphis.

Share it internally with your employees and teammates, friends and family, and ask them to share it externally with their networks.

This isn’t ignoring challenges, it’s just balancing the narrative.

Now…go do your part FOR MEMPHIS and share the good news!

Duncan

 

Keep Reading the Good News For Memphis.

Regional Wins Video

Our region won big in 2025. I hope to keep that momentum going during 2026. Discover several of our regional wins in this video.

FedEx Featured on NBC’s Today Show for Fast Delivery During the Holiday Season

While the holidays might be over, hard work does not go unnoticed. And Memphis had a role in making the holiday magic happen. Watch this video to see why FedEx was featured on NBC’s Today Show.

New York Times Names Memphis as One of “52 Places to Go in 2026”

In case you missed it, yesterday, The New York Times listed our very own city on their “52 Places to Go in 2026” article—right up there with Nagasaki, Japan, and Breuil-Cervinia, Italy. It blew up all over my social media. I’m hoping you saw it on yours and shared it. But if you didn’t now is your chance.

Got Good News? Share it with goodnews@memphischamber.com

Several new Tennessee laws took effect on January 1, 2026, introducing changes across commerce, elections, immigration, health care, public safety, and taxes and fees. To support awareness of these changes, the Greater Memphis Chamber’s Government Affairs team has compiled an overview of selected laws now in effect, organized by topic for ease of reference. 

This summary is provided for informational purposes only and does not reflect policy positions of the Chamber. 

New laws going into effect January 1 include: 

Commerce 

• • Vape regulations and consumer protections (PC 324): Raises the age threshold for required ID checks from 30 to 50 and creates a statewide database of FDA-approved or pending vape products to prevent the sale of unauthorized products, particularly those targeting minors. 

• • New guardrails for the hemp industry (PC 526): Establishes new limits on potency, licensing, and oversight of hemp-derived cannabinoid products; restricts sales to age 21 and older; bans direct-to-consumer shipping; shifts enforcement to the Alcoholic Beverage Commission; and creates a new wholesale tax structure. 

• • Tattoo apprenticeship licensing update (PC 212): Extends tattoo apprenticeships from one year to two years, requires signed completion verification prior to licensure, and allows artists licensed at least 10 years in another state to take on apprentices in Tennessee. 

• • Cemetery reclamation and monument installation updates (PC 119): Allows cemeteries to reclaim and resell unused grave sites after 75 years of no family contact, while preserving rights for families to reclaim the site or proceeds within 25 years. 

Taxes and Fees 

• • Community investment tax credit changes (PC 496): Updates credit calculations to close a loophole involving short-term lines of credit. 

• • Litigation fee changes (PC 486): Establishes a $2 litigation privilege tax in most civil and criminal cases to fund continuing education for court clerks. 

Health 

• • Expanded ABLE accounts (PC 340): Raises the age of disability onset from 26 to 46, expanding eligibility for Tennesseans with disabilities. 

• • Improved access to cancer treatment (PC 505): Removes insurance step-therapy barriers for patients with advanced or metastatic cancers. 

• • Alternatives to opioid prescriptions (PC 278): Ensures FDA-approved non-opioid medications receive equal treatment on the state’s preferred drug list. 

• • Paid leave for hospice care (PC 423): Allows eligible state employees up to six weeks of paid leave to care for qualifying family members receiving hospice care. 

Elections 

• • Strengthening voter verification (PC 473): Requires real-time verification of U.S. citizenship and felony status before voter registration is completed. 

Public Safety 

• • Domestic violence registry / Savanna’s Law (PC 520): Establishes a public registry for repeat domestic violence offenders. 

• • Ink of Hope Act (PC 19): Requires tattoo artists to receive training on recognizing and reporting signs of human trafficking. 

Government Efficiency 

• • Eliminating faxes in Tennessee code (PC 94): Updates state law to replace fax references with electronic transmission. 

Immigration 

• • Preventing non-citizens from voting (PC 394): Requires training for election officials to recognize temporary IDs issued to non-citizens. 

• • Strengthening illegal immigration enforcement (PC 1): Creates the Centralized Immigration Enforcement Division, enhances coordination with federal authorities, provides grants for local participation in the 287(g) program, and requires state-issued IDs to clearly distinguish non-citizens. 

• • Invalidating certain out-of-state driver’s licenses (PC 288): Prohibits recognition of out-of-state driver’s licenses issued to individuals unlawfully present in the U.S., making driving without a valid license a Class B misdemeanor beginning Jan. 1. 

Foreign influence 

• • Tennessee Genomic Security and End Organ Harvesting Act (PC 96): Bans genetic technology from foreign adversaries and prohibits insurance coverage for organ transplants linked to illegal organ harvesting practices. 

The Greater Memphis Chamber will continue sharing state policy updates to help keep the business community informed. If you have questions about the laws summarized above or would like additional context, please contact the Chamber’s Public Policy team: publicpolicy@memphischamber.com 

 

Memphis is known for its innovation and entrepreneurship. Even the Fortune 500 businesses started out as an entrepreneurial venture. November 17 through November 23 is Global Entrepreneurship Week. Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is an international celebration of innovators and job creators who launch startups and bring ideas to life. This week honors the entrepreneurs and small businesses that fuel the economy—especially our regional economy. Here are some fast facts about our entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Greater Memphis Area: 

 

• Tennessee was ranked #8 in CNBC’s Top States for Businesses list. 

• FedEx launched its first overnight deliveries from Memphis in April 1973; Holiday Inn was founded in Memphis by Kemmons Wilson (1952); Piggly Wiggly opened the first self‑service grocery in Memphis in 1916. 

• Nationally, venture capital investment in Black founders has surged by 30% year-over-year, underscoring the expanding recognition of diverse innovation ecosystems — with Memphis positioned as a leading hub in the Mid-South for inclusive tech growth. 

• Memphis is emerging as a southern innovation hub, home to a rising wave of Black founders leveraging the city’s affordable cost of living, strong logistics infrastructure, and growing tech talent pipeline to scale high-growth startups. 

• Memphis was named one of Business Facilities’ 2025 Top Innovation Hubs to Watch, recognized for its thriving research ecosystem, industry partnerships, and major investments driving the Digital Delta forward. 

• Memphis is the only major U.S. city where women own more small businesses than men  

 

Our city supports entrepreneurs and wants to see them thrive. Here’s a look at some of the events for our entrepreneurs and small businesses:  

November 18 — Greater Memphis Chamber: Business Over Breakfast 

7:30 AM–9:00 AM 

Alpha Memphis Education Foundation, 4122 Barton Dr. 

Registration required. 

 

November 20 — Greater Memphis IT Council: Cyber Seminar for Small Businesses 

“Creating a Culture of Cybersecurity” 

11:30 AM–1:00 PM 

City of Memphis Entrepreneurial & Innovation Center (ENC) 

 

November 21 — EDGE: Access to Capital for Small Businesses 

11:30 AM–1:00 PM 

City of Memphis ENC 

 

November 22 — City of Memphis Libraries Division: 901 Kids Fest 

11:30 AM–3:00 PM 

Cossitt Library, 33 S. Front St. 

Open to the public. 

 

Join us in celebrating the entrepreneurs who bring innovation to our city.  

 

Congratulations to our 2025 Memphis Next-Gen 10 Honorees! The Memphis Next-Gen Awards recognize ten young professionals for their achievements in making Memphis greater.

ZACHARY AMOS

Zachary Amos is the Associate Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis. Prior to working at Habitat for Humanity, he lived in various states, working on political campaigns in one way or another. Despite living across the country, Zach chose to come back to the place he was born and start his own family. Zach is a father to his one-year-old son and, in his application for the Memphis Next-Gen Awards, said, “At the heart of everything I do is this: I want to build a better Memphis for him and for all of us.” Zach’s work is focused on advocating for better, more sustainable, and more affordable housing for Memphians. Outside of work, he spends his time volunteering as an ESL teacher. As he put it, Zach seeks to create a welcoming, inventive, and unafraid to lead Memphis.

 

DESIREE BURROUGHS-RAY

Dr. Desiree Burroughs-Ray is a physician at LeBonheur Children’s Hospital and Regional One Health. Additionally, she is an Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at UTHSC. She spends her days caring for the Memphian inside and outside the hospital. Desiree is NOT a native Memphian but can certainly be considered one now. In fact, as part of her work, she created a Resident Wellness Committee for the Internal Medicine Residents with a goal of retaining medical talent in Memphis. This group supports wellness inside and outside of the workplace. As a result of the committee, residents have reported feeling less burnt out and are even talking about how excited they are to participate and explore the city.

 

MADSION DOBBINS

Madison Dobbins is the Scheduling and Results Administrator at Mid-South Drug Testing Inc. Madison is a Memphis native and loves this city. She believes that if you have the ability to give back, you should give back as much as you can, which is why as part of her work at Mid-South Drug Testing, she organizes partnership opportunities with local non-profits where employees can volunteer and give back. Madison continues to take on leadership roles within the company and make an impact on Memphis. She says that there is no place she’d rather live than right here in Memphis, Tennessee. Travel is fun, but Memphis is home.

 

DONAE GOODEN

Donae Gooden is the Human Resource Manager at the J.M. Smucker Company. She is passionate about leadership development and being a lifelong learner. Much of her work revolves around growing leaders and their skills in order to make the company stronger. Additionally, Donae spends some of her free time mentoring early-career professionals and helping them become better leaders. Donae is very connected to the community through volunteering, participating in local events, and visiting local businesses. She is especially interested in patroning local restaurants as a food blogger and content creator. Donae seeks to have a meaningful and lasting impact in all that she does.

 

ROMANETHIA GREEN

Romanethia Green is the Chief Operations Officer at TopCat Masonry. She is a born and raised Memphian but chose Memphis because of the community and culture the city provides. In a recent conversation with Romanethia, she said, “Why take my talents somewhere else instead of helping in the city that raised me?” Through her work, she seeks to provide solutions, address community needs, and create opportunities for success. Romanethia wants others to look beyond the barriers and see the possibilities. She hopes to inspire other people through what she does.

 

BRENT HOOKS

Brent Hooks is the Regional Vice President at Cornerstone Engineering. He lives and breathes Memphis. In all that he does, Brent wants Memphis to grow stronger, smarter, and more inclusive. Brent is passionate about projects that move Memphis forward. He routinely volunteers by mentoring students and educating them on the value of STEM. He said that he want the students to be inspired and know that the future can be built right here in Memphis. He is also launching a program here that encourages students to go into STEM-related fields. Brent encourages young professionals to dream big and get involved.

 

HANNAH LEON

Hannah Leon is a Special Projects Manager at Orion Financial.  Originally from Jackson, Tennessee, Hannah moved to Memphis in 2022. She is passionate about expanding financial literacy in the community. Hannah wants financial literacy to be accessible and equitable because she believes financial health is important to an individual’s overall well-being.  She encourages other young professionals in the community to find what they are passionate about and go after it. For Hannah, leadership is using the tools she has to remove barriers and build confidence. Hannah wants Memphians to get involved in the community and support one another—especially those making a difference in the city.

 

JAMAL MUHAMMAD

Jamal Muhammad is another proud Memphis native. He is a Field Technician at mStreet Fiber, a Memphis-based company that is bringing fast and reliable fiber connectivity to their clients, including Memphis. Jamal helps oversee fiber installation, provides technical guidance, and ensures compliance with industry standards. Outside of the office, he volunteers as a technology coach at CodeCrew after being an alum of the program. He wants those students to feel supported and foster confidence in computer science. Jamal says that when he thinks about fulfilling his dream, Memphis is the only place where he can truly do that. He is passionate about inspiring other young Memphians and showing that they can also thrive in this city.

 

JAMESON MURREY

Jameson Murrey is the Senior Director of Corporate Strategy and Operations at Alsac/St. Jude. Jameson is an active member of our Young Professionals Council and served as Vice-Chair. Jameson is originally from Jonesborough, Arkansas, but has called Memphis home for 11 years now. What excites her the most is not only the people we have now who are building a better future for Memphis, but the next generation. Jameson believes that purpose makes passion easy and that with a mission-driven city like our own, there is so much opportunity. She believes in the power of doing good to transform communities.

 

JEVONTE PORTER SR.

Jevonte Porter Sr. is the Director of Community Relations at Youth Villages. He is Memphian through and through. To him, Memphis is not just a city. It is his home, and he believes in his home. He believes in Memphis. Jevonte committed his life to service, knowing that it was his purpose. He felt that Memphis was the place where he could best fulfill his purpose and give back to his community. Jevonte’s call to action for other young professionals is to, “Be the leader Memphis deserves. One that is consistent. One that is humble. And one that is committed and rooted in service.”