Greater.
The Greater Memphis Chamber has been named the 2025 Chamber of the Year by ACCE! 
Recognizing its bold leadership, Digital Delta initiative, and transformative economic impact across infrastructure, tech, and workforce development.

 

Greater Memphis Chamber

Taylor Ann Carpenter

Pest Control with Purpose: Orkin Launches Memphis Location

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By: Anastasia Sanchez

The buzz in Memphis isn’t just from the mosquitoes this season- it’s from the grand opening of Orkin’s Pest Control’s newest branch in Bartlett, TN. As the Mid-South continues to grow, so does the demand for reliable, efficient, and environmentally friendly pest control services. Orkin is stepping in to meet that need, bringing its trusted expertise, strong commitment to the community, and practical solutions designed to protect both people and their property.

Meeting Pest Control Needs

Memphis area residents and businesses frequently face common pest problems, including gnats, ants, and mosquitoes, especially during the hot summer months. Orkin’s new Bartlett location is equipped to handle these pests quickly and efficiently, using IPM (Integrated Pest Management) principles to guide every service.

What does this mean for customers? Instead of overusing chemicals, Orkin approaches the situation by inspecting first and treating only when necessary.

“We don’t believe in just spraying to spray,” shared an Orkin representative. “Our method is rooted in responsibility and results.”

Opportunities for Growth: Orkin and Memphis

As the city continues to grow, Orkin sees Memphis as a long-term investment, not just for service delivery, but for job creation and professional development.

“There are major opportunities for growth,” said the representative. “As we expand, we plan to open a second commercial branch and hire more team members from within the community.”

Orkin’s presence in Memphis is more than just a business move, it’s a commitment to becoming an integral part of the city.

Backed by Experience: Driven by Results

With more than 120 years of pest control experience, Orkin stands behind its service. Every Orkin professional receives extensive training across all areas of pest management, ensuring effective and trustworthy solutions for every customer.

Orkin also offers a strong service guarantee:

If pests return between treatments, Orkin will come back at no additional charge. And if Orkin is unable to resolve your pest issue, you will receive a full refund for your most recent service as long as you are a customer.

This is just one more way Orkin delivers exceptional service and customer confidence.

Ready for Pest Free Living? Visit or Call Orkin Today!

To learn more about Orkin’s services or schedule your pest control appointment, visit:

https://www.orkin.com/new-service

Elevated Living Comes to Cordova: Springs at Colonial Grand Opening

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By: Anastasia Sanchez

Cordova, TN just welcomed its newest residential community with the grand opening of Springs at Colonial, a thought-out living space that sets a new standard for apartment living in the Memphis area. With refined, town-home style entries, pet-friendly amenities, and a community-focused atmosphere, Springs at Colonial is already standing out as the place to be.

Thoughtfully Designed

Springs at Colonial offers a variety of layouts to fit every lifestyle, ranging from charming studios to spacious three-bedroom homes.

Andrew Harris, a representative from the Springs at Colonial team, highlights what sets the community apart in terms of design, “Our apartments offer private, ground-level access—so if you’re on the second floor, you reach your home via a dedicated staircase, not shared hallways. Some units even include attached garages, and residents can conveniently park right outside their doors. It is all about making everyday living easier and more comfortable.”

Pet-Friendly  

One of Springs at Colonial’s standout features is their genuine commitment to pet owners. They recognize the significant role pets play in their residents’ lives and have thoughtfully designed the community to support that bond. With two on-site parks, a fully equipped pet spa, and even treats stocked in both the leasing office and maintenance carts, it is clear that pets are just as valued as their owners. 

Harris explained, “We go above and beyond- whether that means walking your dog if you are running late or feeding your cat while you are out of town. We are here to take care of your pets when needed.” 

Amenities 

Just when things couldn’t get any better, Springs at Colonial’s amenities take every day living to the next level. Residents have access to features that make home life feel convenient and comfortable.  

The community includes a car wash bay with vacuums and power sprayers, valet trash service, a 24-hour fitness center, and a resort-style pool that stays heated most of the year. Whether you are cleaning your car, breaking a sweat, or even soaking up the sun, Springs at Colonial has everything you need right on site.  

The amenities don’t stop there! Residents also have access to a welcoming clubhouse open 7 days a week, featuring co-working spaces, a conference room, and outdoor lounge areas with cozy fire pits.  

Overall Vibe 

The vibe at Springs at Colonial can best be described as elevated. This description resonates throughout the community’s design, amenities, and atmosphere. This elevated experience provides residents with a welcoming, modern neighborhood where you can truly feel at home.  

As Harris said, “This is definitely the new neighborhood to be in. We offer more than just a place to live; it presents an opportunity to be a part of Cordova’s exciting future.” 

Vision for Cordova’s Future 

Springs at Colonial isn’t just about providing excellent living spaces; it’s about contributing to the growth of Cordova.  

“We want Springs at Colonial to bring Cordova the lift it needs to really become the next, most desired area in Memphis,” Harris shared.  

With the top tier amenities and community focused spirit, Springs at Colonial is helping shape a brighter future for Cordova and its residents.  

Ready to Discover Elevated Living? 

Discover how Springs at Colonial can elevate your lifestyle.

Visit https://www.springsapartments.com/apartments/tn/cordova/springs-at-colonial to explore floor plans, view photos, and learn more about the community and amenities. Better yet, schedule a tour to see what makes Springs at Colonial the place to be in Cordova.

What It Takes to Be Chamber of the Year

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Winning Chamber of the Year is a highly sought-after designation amongst chambers of commerce across the country. Many dream of it but never get there. It’s one thing to apply, but another to actually win. And yet, here we are, the Greater Memphis Chamber in possession of the highest accolade one can receive in the industry. This award is a recognition of our chamber’s excellence in operations, member services, and community leadership.   

It all began when our President & CEO, Ted Townsend, told the team he wanted us to apply for the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives’ (ACCE) Chamber of the Year award.  

The last time Memphis applied for the award was roughly 20 years ago, and then, we didn’t even make it past the first round. Since then, we’ve attempted to apply every so often—starting the application, but realizing it’s too involved of a process, we didn’t have the necessary information, or simply being too busy with other Chamber projects to complete the application. But now was the time. We had the people, we had the programs, and we had the support of our investors. 

Thus, started a months-long journey to Chamber of the Year. 

Becoming Chamber of the YearGreater Memphis Chamber team surround Chamber of the Year award in Philadelphia

What does it take to be Chamber of the Year? The application is extensive. Tax documents, membership strategies, marketing plans, supporting materials, thousands and thousands of words, and pages upon pages all make up the application. Not to mention, to even be allowed to apply, we had to qualify in at least 3 of 5 ACCE’s key performance areas in operations. 

And that’s just the beginning.  

Only three applicants in each category are selected to be a finalist, but there are over 1,700 chambers in the country. That means narrowing down the selection to only 12 finalists is an intense process. Now, not every chamber applies, but dozens upon dozens of chambers apply across all four categories.  

The fact of the matter remains: this was not an easy win.  

On June 5th, ACCE announced the finalists, and our name was one of the few. Hoots and hollers erupted down the halls of our office. Being a finalist is an accomplishment in and of itself.  

Now, we enter the next stage—the interview. 

The Interview

President & CEO Ted Townsend and Chief Government Affairs Officer Bobby White pose with the Chamber of the Year award upon winningOnce it was announced, we selected our interviewees, Ted Townsend and Chief Government Affairs Officer, Bobby White, knowing they would represent our chamber well and be able to talk about all aspects of it, from the day-to-day operations to specific projects. Our team got together for weekly meetings (sometimes even multiple in the week) over the next 6 weeks. We reviewed the application, going over each portion regardless of how big or small it might be.  

Finally, we held a mock interview. We called on two partners, Ernest Strickland, President and CEO of the Black Chamber of Memphis, and former County Commissioner Mike Carpenter, founder of Carpenter Civic Strategies. These two have knowledge and expertise in the work we do, and we knew they wouldn’t shy away from asking tough questions. It was this mock interview paired with our weekly sessions that really helped us win the award. 

Fast forward to Tuesday, July 22. Ted and Bobby walked into the conference room at the Philadelphia Convention Center with their game faces on, ready to complete the interview. 

Everything up to this point was arguably the easiest part. The hardest part was in the waiting. We waited until 7 p.m. the next day to know where we stood. 

Winning the Championship

ACCE hosted their annual awards recognizing members with outstanding communications, lifetime achievement awards, and more. The very last award was Chamber of the Year—specifically category 4, which was our category. 

“Chamber of the Year…” “Category 4…” “Greater Memphis Chamber.” 

We jump out of our seats with laughter, excitement, and astonishment. We did it. We are the Chamber of the Year. Best in the country. 

The Impact of Chamber of the Year

But what does this mean for the rest of Memphis? 

Our President & CEO likes to say, “We are creating a culture of winning.” And he doesn’t just mean within the Chamber. He means within our city, our region. Not only is this win a recognition for the work we do internally, but it is a recognition for our city’s ability to take on new challenges, persevere, and adapt to change. It’s a testament to the desire that runs deep in this city to do more for our community. It is a signal to other communities, other businesses, and even other individuals outside the area that Memphis has something special. If you aren’t here, you are missing out. It is the beacon for the vibrant future we have ahead of us.

Driven by Values: CanopyNation’s Ongoing Commitment to Memphis

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By: Anastasia Sanchez

CanopyNation, a Memphis-based employee benefits and insurance agency, recently celebrated the grand opening of its new office, marking an exciting step forward that highlights the company’s continued growth in the city they call home. Sheridan Hibbard, Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Employee Wellbeing, points out that growing in Memphis happened organically. 

“Many of our clients are based in Memphis, and we prioritize doing business with those who do business with us. Memphis serves as a hub in numerous ways, making it a perfect fit for our growth.” 

This natural expansion reflects more than just business growth; it highlights CanopyNation’s deep commitment to the Memphis community, client relationships, and care for their team, all rooted by their five core values: People First, Accountability, Can-do Will-Do Mindset, Transparency, and Teamwork. These values form the foundation for CanopyNation’s hard work and passion for delivering exceptional service. 

People First 

At the start of CanopyNation’s values is their strong belief that people truly come first. This value drives how they provide support and build lasting trust with their clients.  

“People first” isn’t just a phrase or words displayed on a wall; it’s something we live by every day,” said Sheridan Hibbard. 

Not only do their clients come first, but their team members are also prioritized, ensuring a positive environment where everyone can flourish.  

“It’s equally important to extend the same love and care for our team,” Hibbard said. 

By putting the people at the center of everything they do, CanopyNation creates a meaningful, uplifting, and trust-driven experience for both their clients and team. 

Accountability 

The second value they stand by is their dedication to accountability. At CanopyNation, it is a principle guided by honesty, ownership, and integrity. 

“It’s quite simple,” says Hibbard. “Accountability is about holding yourself accountable to what you need to be accountable for, all while making the right decisions.” 

This mindset builds deep trust both within the team and their clients. When everyone takes ownership of their commitments, it creates a smooth, easy-going atmosphere where communication and collaboration grow, leading to collective success. It also ensures clients can consistently depend on CanopyNation to follow through and deliver their promises.  

Can-do, Will-Do Mindset 

Next, CanopyNation focuses heavily on their can-do, will-do mindset. This approach is all about taking on challenges with an optimistic attitude and a drive to deliver excellent results. It is about staying resilient and solution-oriented, no matter what obstacles come their way. 

As Hibbard described, “We need this mindset the most when we are approached with a challenge.” 

Transparency 

Maintaining transparency at CanopyNation is a key part of how they build trust with their clients. In the complex world of insurance, clear and open communication is crucial to help clients understand and feel informed in their decisions. CanopyNation concentrates on explaining every little detail to avoid client confusion.  

Hibbard mentions that “The insurance industry has many rules and compliance standards that we strictly follow and prioritize.” 

Teamwork 

The final value CanopyNation follows is teamwork. Collaboration and support are at the heart of how their company performs. By working together, CanopyNation fosters a team where every member contributes their own strengths, creating a unique and diverse environment. 

“I think teamwork was truly shown today. We have people from our offices in Mississippi and other areas that came together as a whole and celebrated this major success,” said Hibbard. 

Final Thoughts 

From putting people first and embracing accountability, to fostering a can-do attitude, exhibiting transparency, and working as a team, CanopyNation exemplifies what it means to be a community-focused and trustworthy organization. As CanopyNation continues to grow and serve more clients, their dedication to these five principles confirms they will remain a trusted partner for years to come. 

Discover more about CanopyNation: https://joincanopynation.com/

THE GREATER PLATE: Just Enjoying the Moment at JEM Dining

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You walk into a little restaurant tucked away in the Edge District. The lights are low, but the room is somehow still bright. The restaurant is buzzing but still manages to make you relax. You take a deep breath in and smile, thinking you may have just stumbled upon a hidden gem. Once you’re seated at a table, you glance around the room but are instantly captivated by the fact that you can watch the chef cooking in the kitchen. You hear laughter across the restaurant and notice a group of friends who appear to be celebrating. Adjacent to them is a couple experiencing a laid-back date, sharing stories over appetizers and drinks. That’s when you realize this is the place you can Just Enjoy the Moment. All that and more is found in the local restaurant, JEM Dining.

A LIFELONG DREAM

JEM Dining was started by Joshua Mutchnick and just recently celebrated its one-year anniversary in April of 2025. For Joshua, cooking was always a passion. Growing up in his hometown of Mobile, Alabama, he recalls the central theme of food in his family gatherings.

“I have really fond memories going to a family dinner and just having a great conversation around home-cooked meals,” he explained.

Joshua says he’s been cooking his “whole life,” but it wasn’t just with his family.

He notes, “Ever since I had a job, I’ve been cooking professionally.”

His cooking journey didn’t stay in Alabama. He went on to study at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. Joshua was given the opportunity to intern in Philadelphia under Iron Chef, Masaharu Morimoto. After graduating, he spent time in Washington D.C. working under renowned chef, José Andrés. Then, he spent 10 years in Chicago working at Michelin-star restaurants.

“At first I really enjoyed great the artistry of cooking, but then the more I was able to do it professionally, I really loved the fast-paced environment, the adrenaline, and all the good and bad that comes with it.”

But after years of training and experience, Joshua decided it was time to fulfill his “lifelong dream.” He and his wife, Emily, decided to take the leap.

“The alternative is worse if I don’t try, even if it closes and fails… I need to do it.”

FINDING THE PERFECT PLACE

They began discussing places where they would want to live and open a restaurant. They ultimately landed on Memphis.

“We fell in love with Memphis because it has personality,” he said.

Memphis resonated with both Joshua and Emily. They recognized the culture, history, grit, and overall personality of the city that just drew them in.

“It is also real…if you try to be something you’re not, you’re not gonna get what you want.”

The two found a spot in the Edge District and decided that would be the place to open JEM Dining.

“We want to be an anchor in this neighborhood,” he explained.

JEM DINING

JEM Dining is not quite fine dining, but resembles it in some ways.

“I learned a lot of techniques from there, but I’m not trying to be that.”

Joshua recalls going to restaurants, even to this day, and not understanding something listed on the menu. He doesn’t enjoy the overly polished atmosphere of many fine dining restaurants.

“…regardless of what we do, I don’t want it to be intimidating.”

To reduce the intimidation, he has definitions of the fancy words and ingredients listed on his menu and his website. Joshua makes an effort to visit every table and get to know the people eating at his restaurant. He also has an open kitchen allowing customers to watch what’s going on behind the scenes.

“I worked at a lot of restaurants and my favorite…are the ones with open kitchens, he continued. “You get to see your food come out and you get excited about it, and then the chef comes out and talks to you, and it’s that much more of an experience because the food doesn’t magically appear right away.”

Joshua’s whole goal is for people to come in, relax, and just enjoy the moment.

“The biggest compliment could be people come in, tune out the outside world, turn off your phone… and just have a good conversation, create a memory in this space, around our food.”

THE FOOD

The menu at JEM Dining mixes the refined with the ordinary. For a starter, you can go with the classic of freshly baked yeast rolls or venture out to crunchy and flavorful vegan-friendly Kimchi Arancini that you won’t want to stop eating. For your main course, you could have the double cheeseburger or try something you won’t see at other places, like the Matzo Ball Stuffed Chicken.

Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong. Joshua crafted his menu with care.

“Throughout my life, I realized, the best food I can create is the food that I want to eat,” he said.

Eating at JEM Dining is an opportunity to learn and try new things. Whether you are trying their Short Rib Adobo or Homemade Gnocchi, you’re sure to enjoy the moment. And don’t forget to top off the meal with one of their to-die-for desserts, like the chocolate cake served with an ice-cold glass of milk.

FINAL THOUGHTS

JEM Dining is located at 644 Madison Ave #102, Memphis, TN. They’re open Wednesday and Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

They also host special events throughout the year, from wine tasting classes to their monthly Sunday Supper hosted on the last Sunday of the month. JEM Dining has happy hours that pair perfectly with their incredible cocktails and mocktails.

JEM Dining is a local mom-and-pop restaurant you won’t want to skip out on. They have a heart and soul that match the city they’re in.

 

JEM Dining gets 5 forks up for passion and personality.

 

Membership Spotlight: Gresham Smith

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Introduction

Memphis is a city full of potential. Businesses of all sizes and all industries are attracted to it for various reasons. That includes firms like Gresham Smith, who create innovative solutions and solve problems in their community.

Though originally started in Nashville, Gresham Smith has been in the Memphis community since 2003 and is a member of the Greater Memphis Chamber’s Board of Advisors. They won a huge Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) project with the Tennessee Department of Transportation. At the time, this was the largest project of its kind. From message boards to cameras on the interstate, Gresham Smith was charged with the design, construction oversight and maintenance of the elements.

“That was the impetus for starting and opening the Memphis office,” said Greg Dotson, State Transportation Leader – West Tennessee.

From there, they moved into another decade-long project—the Sanitary Assessment and Rehabilitation Project (SARP10)—with Public Works, further solidifying their future in Memphis.

Notable Projects


As Gresham Smith expanded their Memphis footprint, they ventured into new industries in the Greater Memphis market. Any Memphian knows one of our largest industry clusters is in Healthcare.

“They [Methodist Healthcare] had an opportunity in Olive Branch to build a new hospital,” David Zegley, Project Executive and Senior Architect at Gresham Smith explained. “We reached out… they were intrigued by the idea.”

This idea was to create a healthier, more sustainable hospital, including measures like using geothermal heat pumps to cool and heat the hospital.  A project like this is ambitious and requires dedication and passion from the team, but all this led to Methodist Healthcare being the first LEED-Gold in-patient healthcare facility in the country.

Awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), a LEED Gold (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) healthcare project is a healthcare facility that benefits “people, planet, and profit,” as stated on the USGBC website.

“Methodist is very much on the forefront of technology, so as their projects are getting more and more specialized, we are bringing our expertise to help with that,” he said.

One project led to the other, and most recently, the team at Gresham Smith helped Methodist with their Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit.

The room features a constellation on the ceiling, as well as calm lighting and colors.

“This feature is all integrated into the room. It’s not just something that’s stuck on,” said Steve Verner, Project Executive at Gresham Smith.

David added, “We are focused on reducing stress among patients and families.”

With every project, they ask themselves a variety of questions that help them accomplish a mission.  David said, “What can we do to make sure they’re getting the best care? How can the architecture and engineering give the providers everything they need at their fingertips?”

Projects like this all point back to the heart of Gresham Smith— “genuine ingenuity.” Gresham Smith works to create solutions that are innovative yet practical.

Scan to get an interactive look at Gresham Smith’s work with Methodist Healthcare.

The Best Place to Work

Gresham Smith has been named a “Best Place to Work,” by publications across the United States. But being a best place to work was ingrained in them from day one. Their core values include commitment, integrity, respect, and teamwork.

“We believe that if we focus on and put a high priority on people [and] culture, that all the other metrics will work out,” Greg explained.

They believe that with a focus on people-first, everything else will fall into place, from timely delivery of projects to profit margins.

“It starts, continues, and ends with our people and our culture,” Greg said.

Each year, Gresham Smith has a company-wide celebration to not only commemorate their founding, but to recognize the people that make up Gresham Smith and their accomplishments from the past year. What’s even more special about their celebration is that it’s firm-wide—people from every branch across the country.

“When we celebrate, we mean celebrate and we want everyone to be a part of it.”

Forward-Thinking

“It [innovation] has become an integral part of our entire firm,” Greg said.

The team at Gresham Smith is always looking for ways to streamline processes, enhance design, and continually use innovation. One example of their innovation is through a service they created called Studio X.

“It’s everything—not just the projects, but it’s also in the proposals,” Greg continued.

Studio X is used for renderings, unique proposals, and more.

“We want to make sure innovation is an integral part of every aspect of our company.”

Steve added another way they’ve created innovative solutions is through what they call, MPATH. This app detects stress while you’re cycling for instance.

“We continue to develop that, and we work with our clients to see what is that next step. It’s beyond just drawing,” he mentioned.

Now, Gresham Smith is working with academic medical centers to integrate the app in different environments.

“We’re using evidence-based design, and we’re trying to go beyond the bricks and mortar to that next level of how do you reduce stress in the environment.”

Conclusion

Gresham Smith goes beyond being an architecture, engineering, and design firm. They are a firm that prioritizes people, both internally and externally. They work, they do what matters and they make sure of it. Gresham Smith Memphis values the community. They give back just as much as Memphis gives to them.

“We’re here and we’re gonna be here—from a project perspective and a community perspective,” Greg said.

A Local’s Guide to the Great Outdoors

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By: Choose901

When the sun is out, so are we—and our outdoor spaces are where you need to be!

Walk it. Bike it. Blade it. Skate it. Get the most out of the city that made it.

Check out our list of ways to enjoy Memphis’s outdoor spaces!

ON THE WATER

  • Blues City Kayaks – We bet you never thought you’d see so much of Memphis from the water! The Wolf River flows all throughout the city limits, and then some. Blues City Kayaks offers several different tours that’ll take you places you’ve never seen throughout the state.
  • Shelby Farms Park – Get up close and personal with the Hyde Lake and Pine Lake at Shelby Farms Park. There are paddleboats, paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes made available as your vehicle for water exploration.
  • SUP Yoga or Paddleboard Yoga classes are also offered at Shelby Farms via SUP901.
  • Wolf River – See how to register to paddle down the Wolf River and rent a canoe or a kayak.
  • Looking for pools in the 901? Check out this guide! They typically open after Memorial Day.
  • You can also take quick day trips to Spring River in Hardy, Arkansas, and the Buffalo River in Waynesboro, Tennessee. Either spot is a very doable day trip from the M!

SKATING / SKATEBOARDING

Let’s Go Fly a Kite

  • Find where the wind’s at and let you kite fly high! We love to fly kites at Shelby Farms Park and Mud Island!

Disc Golf

  • Shelby Farms Park Disc Golf Course – This course has 18 holes and many of them are pretty long distances compared to your average course.
  • Shelby Forest – This park in Millington is a staple for many in the Disc Golf Community.
  • Johnson Road Park (Germantown) –  A fun course that’s “mostly flat and moderately wooded” but fair warning: It is the only place one of our staff members has lost discs. A separate, fun outdoors adventure would be trying to retrieve the discs lost in the water traps here!
  • Sea Isle Park – 18 holes that are very welcoming to all abilities.
  • Bud Hill – A Memphis gem, this course is also private, so note that you might have to reach out via email to receive permission to play.
  • Kennedy Park – 18 holes at this spot.
  • Veteran’s Golfplex – Under the control of the Vietnam Veterans Association, this course plays alongside a ball golf course. Pick your poison.

Biking

  • Shelby Farms Greenline – Boasting well over 10 miles of beautiful paved bike trails, this is the “bread and butter” of biking in Memphis.
  • Hampline – Pedestrians have really gotten an upgrade on Tillman connecting Broad Avenue to the Greenline!
  • Big River Crossing – There is something for everyone on this mile-long bridge to the Natural State. From beautiful skyline vistas to photo ops, it’s an easy distance to bike and feel good about yourself. Or,  if you want to absolutely crush it, take on the 70 miles of the Big River Trail.
  • Wolf River Greenway – This 26-mile paved pedestrian pathway will eventually extend a total of 36 miles to connect neighborhoods all the way from the north end of Mud Island, in downtown Memphis, through the neighborhoods of north central Memphis, connecting to Shelby Farms and then to the cities of Germantown and Collierville, Tennessee.
  • BIKE LANES have been popping up across the city!!! Ride on, and make sure to wear that helmet.
  • Don’t own a bike? Rent one from the Hyde Lake Wheel House at Shelby Farms or from Explore Bike Share.
  • For more biking goodness, check out Choose901’s Ultimate Guide to Biking.

Rucking

  • You may have to check out this past story about the BrewRuck events to learn more about what rucking actually is, but it’s
    essentially walking with weight! The Ruck Memphis group meets for weekly social rucks aka exercise + beer.

Fishing

Running

  • Wolf River Greenway – This is a really nice trail that takes you over and alongside the Wolf River. The best part of the Greenway is that you can take many different trails and never run the same route more than once.

  • Shelby Farms Park – There are tons of options for running trails in Shelby Farms. You can enjoy beautiful mornings on the Hyde Lake (2.3 Miles) loop watching the sunrise and deer, or try
    the Dunnavant Trail that takes you from the Wolf River Bridge to the Shelby Farms Greenline. We highly recommend the “Tour De Wolf,” a nearly 6-mile course that is unpaved. If you’re bad at training for long distances, this is a great spot to do an out and back route!
  • Overton Park – Overton has a 2-mile figure 8 loop that you can add, subtract, or differentiate with paved or unpaved trails.
  • Tom Lee Park & Big River Crossing – “I get bored of the Mighty Mississippi,” said nobody ever.
  • Audubon Park –
  • Peterson Lake Nature Center – Great on the shins (shoutout shin splints…) + beautiful bridge and scenery in Collierville
  • Vollintine Evergreen Greenline – Almost 2 miles of trail in Midtown Memphis reaching all the way to the Crosstown Concourse. It’s entirely supported and maintained by community volunteers!

Star Gazing

Playtime in the Park

These parks may not be in your zip code, but they are definitely worth checking out for your next afternoon run, weekend picnic or morning playdate:

  • Audubon Park
  • Cameron Brown Park
  • Central Park
  • Chickasaw Heritage Park
  • David Carnes Park/Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthy Place
  • Gaisman Park
  • H.W. Cox Park
  • Memphis River Parks
  • Overton Park
  • Peabody Park
  • Sea Isle Park & Dog Park
About Choose 901: 
Choose901 is the guide to all things Memphis, and its mission is to help you enjoy and invest in Memphis like never before. Now is the time. Memphis is the place.

THE GREATER PLATE: Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is one of the faces of the Civil Rights Movement. He was, at the time, the youngest person to win a Nobel Prize “for his non-violent struggle for civil rights for the Afro-American population.”  Dr. King valued truth, justice, dignity, and service which showed in his work. He desired for people to be treated as equals, and his legacy lives on today. But Dr. King’s connection goes deeper in Memphis.

While most people know Dr. King died in Memphis on April 4, 1968, at the Lorraine Motel, some don’t realize this wasn’t his first time in the city. In fact, on several occasions, he visited town. He delivered his speech, “All Labor has Dignity,” at the Bishop Charles Mason Temple. He led a march on City Hall in Memphis. Then, he returned a week later and delivered his speech, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop,” just the day before his death.

King’s visits weren’t just speeches and marches. The time he spent in Memphis was used to meet with local Civil Rights leaders at churches and restaurants in the area including The Four Way Soul Food Restaurant.

The Four Way

The Four Way was originally opened in 1946 by Irene and Clint Cleaves. They cook classic soul food in the heart of Soulsville.

“My parents purchased The Four Way in 2000 not really knowing what they were going to open it to be,” Patrice Thompson, current owner of The Four Way said.

They are one of the oldest Black-owned businesses in America and have visitors from all over including celebrities like Drake, who filmed a music video at the restaurant, a variety of political figures, musicians like Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin, and so many other notable individuals. One of those individuals being Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. himself.

Jerry Thompson, the unofficial The Four Way historian and husband to Patrice, said Dr. King’s last meal was at the restaurant.

“My father and mother-in-law were very adamant about trying to keep the original presence of The Four Way when we reintroduced to the public,” Jerry said.

The walls are lined with pictures and news clipping dating back to all of the special moments in the restaurant’s history. Several of these pictures were taken around the time of Dr. King and other notable people from that era.

“It’s been preserved because of how frequently he made his [Dr. King] presence known in Memphis.”

The History

The Four Way is a historical landmark. Having been around for over 70 years, there’s been a lot of history that came through the restaurant.

“At the time, the Civil Right Movement was going on and Memphis was very, very prominent even before the assassination,” Jerry explained.

Dr. King was “pushing for social change” across the country and would go various places to help support the movement. When he visited Memphis, he would make speeches at the churches right down the street from The Four Way.

“He was very approachable, but he was about his business. And everybody knew it at the time.”

When Dr. King would enter The Four Way with other Civil Rights leaders such as, Jesse Jackson and Ralph Abernathy, it became a place to relax.

“…Mrs. Cleaves was very, very adamant about making sure he had a place… [it] gave him a refuge where he could recharge his batteries and just relax.”

Next to The Four Way used to be a pool hall. Dr. King was an avid pool player. He was good too. There’s even photos of him taking a shot with a que behind his back. Mrs. Cleaves would often sell her famous sandwiches to the men playing over at the hall. Now, the pool hall is full of seats for the expanded restaurant.

The Four Way Today

“This neighborhood was very important to my dad… because of what was instilled in me, in valuing the neighborhood, the background, and foundation, it’s very important to me to continue the legacy that my parents’ started,” Patrice said.

Even to this day, The Four Way has stories and continues to make an impact in the community. The Four Way works with local groups that bring students to the restaurant to eat and learn about the history.

“It gives us an opportunity to continue his [Dr. King’s] prominence by telling the stories of him eating here and the things that happened here that affect all of us even to this day,” Jerry explained.

He later continued, “We have to make sure not to cover up the past but be true to it.”

The Four Way was and still is a cornerstone to the Memphis community and has an impact on all who visit it.

“The impact this place has had on me is so many words,” Patrice started. “It’s been a big impact. It’s changed my life in a lot of ways.”

Despite all the lore that comes with the establishment, they aren’t just known for the people who visited. They are known for incredible soul food and a place to feel comfortable as who you are, regardless of your walk of life.

The Thompsons kept the menu relatively the same as what it was when the Cleaves first opened it.

Some of the classic menu items include the fried catfish and peach cobbler, both said to be Dr. King’s favorites. They have incredible sides like yams, macaroni & cheese, and other quintessential southern dishes.

There isn’t a single item on that menu that anyone could consider bad. Even if you walk in thinking you won’t like a particular dish, you haven’t tried it at The Four Way. The Greater Memphis Chamber’s own, Patricia McKinney, says she doesn’t usually like Fried Green Tomatoes, but when she visits The Four Way, she won’t leave without ordering them.

The Four Way’s southern charm even spreads to the tourists who visit to sit in the same spot as so many influential people. Jerry says it’s important for restaurants like his own to show what Memphis is really about.

“The service industry… the individuals that work in those restaurants are the foot soldiers to tourist… but they see the hospitality of the folks that took their order and served their food, and it turns the narrative around,” Jerry continues. “For us, it’s very, very crucial to put Memphis in a positive light.”

Final Thoughts

Every Memphian should make it a priority to visit The Four Way at least once, though there’s no doubt you’ll end up there again. It is the place for authentic soul food, community, and history.

You can visit The Four Way at their 998 Mississippi Blvd, Memphis, TN 38126 location. They are opened Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can dine in and experience the atmosphere or place a to-go order in the restaurant or online.

 

3 Interesting Facts from Memphis Music Strategy Report

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The Greater Memphis Chamber and City of Memphis in conjunction with Sound Diplomacy released a comprehensive report and strategy on the state of music in Memphis. The study aims to develop a framework that helps Memphis music evolve. This study was conducted over 10 months of roundtables, surveys, and interviews engaging 700 people. Here are 3 key facts from the Memphis Music Report

There are over 1,100 music-related assets in Memphis.

The report found that there is a total of 1,148 music-related assets in the Memphis area. They define the music industry as “the groups of actors and industries that have as their main purpose, the creation, production, reproduction, promotion, distribution, or commercialization of goods, services, and activities related to all aspects of music in a particular place.” This means that there are over 1,000 entities in Memphis contributing in at least one of these categories. Additionally, 52% of these resources are in the creation category. Sound Diplomacy reported that stakeholders agreed that the talent in Memphis is its greatest strength in the music ecosystem.

Shelby County outperforms the national average when it comes to live music events.

The vast majority of musicians (92%) and music organizations (82%) report their audiences are primarily local, thus proving the Memphis community’s strong engagement in the music ecosystem. Memphis hosts numerous free and affordable events throughout the year allowing for increased accessibility to the local music scene. Despite all this, 80% of music fans still want more live events and 46% of music fans want more concerts that play original music. Sound Diplomacy found that artists are also looking for more opportunities to play their original pieces and show off their creativity.

Hip-hop is the third most performed genre in the city.

Hip-hop combines other genres that are Memphis staples like blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll. Memphis has contributed to that formation from the beginning. It is the third most popular genre with artists and with fans. R&B/soul and rock are among the other top genres in Memphis. Because of the history and culture engrained in the city, Memphis is uniquely positioned to help grow the genre and further cement itself as the home to hip-hop.

Bonus: Memphis is the only city in the world to be mentioned more than 1,000 song lyrics and titles

Recommendations

Memphis has plenty of room for growth in our music scene, but our extensive history makes us prime for new music opportunities. Sound Diplomacy made 25 recommendations to help in the city’s efforts to cultivate the music ecosystem, some of which include:

  1. Introduce a Multisectoral Music Board
  2. Champion Workforce Diversity Through a Music Workforce Equity Subcommittee
  3. Create an All-ages License for Music Venues
  4. Create a Memphis Music Passport
  5. Organize an Annual Hip-Hop Cultural Summit

The full report includes various data points, detailed explanations, and recommendations. View the Memphis Music Strategy Report to see what’s next for Memphis music.

THE GREATER PLATE: 4 Great Memphis Coffee Spots

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Winters in Memphis—you never know what to expect. It could be Snow-mageddon or a nice spring day. It could be 21 degrees or feel like the best day for a walk around the neighborhood. Who knows? But one thing we all know is Memphis has great coffee spots whether you need to warm up or cool down. Here are 4 of our favorite places for coffee on any occasion.

Belltower Coffeehouse and Studio at Highland

Ice Cream Matcha Latte from Belltower Coffee is a perfect pair with their delicious chocolate chip cookies.

Belltower Coffeehouse and Studio at Highland is an essential Memphis coffee shop. Its cozy and inviting atmosphere makes it a great spot to grab a coffee, a pastry, and get to know someone. Belltower serves specialty coffees plus a comprehensive breakfast and lunch menu. Their menu is varied and is comprised of something you’re sure to enjoy, like their very popular Grasshopper Latte or Honeysuckle Latte. If that doesn’t sound intriguing, you can always peruse their seasonal menu or see what the barista’s latest favorites are. One barista’s favorite is listed as an “Ice Cream Matcha Latte,” which is a mix of chocolate and vanilla syrups and, of course, matcha. Pair that with their chocolate chip cookie and your sweet tooth craving will officially be curbed. Not only do they serve coffee and unique dining options, but they also have a pottery studio attached. They offer classes for beginners and memberships for experienced potters. There is so much to discover at Belltower from trivia nights to wine nights to even catering. Their hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Coffee from Cafe Eclectic

Café Eclectic

Café Eclectic is true to its name. This Midtown hot spot is a must-try. Looking for a place to get a little work done? Café Eclectic is the answer. Want somewhere with all the good vibes? Just visit Café Eclectic. Café Eclectic has an array of specialty coffees like the Karamel Sutra, The Cinniful Jim, or Star & Micey. Each has their own distinctive combination of flavors and uses Illy’s signature blend. Beyond the coffee, you can always grab a delicious pastry provided by several local vendors, but if you have more time, they serve breakfast classics like pancakes, eggs, and bacon. They also serve lunch Monday through Saturday, dinner Monday through Friday, and Sunday brunch. Café Eclectic is dine-in, carry-out, delivery, and even drive-thru, making it an ideal spot for anyone looking for a great coffee and a Memphis classic. Café Eclectic is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. for breakfast and lunch, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. for dinner, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays.

Scooter’s Coffee

Scooter’s Coffee is perfect for on-the-go!

Sitting in a local coffee shop is great. Not everyone has the time for that.  But don’t worry, Scooter’s Coffee gives you quick, positive service. Their goal is to help you “scoot in and scoot out.” Scooter’s Coffee is a drive-thru and walk-up window coffee shop. They don’t have a spot for you to hang around—other than a park bench or two.  Scooter’s Coffee is ideal for those on the go, but that doesn’t negate its ability to be an excellent spot for coffee. They have a frequent rotation of seasonal coffees like their Strawberry Sweetheart Mocha they had for Valentine’s Day or Sea Salt Carmelicious. They’ve also got quick bites for those on the go like their omelet bites, donuts, and cake bites. Scooter’s even has smoothies if you’re looking to switch it up. They’re perfect for a last-minute coffee run before a meeting or an end-of-day caffeine boost. Scooter’s Coffee is open from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the weekends.

 

Memphis Chess Club

Memphis Chess Club is a unique spot in Downtown Memphis. Per the name, it is a chess club that doubles as a coffee shop. Upon entering the building you’re greeted with wooden tables that are also chess boards. If you’re interested in a quick game, you can pay to play a game or two or if you’re a chess fanatic you can buy a membership. To visit Memphis Chess Club and still enjoy the venue, you don’t have to be a chess player. They offer an entire wall full of other board games. In the middle of a work week, it’s a great spot to lock in and get a few things done. Their welcoming environment serves all-day breakfast, pizzas, sandwiches, and salads during lunch and pastries and snacks for a quick bite. They have all the coffee classics like cold brew, mochas, and café au lait. While you’re sipping your coffee, take them up on their all-day breakfast. Memphis Chess Club has an incredible Loaded Croissant consisting of perfectly cooked bacon, egg, cheese, and a beautiful and flakey croissant. Their hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Final Thoughts

Regardless of your coffee needs, Memphis has so many options to satisfy your caffeine craving—whether that be an iced matcha from Belltower to cool you off and have you dreaming of warmer weather, or a strawberry mocha from Scooter’s to keep you in love with the season. Maybe you’re thinking to yourself, “I work from home. I need a different option.” Don’t worry. Grindhouse Coffee is a great local option for those who like to brew their own. Try out any of the local coffee spots and you won’t be disappointed.

THE GREATER PLATE: ACL Menu Preview 

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year—Annual Chairman’s Luncheon season. Each year, the Greater Memphis Chamber hosts the Annual Chairman’s Luncheon at the Peabody Hotel to celebrate the past year and how our city became GREATER. This is an afternoon full of excitement and recognition as Memphis business leaders come together to reflect on the progress we’ve made and look forward to what is ahead. One of the highlights is the menu carefully crafted by the Peabody team.  Annual Chairman's Luncheon colorful Mediterranean Fall Salad

“It was more or less the pastry chef and executive chef sitting together trying to come up with [ideas],” said Executive Chef, Andreas Kisler. “It came together because we said we wanted to do something special and wanted to do something different.”

In preparation for the big day, I previewed this satisfying menu uniquely designed for the event. Though it may be different for some, the entire meal was delicious for all.  

Kicking off the luncheon with our first course is a Mediterranean Fall Salad. Roasted spaghetti squash, mezzi rigatoni, cucumber, dried cherries, and feta are mixed together with a lovely balsamic dressing. The fall salad was bright and palatable, making the perfect start to the luncheon. 

For the main course, we have filet mignon and Morelle mushroom. The filet mignon is flavored with breadcrumbs, chives, and shallots. This course has a sophisticated southern touch, and pairs whipped butter grits and a variety of root vegetables including beets, carrots, onions and more with the filet. The upscaled dish still hits home like good southern comfort food always does yet has a classy touch, perfect for the signature event.  

The grand finale to the meal is our “Celebration Dessert Trio” created by the talented pastry chef at Chez Philippe, Chef Konrad Spitzbard. If dessert isn’t your favorite now, it will be after you taste Chef Konrad’s trio! Beautifully presented, the trio is comprised of Eggnog Opera, Pumkin Latte Cheesecake and Cranberry Vanilla Tart. Each of these desserts were inspired by the season. The flavors of each dessert transport you straight into the heart of the holiday and satisfies your sweet tooth.  

With the food alone, this year’s Annual Chairman’s Luncheon will be one to remember. We can’t wait for you to see what we have in store for you.

Thankful at the Chamber

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This time of year, it’s important to reflect on gratitude. In the holiday spirit, we recently held our inaugural Friendsgiving for Chamber Ambassadors. We shared traditional Thanksgiving food like turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing, and of course, pie. We took this time to thank them for volunteering to be champions for the work we do, celebrate the incredible year we had together, and look back on the year and express why we are thankful. As we take this time to reflect on what we’re thankful for, we also ask others about their gratitude. Our ambassadors shared a bit about why they are thankful for the Chamber.  

Why are you thankful for the Greater Memphis Chamber? 

“I am thankful for the Greater Memphis Chamber because of the opportunities that the Chamber provides and the willingness to make businesses better which makes Memphis and the community better.” – Rozell Gray, Ambassador for 3 years 

“I am thankful for the work the Chamber does for its members locally and regionally as an advocate and as a sound resource partner for Member Businesses of all sizes.” – DeJaun Hendricks, Ambassador for 25 years 

“When I see my fellow ambassadors and GMC employees at events, we share our wins, our failures, and the minute of our daily lives. It’s difficult to stop and appreciate the people around you while forging a path of business success. But the Chamber does an excellent job of putting members first and making them the stars of each and every event so you can’t overlook anyone. Our company joined primarily to become a part of the online business directory, and we have received a lot more than that in return.” – Aerin Ellis, Ambassador for 4 months. 

Why We are thankful

Just as our ambassadors are thankful for the Chamber, we too have much to be thankful for at the Chamber. We are thankful for all 1,600+ members—over 350 of which are new this year. We are thankful for our business leaders who seek to make our city and region GREATER. We are thankful for surpassing 200 Chairman’s Circle members and their invaluable partnership. We are thankful for our councils—Young Professionals Council, Women’s Business Council, and Small Business Council—that provide their members with opportunities for learning and growth. We are thankful for funding we received for America’s River Crossing. We are thankful for the new businesses that have chosen Memphis as their home. We are, of course, thankful for the 162 ambassadors that assist us at various events and represent us well. We are especially thankful for this city and its continued prosperity. The list could go on!  

Thank you, Chamber members, for your support! Enjoy the holidays and express gratitude during this season.