by Brian Malone | Jul 15, 2015 | CMG News
Memphis BikeFest 2015 Rolling In at High Speed Revealing Music Line Up and Onsite Activities
Memphis BikeFest 2015 announces plans for their five day Fest including their music line up and multiple on-site activities set to take place on Tiger Lane at the Liberty Bowl from July 22-26, 2015. The kick off to the event will feature a Wednesday evening parade from Beale Street to the Liberty Bowl in conjunction with both Memphis Mayor A C Wharton and Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell. Later that evening, bikers from all across the city will light a Unity Torch on the main stage on Tiger Lane.
Memphis Bikefest 2015 is a fundraising event for the 501C3 Non-profit “Bikers & Social Clubs for Change”, an affiliation of over 130 motorcycle and social clubs that promotes motorcycle safety, racial unity and community service. Preacha Chambers is the club president. “Our primary goal for the BikeFest is to raise money to assist “at-risk” youth who live in the most dangerous neighborhoods of Memphis with mentoring programs, education scholarships and safe-house resource centers,” said Chambers.
The BikeFest 2015 will feature the legendary band WAR on Saturday, July 25th. The classic funk-rock band has multiple classic songs such as “Low Rider”, and the question we are most asking at this year’s event, “Why Can’t We Be Friends”. Other musical performers include season eight “American Idol” winner Kris Allen on Friday, July 24th, as well as top ten finishers and native Memphians Lil Rounds, Alexis Grace, and numerous other local talent.
Daily activities include seven tons of sand for the first ever “Memphis Beach” with swimming pools and water slides, a motorcycle give-away, a “Ride for a Veteran” motorcycle ride including a Win $10,000 Basketball shot for the winner of the Ride, “Amazin’ Blazin” Buffalo Wild Wings Hot Wing Competition, Drag Racing, Ms. Bike Fest Queen competition, Motorcycle Safety Classes, Car & Bike Shows including a Parade of Lights contest, BBQ Contest, a wonderful photography exhibit by Ernest Withers, inflatables/bouncers for the kids, and much more!
This is a family friendly event with a variety of on-site food and merchandise vendors throughout, plus special dinners for other local charities, including two steak dinners prepared by the award winning Tuscany Italian Steakhouse of Olive Branch, MS. “American Idol” winner Kris Allen will be present Friday which benefits Birthright of Memphis. A repeat performance by Tuscany Italian Steakhouse for Saturday’s special steak dinner with headliner WAR will support “West Tennessee Veterans Home”.
Lasik at Southern Eye presents “Memphis Bikefest 2015” along with Title Sponsors FRS Powersports, Bumpus Harley Davidson, and Yarbrough’s Music. . Other sponsors include The Carter Malone Group, Buffalo Wild Wings, Domino’s, Tan-N-Go, Tuscany Italian Steakhouse, The Joint, TCBY, The Salvation Army Kroc Center, Hutch Entertainment, Control alt Designs, Tony’s Trophy Room, River City Pedaler’s, Sleepy ZZZ’s Mattresses and Champion Tee Shirts. For the full music line up, event activities, and ticket information please visit www.memphisbikefest.com
by Brian Malone | May 27, 2015 | CMG News
The City of Memphis is interested in hearing from Memphians about what they believe is the best use for the Memphis Fairgrounds. As a sponsor of the Roundhouse Revival on Saturday, May 23, 2015, the City of Memphis will be there, asking citizens to share their views on the future of the Fairgrounds by participating in an in-person or online survey and through social media. The City of Memphis is also hosting four community meetings giving the public even more opportunities to express their opinions. Two meetings will be held on June 1 & 2 across the city.
“It has been several years since the original meetings were held about the Fairgrounds’ future, and because of renewed public interest, we wanted to give the public new opportunities to weigh in with their ideas and opinions,” said Mayor A C Wharton Jr. “It’s a rare opportunity to create jobs and expand our economy without any tax dollars from city government, and we want to make sure we make the best decision possible. We can’t do that without the help of our citizens.”
Robert Lipscomb, director of City of Memphis Division of Housing and Community Development, said the meetings are part of a “new model for planning in Memphis.” “We have created a process that has never been used in Memphis,” he said. “Two national organizations with reputations for finding solutions for highly complex development opportunities across the U.S. — the NCI and Urban Land Institute— will lead a process that invites community input, evaluates ideas for development, and issues recommendations.
The public engagement meetings will be facilitated by NCI, which is nationally known for its programs to engage the public in the planning and design of major development projects.
Memphians are encouraged to participate in this very important public engagement information-gathering process.
At the meetings, Memphians will be asked for their opinions about the future of the Fairgrounds and also what citizens love about Memphis. The results of the public meetings will be forwarded to a special ULI team of national experts which will analyze scenarios for the future of the Fairgrounds and make its recommendations
The Roundhouse Revival is a free event on Saturday, May 23rd from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in front of the Mid-South Coliseum, 996 Early Maxwell. The community engagement meetings in June start at 5:30 p.m. and end at 7:30 p.m.
Community Engagement Meetings
Monday, June 1 The Airways Professional Building
3385 Airways Blvd., Memphis, TN 38116
Bert Ferguson Community Center
8505 Trinity Road, Cordova, TN 38018
Tuesday, June 2 Memphis Kroc Center
800 E. Parkway South, Memphis, TN 38104
Cunningham Community Center
3773 Old Allen Road
Memphis, TN 38128
In order to give every citizen the opportunity to voice their opinions, if they are not able to attend a community meeting, they can provide input through the website www.memphisfairgrounds.org, Facebook: Memphis Fairgrounds, Twitter #whatiloveaboutmemphis and #MemFairgrounds, or text to 9017307570.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Jan 23, 2015 | CMG News
Now in its third year, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee’s 2015 Diversity Scholarship application process is open. This year, the scholarship amount has been increased from $5,000 to $10,000.
As health care reform brings increased access to insurance to populations never covered before, it also creates a greater need for a qualified, diverse workforce to deliver health care. To address this need, the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Community Trust, in collaboration with the Memphis chapter of the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE), is offering three $10,000 college scholarships to Tennessee minority students pursuing careers in health care.
The scholarships – which recognize outstanding achievements in academics, community service and leadership – are awarded to undergraduate students who wish to pursue careers in health care.
“These scholarships provide a much-needed resource for minority students to achieve continued academic success,” said Ron Harris, director of workforce diversity for BlueCross. “This financial assistance will not only help deserving students achieve their dreams but should also improve diversity in the health care field.”
According to BlueCross’ research on health care reform and its impacts on minority populations in Tennessee, African-Americans, Hispanics, American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians as well as other Pacific Islanders remain underrepresented in medicine relative to their numbers in the U.S. population and populations in specific states, regions and localities.
The money will be distributed in two increments of $5,000 over two semesters. Applications are due Feb. 28.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Jan 7, 2015 | CMG News
(January 7, 2015 – Memphis, TENN)Two campaign veterans, Deidre Malone and Jeff Sullivan, have joined forces and formed a new business Malone Sullivan Public Strategies, LLC (MSPS), a subsidiary of The Carter Malone Group, LLC. The firm will offer government relations, campaign management, corporate partnership development and grassroots advocacy services. Malone Sullivan officially opened its doors on January 1, 2015.
Sullivan serves as the President of MSPS. “Deidre and I have known each other for years and worked in a few political campaigns together,” said Sullivan. “I’ve always admired her business acumen. We believe there is a great deal of opportunity and we plan on being strong advocates for our clients.” Sullivan has managed campaigns for Democrats and Republicans and has served as a lobbyist for more than 25 years.
For Malone Sullivan, Deidre Malone serves as its Chief Executive Officer. “I’m excited about this new venture with Jeff and the potential to represent businesses who need assistance sharing their business solutions with government,” said Malone. “I’ve been a candidate and I’ve actually managed political campaigns. Our expertise complement each other and that level of experience we will bring to our clients.”
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Dec 6, 2014 | CMG News
Saint Francis Hospital Hosts Animal Blessing Ceremony/ Hospital to Kick Off Week-Long 40th Anniversary Celebration
As part of their 40th anniversary celebration, Saint Francis Hospital will host an animal blessing ceremony in honor of its namesake Saint Francis of Assisi –the Patron Saint of animals and ecology.
Father Victor Larochev will begin blessing the animals at 3 p.m. on the lawn across from the hospital parking garage just south of the medical office buildings. The animal blessing is free and open to the public. Community members with pets are welcome to bring their animals to have them blessed.
About Saint Francis Hospital-Memphis
Saint Francis Hospital-Memphis is a 519-bed full service hospital located at 5959 Park Avenue in Memphis, Tenn. Offering a wide array of medical services, Saint Francis is noted for its many Centers of Excellence, including its Center for Surgical Weight Loss, Joint & Spine Center, Heart & Vascular Center, Sleep Center, Chest Pain Emergency Center, Surgical Services including its Center for Robotic Surgery, Diabetes Center, and Cancer Care Center. The hospital has been recognized for excellence of care by United Healthcare, CIGNA, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and Aetna.
Saint Francis Hospital serves as an academic training site for University of Tennessee Surgical, and Family Practice Residents. The hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the nation’s oldest and largest hospital accreditation agency. To learn more about Saint Francis Hospital, visit www.SaintFrancisHosp.com
Who: Saint Francis Hospital- Memphis
What: Animal Blessing Ceremony
When: Sunday, December 7, 2014 3-4 p.m.
Where: Saint Francis Hospital- Memphis
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Nov 12, 2014 | CMG News
Wine in Retail Food Stores Approved by Voters in All 78 Tennessee Municipalities
Organizers of the effort to allow the sale of wine in Tennessee food stores hailed the thousands of grassroots supporters and volunteers who helped propel the effort yesterday in all 78 eligible locations.
“This is truly a great day for Tennessee consumers,” said Susie Alcorn, campaign manager of Red White and Food, the nonprofit organization that supports allowing wine sales in Tennessee’s retail food stores. “The voters have spoken, and the wine in retail food stores referendum has passed everywhere it appeared on the ballot.
Red White and Food is grateful to its retail partners who supported this campaign on behalf of their customers, the legislative leadership who enabled Tennessee voters to have a voice and the many voters who showed overwhelming support for wine in retail food stores.”
Among the qualifying municipalities where the referendum passed were Metropolitan Nashville/Davidson County, Memphis, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Bristol, Johnson City and Kingsport. (A complete list of municipalities that passed the referendum appears at the end of this document.)
“Kroger is thrilled with today’s results,” said Joe Bell, manager of marketing and public affairs for Kroger’s Delta division. “Our customers made their voices heard by contacting their legislators, signing their local petitions, and now by voting for wine to be sold in their retail food stores. We look forward to finally offering them this convenience.”
“Today’s results are a huge victory for Superlo Foods’ customers,” said Superlo Foods owner Randy Stepherson. “They have asked for the convenience of buying wine with their groceries for years, and we look forward to finally giving them that opportunity.”
Legislation passed by the Tennessee General Assembly in March of this year was a compromise between retail food stores and liquor stores. Many liquor stores across the state began selling beer and party supplies on July 1 of this year as allowed by the new law.
The wine in retail food stores referendum appeared on the ballot in 78 qualifying municipalities across Tennessee. Petitions were filed in those communities this summer and were certified by the local election commissions to authorize the referendum. In the 78 communities where the wine Red White and Food is a coalition of 30,000-plusTennesseans who want to purchase wine where they shop for food. Initially founded by the Tennessee Grocers & Convenience Store Association, Red White and Food is now an independent 501(c)(6) organization that has the support of the state’s retail food stores. For more information about the wine in retail food stores campaign, please visit www.redwhiteandfood.com.
Following is a complete list of the 78 municipalities where the wine in retail food stores referendum was passed. This list appears in alphabetical order by county. Multicounty cities or towns are indicated by asterisks.
Anderson County
Clinton
Norris
Oak Ridge**
Bedford County
Shelbyville
Blount County
Alcoa
Maryville
Bradley County
Cleveland
Carroll County
McKenzie
Carter County
Elizabethton
Cheatham County
Ashland City
Pleasant View
Cocke County
Newport
Coffee County
Manchester
Tullahoma
Cumberland County
Crossville
Unincorporated Cumberland County
Davidson County
Metro Nashville
Goodlettsville **
Dickson County
Burns
Dyer County
Dyersburg
Fayette County
Oakland
Greene County
Greeneville
Grundy County
Monteagle **
Hamblen County
Morristown
Hamilton County
Chattanooga
Collegedale
East Ridge
Lakesite
Red Bank
Signal Mountain
Hardin County
Savannah
Hawkins County
Church Hill
Rogersville
Henry County
Paris
Knox County
Farragut
Knoxville
Unincorporated Knox County
Loudon County
Lenoir City
Loudon
Madison County
Jackson
Maury County
Mount Pleasant
Spring Hill**
McMinn County
Athens
Etowah
Montgomery County
Clarksville
Obion County
Union City
Putnam County
Cookeville
Roane County
Harriman
Kingston
Robertson County
Coopertown
Rutherford County
Murfreesboro
Smyrna
Sevier County
Gatlinburg
Pigeon Forge
Sevierville
Shelby County
Arlington
Bartlett
Collierville
Germantown
Memphis
Millington
Sullivan County
Bristol
Kingsport**
Sumner County
Gallatin
Hendersonville
White House**
Tipton County
Atoka
Covington
Munford
Washington County
Johnson City**
Jonesborough
Weakley County
Martin
Williamson County
Brentwood
Fairview
Franklin
Thompson’s Station
Wilson County
Lebanon
Mount Juliet
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Oct 17, 2014 | CMG News
Seafood Nutrition Partnership Educates Memphians about the Health Benefits of Seafood (October 7, 2014 – Memphis, TENN) Congressman Steve Cohen and City of Memphis Mayor A C Wharton, Jr. will kick off National Seafood Month (October) with a host of community leaders, health professionals and chefs as part of the Seafood Nutrition Partnership’s city-wide campaign to educate and empower Memphians to live healthier through adding more seafood to their diets. The news conference will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 8, 2014 at the Church Health Wellness Center located at 1115 Union Avenue. “I have continuously pushed the need for people in my district to continue, start or resume their efforts in living a healthy lifestyle,” said Cohen. “The Seafood Nutrition Partnership and their efforts to educate people on how seafood can help them in their pursuit to live happy, healthier lives is a perfect fit for Memphis, and I’m very happy to be a partner.” Cohen has also signed on to be an honorary council member of the Seafood Nutrition Partnership and has taken the SNP Heart Healthy pledge. During the month of October, the Seafood Nutrition Partnership will have a celebrity cook-off, a cooking demonstration, participation in health fairs to give free Omega 3 screenings and encourage Memphians to take the Seafood Pledge. It will also address the health risks associated with low seafood consumption through partners that provide health and nutrition guidance. “It’s important to have a healthy Memphis, and I’m very glad to partner with the Seafood Nutrition Partnership and Linda Cornish, one of the founders of the Memphis Farmers’ Market, in this campaign,” said Wharton. “Eating seafood just twice a week will help combat things like heart disease and diabetes, which are prevalent silent killers in our community. I hope that all Memphis citizens will take part in this effort. If we do, it could really change lives.” “Through our education efforts, we aim to build awareness about the essential nutritional benefits from eating seafood, help Americans gain the skills to select, order, and prepare fish and shellfish and inspire a healthier America by promoting a nutrient-rich diet that includes seafood,” said Linda Cornish, Executive Director of the Seafood Nutrition Partnership. For more information visit http://www.seafoodnutrition.org About the Seafood Nutrition Partnership: Seafood Nutrition Partnership is a 501(c)3 whose mission is to inspire a healthier America through partnerships that raise awareness about the essential nutritional benefits of eating seafood. Through its education efforts, the organization aims to help Americans gain the skills to select, order and prepare fish and shellfish, and to inspire a healthier America by promoting a nutrient-rich diet that includes seafood. SNP is a member of the Clinton Global Initiative and the NCD Roundtable.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Oct 14, 2014 | CMG News
RED WHITE AND FOOD BEGINS ‘GET OUT THE VOTE’ CAMPAIGN
Wine referendum to appear on Nov. 4 ballot
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Oct. 9, 2014) – Red White and Food, the 501(c)(6) organization that supports allowing wine sales in Tennessee’s retail food stores, is working statewide to educate its supporters and to encourage them to vote for wine on Election Day on Nov. 4, or during early voting, which begins Oct. 15.
“We are in the final stage to get wine in retail food stores,” said Susie Alcorn, Red White and Food campaign manager. “This summer, we collected more than 262,247 signatures, which led to 78 communities having the wine question on the November ballot. In the coming days, voters will have the final say on the purchase of wine in retail food stores. We are encouraging Tennesseans to vote for wine.”
The wine in retail food stores referendum will appear on the ballot in 78* qualifying municipalities across Tennessee. Petitions were filed in those communities this summer and certified by the local election commissions to authorize the referendum. Red White and Food encourages voters to read the Nov. 4 ballot in its entirety, as the wine question appears near the end of the ballot.
Alcorn expects the campaign to use a variety of tools to reach wine supporters, including paid media, in-store displays and events. Volunteers are needed, and anyone wishing to help can contact the campaign at volunteer@redwhiteandfood.com.
“We are grateful to those Tennesseans who have supported the Red White and Food campaign,” said Alcorn. “Tennesseans who want to purchase wine with their groceries have worked hard over seven years – to make this a reality, voters must vote for wine.”
Legislation passed by the Tennessee General Assembly in March of this year was a compromise between retail food stores and liquor stores. Many liquor stores across the state are now selling beer and party supplies as allowed by the new law. In communities where the wine referendum passes, retail food stores will be able to sell wine beginning July 1, 2016.
*The election commissions for Lakeland (Shelby County) and Dunlap (Sequatchie County) recently notified Red White and Food that the referendum will not appear on the ballot in those municipalities. Additional questions should be directed to the respective election commissions.
For more information, please contact:
Amanda Reinbold, McNeely Pigott & Fox, (615) 259-4000, areinbold@mpf.com
Red White and Food is a coalition of 30,000-plusTennesseans who want to purchase wine where they shop for food. Initially founded by the Tennessee Grocers & Convenience Store Association, Red White and Food is now an independent 501(c)(6) organization that has the support of the state’s retail food stores. For more information about the wine in retail food stores campaign, please visit www.redwhiteandfood.com.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Oct 1, 2014 | CMG News
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Transportation will have lane closures and temporary traffic stoppages at different locations over the next month as crews continue to work on the I-40/I-240 interchange improvement project.
Beginning Wednesday, October 1 at 8:00 p.m. through Thursday October 2 at 6:00 a.m.:
Two lanes of I-40 eastbound (I-240 southbound) between Exits 12A (White Station) and 12B (Sam Cooper Boulevard) will be closed for the removal of the existing overhead sign truss. Exits 12A and 12B will remain open during this closure. There will be temporary traffic stoppages as the sign truss is removed.
Saturday, October 4, 2014 6:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.:
The two left lanes of I-240 northbound and the left lane of I-240 southbound, beginning just north of the Walnut Grove interchange, will be CLOSED to allow for removal/reset of portable barrier rail and for the removal of the median barrier to allow for the installation of foundations for overhead signs. The final condition will be a shoulder closure on I-240 southbound and the left lane closure on I-240 northbound for approximately 4 weeks.
Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5, 2014 6:00 a.m. – 6:30 a.m. each day:
The left two lanes of I-40 east and westbound lanes will be closed at various locations beginning west of Exit 15 (US64) to west of Exit 12 Sycamore View to allow the existing portable barrier rail to be installed at new locations in order to construct new Dynamic Message Sign foundations in the median.
Friday, October 10, 2014 8:00 p.m. through 5:00 a.m. Monday October 13, 2014:
The left lane of I-240 northbound, beginning just south of the existing Greenway bridge and extending to just north of Exit 12B (Sam Cooper Blvd.), will be closed to allow removal/reset of portable barrier rails and for the delivery and installation of structural steel girders.
Friday, October 10, 2014 8:00 p.m. through 5:00 a.m. Monday October 13, 2014:
Exit 12B (Sam Cooper Blvd. traveling from I-40 eastbound) will beclosed to allow for the delivery and installation of structural steel girders. Also, Exit 12B from I-240 northbound will be closed.
The work is weather dependent. Should inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances prevent this work from occurring as scheduled, it will be rescheduled.
For travel and TDOT construction information, visit the TDOT SmartWay web site at www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway/. Travelers can also dial 511 from any land-line or cellular phone for travel information or can follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TN511 for statewide travel information. Drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools responsibly. Drivers should refrain from texting, tweeting or using a mobile phone while operating a vehicle. TDOT advises drivers to “Know before you go!” by checking traffic conditions before leaving for your destination.
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by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Oct 1, 2014 | CMG News
TRAFFIC ALERT
Upcoming Lane Closures on I-40/I-240 Interchange Project
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Tennessee Department of Transportation will have lane closures and temporary traffic stoppages over the next month as crews continue to work on the I-40/I-240 interchange improvement project.
• Beginning Wednesday, October 1 at 8 p.m. through Thursday October 2 at 6 a.m.:
Two lanes of I-40 eastbound (I-240 southbound) between Exits 12A (White Station) and 12B (Sam Cooper Boulevard) will be closed for the removal of the existing overhead sign truss. Exits 12A and 12B will remain open during this closure. There will be temporary traffic stoppages as the sign truss is removed.
• Saturday, October 4, 2014 6 a.m.-5:30 p.m.:
The two left lanes of I-240 northbound and the left lane of I-240 southbound, beginning just north of the Walnut Grove interchange will be CLOSED, to allow for removal/reset of portable barrier rail and for the removal of the median barrier to allow for the installation of foundations for overhead signs. The final condition will be a shoulder closure on I-240 southbound and the left lane closure on I-240 northbound for approximately 4 weeks.
• Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5, 2015 6 a.m.-6:30 p.m.:
The two left lanes of I-40 eastbound between Sycamore View and the Wolf River Bridge on I-40 will be closed for removal of portable barrier rail in the construction zone. Also, the left lane of I-40 westbound between Sycamore View and the Wolf River Bridge will be closed for removal of portable barrier rail.
• Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5, 2015 6 a.m.-6:30 p.m.:
The two left lanes of I-40 westbound between Germantown Parkway and Highway 64 on I-40 will be closed for removal of portable barrier rail in the construction zone. Also, the left lane of I-40 eastbound between Germantown Parkway and Highway 64 will be closed for removal of portable barrier rail.
• Friday, October 10, 2014 8 p.m. through 5 a.m. Monday October 13, 2014:
The left lane of I-240 northbound, beginning just south of the existing Greenway bridge and extending to just north of Exit 12B (Sam Cooper Blvd.) will be closed to allow removal/reset of portable barrier rails and for the delivery and installation of structural steel girders.
• Friday, October 10, 2014 8 p.m. through 5 a.m. Monday October 13, 2014:
Exit 12B (Sam Cooper Blvd. traveling from I-40 eastbound) will be closed to allow for the delivery and installation of structural steel girders. Also, Exit 12B from I-240 northbound will be closed.
The work is weather dependent. Should inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances prevent this work from occurring as scheduled, it will be rescheduled.
For travel and TDOT construction information, visit the TDOT SmartWay web site at www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway/ or download the new TDOT SmartWay mobile app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store for Android. Travelers can also dial 511 from any land-line or cellular phone for travel information or can follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TN511 for statewide travel information. Drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools responsibly. Drivers should refrain from texting, tweeting or using a mobile phone while operating a vehicle. TDOT advises drivers to “Know before you go!” by checking traffic conditions before leaving for your destination.
