City of Memphis Launches New Website on the Memphis Aerotropolis Master Plan

A new website with updates on the Memphis Aerotropolis Master Plan is up and running. The Aerotropolis Master Plan focuses on a 50-square mile study area surrounding the Memphis International Airport called Airport City. The Airport City area encompasses some of the city’s struggling businesses, neighborhoods, and commercial and retail centers. The web address for the new site is www.memphisaeroplan.com.

 

The website details the steps taken by project consultants to create the Master Plan, which is being developed with input from community leaders and business owners in the study area. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the City of Memphis Division of Planning and Development have partnered through the FY 2010 HUD Community Challenge Grants Program to fund the Master Plan.

“Launching the website will give us a great opportunity to publicize what is going on with the project, because it is imperative that we redevelop Airport City not only to simulate the Memphis economy, but also to create new economic opportunities for the region,” said Chad Bowman, Aerotropolis Project Manager.

The goal is to develop a coordinated Master Plan of action that can provide a comprehensive guide for future development of the Memphis Airport City with recommendations relating to market strategy, land use and urban design. The Master Plan will also identify opportunities to create new housing opportunities, a sustainable number of new businesses and jobs for an improved quality of life for Memphians as well as Mid-Southerners.

The website is complete with data, graphics, photographs, surveys and aerial views of neighborhoods and communities in the study area. For easy navigation, information can be obtained by clicking one of several tabs: Home, Overview, Library, News, Events and Contact. Under Home, for example, you’ll find a video presentation and a question: “What is the Memphis Aerotropolis?” Also you’ll find a series of photographs from six listening tour sites under the Events tab.

“We are still gathering public input,” said Bowman. “So if anyone is interested in learning more about the project or providing input through their group or organization, please feel free to contact me, and I will make myself available.”

Bowman can be reached at 901.636.7160 or by email at chad.bowman@memphistn.gov.

The Aerotropolis Master Plan, once fully implemented, will transform Memphis into a competitive, logistics and distribution and bio life sciences capital of commerce that will benefit the entire Mid-South Region. Please visit the website and buckle your seat belts as we prepare for take-off,Memphis.

SIX MEMPHIS SCHOOLS TO JOIN THE ACHIEVEMENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

Thousands of students, parents to benefit from opportunity

 6 more Memphis area priority schools are joining Tennessee’s statewide Achievement School District (ASD), leaders announced on Friday morning at a press conference at Frayser Achievement Elementary School in the Frayser neighborhood of North Memphis.

 “We’re thrilled to welcome these schools to the ASD,” said ASD superintendent Chris Barbic.  “We’ve seen great things happening in our schools this year, and can’t wait to begin working with our new parents, students, teachers and community members to prove the possible.”

The ASD currently has six schools, and—with Friday’s announcement—will double in number next year.  The ASD is both an operator and an authorizer of schools.  As an operator, it runs schools directly. As an authorizer, it recruits and selects high performing charter schools to join its network.  Friday’s announcement had implications for the ASD on both fronts.

“Find me in Frayser”: The ASD as school operator

The ASD has set deep roots in the Frayser area, running three schools this year: Frayser Elementary, Corning Elementary and Westside Middle School.  With Friday’s announcement, they will operate two additional campuses in the Frayser area:  Georgian Hills and Whitney elementary schools.

DeAndre Brown, Executive Director of Lifeline to Success, has seen a change in Frayser this school year. “The ASD has truly become part of the community, and our kids are learning in ways they never have before.”

 

Frayser Elementary joined the ASD this fall, beginning its climb to the top 25% of schools in the state.  Like other schools that have joined the ASD, Frayser performed in the bottom 5% of schools in the state.  This group of schools, known as “Priority” schools, is receiving statewide attention.    On average, only 1 out of 10 students in Priority schools read and do math on grade level.  And in Frayser, 11 out of the 14 schools in the Frayser are priority schools—the highest concentration of bottom 5% schools in the state.

“In just a semester here at Frayser, we have seen significant academic gains with our students, and we know they can reach further heights this spring,” said James Dennis, Principal of Frayser Elementary.

New charter operators make their match: The ASD as authorizer

The ASD is positioning other top performing school operators to do the same in other parts of the city.  Orange Mound will now have a new educational partner in Aspire Public Schools, a newcomer to Memphis.  Aspire currently operates some of the best public schools in California.  Beginning in the fall, Aspire will be working to transform Hanley Elementary School.

We are excited about working with families and students in the Orange Mound school community,” said Allison Leslie, Executive Director, Aspire Public Schools – Memphis Region. “Aspire Public Schools provides students with a proven rigorous education, helping to prepare students for success in their future endeavors-in higher education, work, and citizenship. We believe that through personalized learning experiences, students will master basic skills, develop productive life skills, and acquire the thinking skills needed for success in the real world.  With our College for Certain mission in mind, our goal is to prepare students at Hanley Elementary to earn a college degree.”

Along with Aspire, the ASD announced that Gestalt Community Schools, who currently operates the best public middle school in the state at Power Center Academy, will phase in operations at Klondike Elementary, beginning next year with kindergarten and first grade, and adding a grade each year. Gestalt already operates one ASD School.  Gordon Science and Arts Academy serves students zoned to Humes Middle School.  Another local top-performing school operator, KIPP Memphis Collegiate Schools will begin transforming Corry Middle and Shannon Elementary next fall.  At Shannon, KIPP will operate grades PreK and kindergarten, adding a grade each year; at Corry, KIPP will operate the 5th grade, adding a grade each year.

 

PRIORITY SCHOOL

SCHOOL OPERATOR

STUDENTS SERVED IN 13/14

Whitney Elementary

Achievement School District

Whole school

Georgian Hills Elementary

Achievement School District

Whole school

Hanley Elementary

Aspire Public Schools

Whole school

Klondike Elementary

Gestalt Community Schools

Kindergarten and first grade

Shannon Elementary

KIPP Memphis Collegiate Schools

Pre-K & Kinder

Corry Middle

KIPP Memphis Collegiate Schools

5th grade

 

Schools were chosen and matched with operators based on a range of factors, including need (school and feeder pattern performance), potential for impact (school and feeder pattern serve a high number of students), and community input.  There was an extensive community engagement process led by the volunteer Achievement Advisory Council, the ASD, and the ASD’s charter operators.

 

ABOUT THE OPERATORS

Aspire Public Schools is a nonprofit organization that currently operates 34 high-performing, open-enrollment public charter schools serving 12,000 students in underserved communities across California. Aspire is one of the highest- performing public school systems in California, delivering a rigorous “College for Certain” education to students in grades K-12. An unrelenting focus on college preparedness led to 100 percent of graduating Aspire seniors being accepted to four year colleges or universities in 2010 and 2011. Aspire offers a high-quality education in six cities throughout California: Los Angeles, Oakland, Stockton, Sacramento, Modesto and East Palo Alto. For more information about Aspire, please contact Christine Schneider: Christine@larsonpr.org

 

Capstone Education Group (Cornerstone Prep): Cornerstone Prep provides a quality, college preparatory education to families throughout Memphis. Cornerstone Prep’s approach to education is based on successful strategies modeled by the nation’s best urban schools, including intense focus on the core subjects of math and reading; extra learning time created by an extended academic day and year; standards-based lesson plans, curriculum, and assessments; intentional character and leadership development; and a fast-paced, challenging learning environment. Cornerstone Prep’s mission is to equip all students with the Wisdom and Knowledge necessary to succeed in college and to become leaders in their community. For more information on Capstone, contact Executive Director, Drew Sippel at dsippel@cornerstoneprepmemphis.org

 

Gestalt Community Schools (GCS) is a system of K-12 college-preparatory charter schools in targeted Tennessee communities. GCS schools provide strong academic outcomes for their scholars through various initiatives, including meaningful community involvement. GCS catalyzes community leadership to help revitalize the neighborhoods in which its schools operate. Instead of debating whether education impacts the community or vice versa, GCS believes that the most effective method to support student achievement is an integration of education and community (a true “gestalt”). GCS currently operates Power Center Academy middle, the highest-performing middle school in the state.  For more information about Gestalt Community Schools, contact Exec. Dir. Derwin Sisnett: dsisnett@gestaltcs.org.

 

KIPP Memphis Collegiate Schools: KIPP, the Knowledge Is Power Program, is a national network of free, open- enrollment, college-preparatory public schools with a track record of preparing students in underserved communities for success in college and in life. There are currently 109 KIPP schools in 20 states and the District of Columbia serving more than 33,000 students. KIPP came to Memphis in 2002 with the opening of KIPP Memphis Collegiate Middle, which last year was ranked the highest performing charter middle school in the state for student growth. As of July 2012, KMCS will operate four schools- one elementary, two middle, and one high school- serving 800 students. It is the goal of KMCS to operate ten schools by 2016, with the ultimate capacity to serve over 4,500 students across Memphis. For more information about KIPP Memphis Collegiate Schools, please contact Executive Director, Jamal
McCall: jmccall@kippmemphis.org.

ASPIRE PUBLIC SCHOOLS ANNOUNCED AS NEW OPERATOR FOR HANLEY ELEMENTARY

Achievement School District taps Aspire to transform failing school in 2013

Aspire Public Schools (Aspire) is proud to announce its appointment as the new operator for Hanley Elementary School as assigned through the Achievement School District (ASD) matching process.  This ends an 8-month planning period where Aspire met with community leaders, parents and educators throughout Memphis to understand school needs and priorities.

 

We are excited about working with families and students in the Orange Mound school community,” said Allison Leslie, Executive Director, Aspire Public Schools – Memphis Region. “Aspire Public Schools provides students with a proven rigorous education, helping to prepare students for success in their future endeavors—in higher education, work, and citizenship. We believe that through personalized learning experiences, students will master basic skills, develop productive life skills, and acquire the thinking skills needed for success in the real world.  With our College for Certain mission in mind, our goal is to prepare students at Hanley to earn a college degree.”

Aspire was selected by ASD to join its efforts to transform the lowest performing public schools in Memphis.  In May 2012, Aspire began its Memphis community planning in preparation for the fall of 2013 school year.  During this time, Aspire leadership has been meeting with community leaders, parents and teachers regarding its presence in Memphis and its plans on how to transform the failing schools that it is assigned.

“With this announcement, our focus is on continuing to meet with parents and the community leaders and hiring the best teachers and school staff for our students,” said Leslie.

During the transformation process, Aspire will fill 50 new faculty and staff positions.  All current school employees are encouraged to apply on the Aspire website (www.aspirepublicschools.org) and will be guaranteed an opportunity to interview for their current position. Aspire has also been conducting recruiting events in and around the Memphis area for the past 3 months.

“We encourage local educators to contact us about opportunities, including our Teacher Residency Program, open to educators and college seniors to apply.  Aspire is pleased to be working with local colleges such as  Lemoyne-Owen College, University of Memphis, Fisk, Victory University, University of Arkansas – Little Rock, Christian Brothers, Rhodes, and University of Mississippi – Oxford  to promote opportunities.” said Leslie.

About Aspire Public Schools

Aspire Public Schools is a nonprofit organization that currently operates 34 high-performing, open-enrollment free public charter schools serving 12,500 students in underserved communities across California and will open schools in Memphis, TN in fall, 2013. Aspire is one of the highest-performing public school systems in California, delivering a rigorous ‘College for Certain’ education to students in grades K-12.  Visit Aspire Public Schools at www.aspirepublicschools.org or call (901) 205-9443.

 

 

ASPIRE PUBLIC SCHOOLS ANNOUNCED AS NEW OPERATOR FOR HANLEY ELEMENTARY

Achievement School District taps Aspire to transform failing school in 2013

Aspire Public Schools (Aspire) is proud to announce its appointment as the new operator for Hanley Elementary School as assigned through the Achievement School District (ASD) matching process. This ends an 8-month planning period where Aspire met with community leaders, parents and educators throughout Memphis to understand school needs and priorities.

We are excited about working with families and students in the Orange Mound school community,” said Allison Leslie, Executive Director, Aspire Public Schools – Memphis Region. “Aspire Public Schools provides students with a proven rigorous education, helping to prepare students for success in their future endeavors—in higher education, work, and citizenship. We believe that through personalized learning experiences, students will master basic skills, develop productive life skills, and acquire the thinking skills needed for success in the real world. With our College for Certain mission in mind, our goal is to prepare students at Hanley to earn a college degree.”
Aspire was selected by ASD to join its efforts to transform the lowest performing public schools in Memphis. In May 2012, Aspire began its Memphis community planning in preparation for the fall of 2013 school year. During this time, Aspire leadership has been meeting with community leaders, parents and teachers regarding its presence in Memphis and its plans on how to transform the failing schools that it is assigned.

“With this announcement, our focus is on continuing to meet with parents and the community leaders and hiring the best teachers and school staff for our students,” said Leslie.
During the transformation process, Aspire will fill 50 new faculty and staff positions. All current school employees are encouraged to apply on the Aspire website (www.aspirepublicschools.org) and will be guaranteed an opportunity to interview for their current position. Aspire has also been conducting recruiting events in and around the Memphis area for the past 3 months.

“We encourage local educators to contact us about opportunities, including our Teacher Residency Program, open to educators and college seniors to apply. Aspire is pleased to be working with local colleges such as Lemoyne-Owen College, University of Memphis, Fisk, Victory University, University of Arkansas – Little Rock, Christian Brothers, Rhodes, and University of Mississippi – Oxford to promote opportunities.” said Leslie.

About Aspire Public Schools

Aspire Public Schools is a nonprofit organization that currently operates 34 high-performing, open-enrollment free public charter schools serving 12,500 students in underserved communities across California and will open schools in Memphis, TN in fall, 2013. Aspire is one of the highest-performing public school systems in California, delivering a rigorous ‘College for Certain’ education to students in grades K-12. Visit Aspire Public Schools at www.aspirepublicschools.org or call (901) 205-9443.

Media Opportunity: Memphis Aerotropolis Airport City Master Plan

What:           Memphis Aerotropolis Airport City Master Plan Workshops 
 
When:          Wednesday, November 14, 2012 from 6:00- 7:30 p.m.
 
Where:        Hickory Hill Community Center
                      3910 Ridgeway
                      Memphis, TN 38115

 

Join Memphis Aerotropolis Airport City Master Planners for a 2-day presentation and open discussion about the areas of development that are most important to the community including: reducing crime and strengthening neighborhoods, the redevelopment of blighted areas, improving transit options, expanded educational opportunities, promoting local shops and businesses or parks, recreation and green spaces.

There was a workshop yesterday at the Memphis Christian Center.  Two additional opportunities to come out and voice opinions will be at the locations below.  All sessions will begin promptly at 6:00 p.m. and run until 7:30 p.m.

 Wednesday, November 14, 2012                    
Hickory Hill Community Center
3910 Ridgeway                                               
Memphis, TN 38115     
                                
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Airways Professional Center
3385 Airways Blvd. (near Winchester)
Memphis, TN 38116
 

Interview opportunities will be available, and members of the local government and the Memphis Aerotropolis Airport City Master Plan team will be in attendance.

About the Memphis Aerotropolis Airport City Master Plan:

The Memphis Aerotropolis Airport City area encompasses the 50 square-miles directly around the Memphis International Airport.  The goal is to develop a coordinated Master Plan of action that can provide a comprehensive guide for future development of Airport City with recommendations relating to market strategy, land use and urban design.  The Master Plan will also identify opportunities to create a sustainable number of businesses and jobs for a improved quality of life for Memphians.


City and County Come Together to Support Public Education Through Sales Tax Referendum

  Local elected officials who understand the importance of investing in education are standing together to increase funding for schools in  Shelby County by supporting a half-cent sales tax referendum appearing on the November ballot. The leaders collectively agree that the additional funds are needed to ensure that the schools of Shelby County have the resources they need to offer a world-class education. In a news conference today, leaders shared their commitment to supporting the referendum and working together to benefit all the school children in Shelby County.

 Although the City of Memphis will no longer be mandated by the state to fund education, Mayor A C Wharton Jr. has said that the education of all children is a prerequisite and moral responsibility shared by everyone. He is particularly concerned about making sure that all children in Memphis and Shelby County have access to quality Pre-K.

“All the experts will tell you that Pre-K is critical when it comes to a child developing the skills needed to succeed in school and later in life,” said Mayor Wharton.”That’s the reason we are urging the citizens of Memphis to support this referendum and the Shelby County Unified School Board to allocate a portion of the funding for Pre-K.”

The Shelby County Commission approved asking the voters in Memphis, Millington and unincorporated Shelby County if they would support a half-cent sales tax increase in the form of a referendum. The question will appear as the first referendum on the November 6th ballot.

Shelby County Commission Chairman Mike Ritz believes when the county becomes the single funding source locally  for schools, these funds will desperately be needed to address the shortfall in the budget for the Unified School System resulting from the merger and improving education quality overall through proposed efforts like extending Pre-K to all children.  

“It is Shelby County’s responsibility to fund education, and we are limited in how we can generate funds to support our citizens outside of the sales tax and property tax,” said Ritz. “This half-cent sales tax will provide $30 million dollars to our schools and help with the education of our children. If this does not pass, we will have very few other options to fund education outside of the property tax.”

The Shelby County Unified School Board is in the process of preparing for next year’s transition and needs a fully funded budget. “Today’s announcement gives me hope that if the citizens of Memphis vote to pass this referendum our children will be provided with the essential needs required to obtain the quality education that they deserve,” said Patrice Robinson, Shelby County Unified School Board Member.

 

Key Points:

  • Current sales tax 2.25 increasing to 2.75 (1/2 cent)
  • 50% of the sales revenue will go to schools ($30.3 million dollars)
  • A $14-$17 return on every dollar invested in early childhood education

Early Voting begins October 17 through November 1, 2012. Election Day is Tuesday, November 6, 2012.

 

###

 

“Small Business Connections: Marketing Meets Microfinancing” Workshop Tours” Stopping Next in Memphis

Accion, NYSE Euronext, and Yelp Bring The Big StartUp to Local Entrepreneurs

EmergeMemphis, 6:00PM-8:00PM

 

On October 9, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: NYX), Accion, and Yelp will bring the NYSE Big StartUp “Small Business Connections: Marketing Meets Microfinancing” nationwide workshop tour to Memphis. The seventh stop on the Small Business Connections tour, the event will provide local small business owners with social media marketing know-how and access to capital.

 

Yelp’s Manager of Local Business Outreach, Darnell Holloway, will explain how entrepreneurs can work with major social media platforms such as Yelp, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter to both engage with customers online and navigate the world of online reviews. Additionally, Regional Market Manager Nathanial Owen of small business lender Accion, which has provided over $2.6 million in loans in Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, and Tennessee since 2011, will discuss how to access capital and finance marketing costs with an Accion microloan. Both Yelp business outreach staff and Accion loan officers will be present to answer questions and offer personalized consultations to participants.

 

Additionally, Accion client Daniel Watson of Visions Enterprise, LLC will describe how his $5,000 microloan helped shape his business. The owner of a B2B dry seasonings and breaders business, Daniel used his capital to purchase inventory and develop e-commerce on his website, bringing in more sales. “This Small Business Connections workshop addresses the specific issues and needs of business owners in a fast-paced digital world,” Daniel testifies. “I’m excited to learn more about new ways to integrate my business strategy within an online customer market. Through programs like this, hopefully we can turn this economy around one small business at a time.”

 

“Small Business Connections” is the first small business event tour from the NYSE Big StartUp, a nationwide job creation and business growth initiative that connects small businesses with established corporations, such as Yelp. Launched in March 2012, the NYSE Big StartUp program also integrates the Accion-NYSE Job Growth Fund. This program was started with a $1.5 million commitment by NYSE Euronext, which will provide small businesses and startups with the capital and support they need to grow. 

 

The Small Business Connections tour has proven to be a high-impact resource for local small business owners. Attendees from previous tour events report learning an average of three new marketing techniques. Participants met an average of three other small business entrepreneurs who could help them expand through new channels.

 

Event Details

EmergeMemphis

516 Tennessee Street

October 9, 6:00-8:00pm

Registration: http://yelpmemphis.eventbrite.com/

 

About Yelp
Yelp (NYSE: YELP) connects people with great local businesses. Yelp was founded in San Francisco in July 2004. Since then, Yelp communities have taken root in major metros across the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Austria, The Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Australia, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland and Singapore. Yelp had a monthly average of 78 million unique visitors in Q2 2012 (source: Google Analytics). By the end of Q2 2012, Yelpers had written more than 30 million rich, local reviews, making Yelp the leading local guide for real word-of-mouth on everything from boutiques and mechanics to restaurants and dentists. Yelp’s mobile application was used on 7.2 million unique mobile devices on a monthly average basis during Q2 2012. For more information, please visit http://www.yelp.com/ or send an email to press@yelp.com.

About Accion

As the only nationwide micro- and small business lending network in the United States, Accion connects small business owners with the accessible financing and advice it takes to create or grow healthy businesses. Accion Texas Inc. is the largest member of the Accion U.S. Network and manages the largest microloan portfolio in the U.S. In Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, Accion Texas Inc. offers business loans between $500 and $250,000, and up to $5 million in Texas, along with training, networking and other support services for hardworking entrepreneurs.  Historically, Accion Texas Inc. has made more than 12,400 loans totaling more than $125 million.  For more information, visit www.acciontexas.org.

Since 1991, the five members of Accion’s U.S. Network have collectively made over 44,000 loans, totaling over $320 million. Additionally, over 400,000 business owners across the nation have turned to Accion for financial and business advice via workshops, online tools, and one-on-one consultations. Globally, Accion (www.accion.org) is a pioneer in microfinance, reaching millions of individuals through its international network of partners. For more information on Accion in Boston, please visit www.accionusa.org.

 

About NYSE Euronext
NYSE Euronext (NYX) is a leading global operator of financial markets and provider of innovative trading technologies. The company’s exchanges in Europe and the United States trade equities, futures, options, fixed-income and exchange-traded products. With approximately 8,000 listed issues (excluding European Structured Products), NYSE Euronext’s equities markets – the New York Stock Exchange, NYSE Euronext, NYSE MKT, NYSE Alternext and NYSE Arca – represent one-third of the world’s equities trading, the most liquidity of any global exchange group. NYSE Euronext also operates NYSE Liffe, one of the leading European derivatives businesses and the world’s second-largest derivatives business by value of trading. The company offers comprehensive commercial technology, connectivity and market data products and services through NYSE Technologies. NYSE Euronext is in the S&P 500 index. For more information, please visit: http://www.nyx.com.

 

Contacts:

Accion

Laura Kozien

lkozien@accion.org

 

Yelp

Kristen Whisenand

kristen@yelp.com

 

NYSE Euronext

Judy Shaw

jshaw@nyx.com

 

“Small Business Connections: Marketing Meets Microfinancing” Workshop Tour Stopping Next in Memphis

Accion, NYSE Euronext, and Yelp Bring The Big Start Up to Local Entrepreneurs

EmergeMemphis, 6:00 PM-8:00 PM

 

On October 9, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: NYX), Accion, and Yelp will bring the NYSE Big StartUp “Small Business Connections: Marketing Meets Microfinancing” nationwide workshop tour to Memphis. The seventh stop on the Small Business Connections tour, the event will provide local small business owners with social media marketing know-how and access to capital.

Yelp’s Manager of Local Business Outreach, Darnell Holloway, will explain how entrepreneurs can work with major social media platforms such as Yelp, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter to both engage with customers online and navigate the world of online reviews. Additionally, Regional Market Manager Nathanial Owen of small business lender Accion, which has provided over $2.6 million in loans in Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, and Tennessee since 2011, will discuss how to access capital and finance marketing costs with an Accion microloan. Both Yelp business outreach staff and Accion loan officers will be present to answer questions and offer personalized consultations to participants.

Additionally, Accion client Daniel Watson of Visions Enterprise, LLC will describe how his $5,000 microloan helped shape his business. The owner of a B2B dry seasonings and breaders business, Daniel used his capital to purchase inventory and develop e-commerce on his website, bringing in more sales. “This Small Business Connections workshop addresses the specific issues and needs of business owners in a fast-paced digital world,” Daniel testifies. “I’m excited to learn more about new ways to integrate my business strategy within an online customer market. Through programs like this, hopefully we can turn this economy around one small business at a time.”

“Small Business Connections” is the first small business event tour from the NYSE Big StartUp, a nationwide job creation and business growth initiative that connects small businesses with established corporations, such as Yelp. Launched in March 2012, the NYSE Big StartUp program also integrates the Accion-NYSE Job Growth Fund. This program was started with a $1.5 million commitment by NYSE Euronext, which will provide small businesses and startups with the capital and support they need to grow.

The Small Business Connections tour has proven to be a high-impact resource for local small business owners. Attendees from previous tour events report learning an average of three new marketing techniques. Participants met an average of three other small business entrepreneurs who could help them expand through new channels.

 

Event Details

EmergeMemphis

516 Tennessee Street

October 9, 6:00-8:00pm

Registration: http://yelpmemphis.eventbrite.com/

 

About Yelp

Yelp (NYSE: YELP) connects people with great local businesses. Yelp was founded in San Francisco in July 2004. Since then, Yelp communities have taken root in major metros across the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Austria, The Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Australia, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland and Singapore. Yelp had a monthly average of 78 million unique visitors in Q2 2012 (source: Google Analytics). By the end of Q2 2012, Yelpers had written more than 30 million rich, local reviews, making Yelp the leading local guide for real word-of-mouth on everything from boutiques and mechanics to restaurants and dentists. Yelp’s mobile application was used on 7.2 million unique mobile devices on a monthly average basis during Q2 2012. For more information, please visit http://www.yelp.com/ or send an email to press@yelp.com.

 

About Accion

As the only nationwide micro- and small business lending network in the United States, Accion connects small business owners with the accessible financing and advice it takes to create or grow healthy businesses. Accion Texas Inc. is the largest member of the Accion U.S. Network and manages the largest microloan portfolio in the U.S. In Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, Accion Texas Inc. offers business loans between $500 and $250,000, and up to $5 million in Texas, along with training, networking and other support services for hardworking entrepreneurs.  Historically, Accion Texas Inc. has made more than 12,400 loans totaling more than $125 million.  For more information, visit www.acciontexas.org.

 

Since 1991, the five members of Accion’s U.S. Network have collectively made over 44,000 loans, totaling over $320 million. Additionally, over 400,000 business owners across the nation have turned to Accion for financial and business advice via workshops, online tools, and one-on-one consultations. Globally, Accion (www.accion.org) is a pioneer in microfinance, reaching millions of individuals through its international network of partners. For more information on Accion in Boston, please visit www.accionusa.org.

 

About NYSE Euronext

NYSE Euronext (NYX) is a leading global operator of financial markets and provider of innovative trading technologies. The company’s exchanges in Europe and the United States trade equities, futures, options, fixed-income and exchange-traded products. With approximately 8,000 listed issues (excluding European Structured Products), NYSE Euronext’s equities markets – the New York Stock Exchange, NYSE Euronext, NYSE MKT, NYSE Alternext and NYSE Arca – represent one-third of the world’s equities trading, the most liquidity of any global exchange group. NYSE Euronext also operates NYSE Liffe, one of the leading European derivatives businesses and the world’s second-largest derivatives business by value of trading. The company offers comprehensive commercial technology, connectivity and market data products and services through NYSE Technologies. NYSE Euronext is in the S&P 500 index. For more information, please visit: http://www.nyx.com. 

 

Contacts:

Accion

Laura Kozien

lkozien@accion.org

 

Yelp

Kristen Whisenand

kristen@yelp.com

 

NYSE Euronext

Judy Shaw

jshaw@nyx.com

 

The Mid-South Fair is ‘Making Memories’ in 2012

Since its move from the old fairgrounds in Memphis to Southaven, MS, the Mid-South Fair kicks off its fourth consecutive year at the Landers Center. This year the fair will be held September 21- 30, 2012, with the theme “Making Memories.” Since the move to Southaven, traditional Mid-South fairgoers continue to attend the annual event. There is also a new group of attendees that we hope will create some new memories with their friends and family.

Mid-South Fair President Mike McGee says the organization is planning a great fair. “You can expect great entertainment, plenty of rides and wonderful food and fun,” said McGee. “Our 59th annual Youth Talent competition, which is the oldest amateur youth talent competition in the United States, only gets bigger and better. On the main stage, we are excited to showcase a lot of local talent this year.” Some other acts include motor cross racing and wrestling.

The Mid-South Fair will also continue its history of “giving back” to the community by supporting some very worthy causes in our community.” The Memphis Child Advocacy Center will receive brand new teddy bears and the Mid-South Food Bank will receive canned goods. Local area churches who participate in bringing a current weekly bulletin or offering envelope, with the church name and address, will receive $1 off a single adult admission. The Fair will then donate $1 back to their church youth program at the culmination of the fair.

Gates open weekdays at noon so you can take advantage of the “Come Have Lunch at the Fair” hours. Admission and parking will be free from noon – 2 p.m. Visit the website at www.midsouthfair.com for full details of hours, pricing and entertainment.

Some of the sponsors of this year’s Mid-South Fair include Epic Solutions, Captain D’s and The Commercial Appeal.

About The Mid-South Fair

The original and still the best, the Mid-South Fair has entertained families since 1856. As a non-profit organization, we exist to create a cultural and entertainment experience that exposes people in our community to items and events they might not otherwise encounter. The Fair is governed by a board of directors, operated by a full-time staff and funded by sponsorships and donations. Since 2001, the Fair has given out $64,000 in educational scholarships for excellence in Youth Talent, Creative Arts, and Agriculture.  For more information about the Mid-South Fair, visit our website at www.midsouthfair.com 

 

The Mid-South Fair Collects Teddy Bears for the Memphis Child Advocacy Center

The Mid-South Fair is partnering with the Memphis Child Advocacy Center to help them restock their teddy bear wall again this year. Last year’s opening day was so successful because of the support from the Mid-South community.

On opening day Friday, September 21, we are asking you to again help kids served at the Child Advocacy Center by bringing a brand new medium-sized teddy bear to the Mid-South Fair. Make sure the bear still has its tags or store packaging. When you donate a brand new teddy bear at the Mid-South Fair, you’ll get $3 off a single adult admission—and you’ll help a hurting child in need.

The motto of the Memphis Child Advocacy Center is “helping victims become children again.” The MCAC mission is to help children who are victims of sexual abuse. The center provides counseling for sexually abused kids, and every child can choose a brand new teddy bear from the Child Advocacy’s wall of bears. The bear becomes a trusted and comforting companion as the child finds justice and healing after being sexually or physically abused.

The center treated 1,200 children last year. At least 2,000 bears are needed this year to make sure every child gets a bear during their time at the center.

“When they come in and see this big bear wall full of teddy bears, it’s a loud message for them that this is a safe place for kids,” says Virginia Stallworth, the center’s associate director.

 

“The Mid-South Fair is very excited to partner once again with the Memphis Child Advocacy Center to restock their teddy bear wall,” says Mid-South Fair President Mike McGee. “We have provided for youth in the Mid-South for many years. When there is a need in our community, the Mid-South Fair wants to respond to the need in a way that will make an impact. We hope to assist the center with overflowing the wall.”

McGee gives credit to Mid-South Ford Dealers for assisting the Mid-South Fair with making a difference in the lives of children at the Memphis Child Advocacy Center.

About The Mid-South Fair

The original and still the best, the Mid-South Fair has entertained families since 1856. As a non-profit organization, we exist to create a cultural and entertainment experience that exposes people in our community to items and events they might not otherwise encounter. The Fair is governed by a board of directors, operated by a full-time staff and funded by sponsorships and donations. Since 2001, the Fair has given out $64,000 in educational scholarships for excellence in Youth Talent, Creative Arts, and Agriculture.  For more information about the Mid-South Fair, visit our