by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Dec 3, 2021 | CMG News, News
(MEMPHIS, TENN – December 2, 2021) Journey Community Schools has been awarded a $30,000 grant from International Paper’s Memphis Mill and the International Paper Foundation. As the adoptive partner of the International Paper, Coleman School will be awarded $10,000 of the grant and the remaining will benefit Journey Community Schools. The funds will support literacy interventions and high-quality learning materials that address literacy deficits. The check presentation will be held at Coleman School, 3210 Raleigh Millington Rd. Memphis, TN 38128 on Friday, December 3, 2021, at 8:15 a.m.
Journey Community Schools has an ambitious goal to ensure that all students are reading on or above grade level by the end of third grade. This grant will provide high-quality literacy materials and training for teachers. The rigorous interventions and programming allow all teachers to meet students where they are to address learning loss through direct small groups and individualized instruction.
“We are thrilled that International Paper continues to invest in education and students in Memphis,” said Dr. Nickalous Manning, Executive Director of Journey Community School. “Third grade is a crucial year where students transition from learning to read to reading to learn. Therefore, it is our duty to ensure that students are equipped with all of the skills, training, and materials to be successful. We are truly grateful for International Paper’s generosity.”
The International Paper Foundation is one of the ways International Paper strives to reach its vision to be among the most successful, sustainable and responsible companies in the world. Started in 1952, the foundation annually provides millions in grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations to address critical needs in the communities where its employees live and work. Funding priority is given to programs related to its signature causes: education, hunger, health & wellness, disaster relief, and initiatives that improve the planet. For more information, visit ipgiving.com.
About Journey Community School
Journey Community Schools works to develop a community of lifelong learners who excel in all areas of life. We engage families and community partners in our scholars’ learning journey; cultivate a safe, positive and joyous learning environment; and empower teachers and leaders with support to deliver an inclusive, innovative and rigorous education.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Nov 17, 2021 | CMG News
(November 16, 2021 – Memphis, TN) Shelby County Trustee Regina Morrison Newman announces the launch of Wallet Warning: Avoiding Consumer Cons, one of the public education components of the Consumer Financial Protection initiative that she and her Idea Team developed over the last year. November is National Fraud Awareness month, so it is the perfect time to remind residents of financial scams they should be aware of as we head into the holiday season. Trustee Newman is kicking off a media tour to bring awareness to this issue.
“Consumer fraud is an important issue to our entire community. The ‘Wallet Warning’ campaign is a continuation of the Trustee’s office’s emphasis on improving the financial stability of Shelby County residents which includes sponsorship of the Greater Memphis Financial Empowerment Center and the Bank on Memphis Coalition,” said Newman. The campaign is targeting all demographics, with an inaugural special emphasis on the most vulnerable—seniors.
During this time of year, seniors are signing up for Medicare and may be confused by the ads and agents calling, asking them to register. Trustee Newman and her team are working with the MidSouth Council on Aging and the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to educate seniors about what can be a confusing issue.
The “Wallet Warning” campaign will also share tips on how to protect your funds as we go into the holiday season. Fake charities prey on the kindness of citizens during this time of year, and predatory lenders stand ready to “help” people pay for their holidays when they are actually trapping them in an endless cycle of debt.
Trustee Newman will address these fraud awareness issues through a media tour, speaking engagements, social media, emails and other outreach initiatives.
About the Shelby County Trustee’s Office
The Shelby County Trustee collects County property taxes and handles delinquent property tax collections for all municipalities in Shelby County. By law, the Trustee is the banker for Shelby County Government. In addition, the Trustee coordinates banking services for approximately fifteen different county offices, including various elected officials and the Shelby County Board of Education. The Shelby County Trustee’s duties include maximizing interest earnings and streamlining banking costs. The Trustee offers a number of community outreach programs including Tax Freeze, Tax Relief, Quarterly Tax Payments, Project HOME, Bank On Memphis, On My Own Financial Simulation and the Greater Memphis Financial Empowerment Center. For more information, please visit www.shelbycountytrustee.com and www.gmfec.org.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Oct 28, 2021 | CMG News
A new countywide poll of registered voters conducted by Public Opinion Strategies for the Memphis and Shelby County Crime Commission shows strong support for law enforcement by both Memphis and suburban respondents. But gun violence is a major concern for both Memphis and suburban residents.
The poll, conducted September 18-22, 2021, included 425 registered voters, with 275 (65%) from Memphis. Countywide, the ethnic/racial breakdown was 48% white, 46% African American and 6% other. For city of Memphis respondents, the ethnic/racial breakdown was 58% African American, 37% white and 5% other. Countywide, the gender breakdown was 60% female and 40% male. Age ranges included 43% between 18–44, 33% between 45-64 and 24% 65 plus. (There was no significant statistical difference for Memphis respondents.)
In both Memphis and the rest of Shelby County, the pandemic ranks as the top priority with both men and women, black and white voters, voters younger than 45 and seniors. The pandemic comes in at 30%, but crime/public safety is second at 22%.
Under crime and public safety, gun violence dominates the list of concerns at 48%. Human trafficking comes in at 11%, and juvenile crime 10%. The large gap between gun violence and other categories of crime signifies that gun violence is the overriding major concern.
Police remain popular in the community with 62% of respondents rating them as doing an excellent/good job. However, the excellent/good rating for local police fell by 9 points since a similar poll conducted for the Crime Commission last year and dropped with nearly all subgroups. Specifically, local police have seen erosion in support from voters younger than 45 in Memphis and men without a college education.
This erosion may be tied to the concern about violent crime, in particular, gun violence. Only 48% of respondents gave police an excellent/good rating on protecting people from violent crime compared to 56% in last year’s poll, and 49% gave police a fair/poor rating compared to 39% in 2020’s poll.
The concern about gun violence and the erosion in the rating of police in addressing violent crime may, in turn, explain the overwhelming desire for more police officers. There continues to be high support for hiring more police officers with 81% of respondents, and a deep 59% strongly support more hiring. Every demographic subgroup supports hiring more police officers. This includes wide majorities of men (81%), women (82%), white voters (84%) and African American voters (80%). Overall, 79% of Memphis respondents and 85% from the rest of Shelby County support hiring more officers.
The poll findings show 73% of Shelby County voters support loosening the residency requirements for police officers and firefighters. 69% of Memphis voters agree.
An overwhelming 73% of respondents would like an increased law enforcement presence in their neighborhoods. 68% of white respondents and 78% of African American respondents want an increased law enforcement presence in their neighborhoods, as do 78% of Memphis respondents compared to 65% of respondents in the rest of the county.
“Gun violence is a major concern and working on strategies to reduce gun violence is a priority for the Crime Commission,” said Bill Gibbons, Crime Commission president. “This poll shows us that residents still strongly support our police officers, even though their job performance has slipped some since last year’s poll. Hiring more police officers is clearly important to voters.”
You can find a detailed public opinion poll report on the Crime Commission website at www.memphiscrime.org.
Public Opinion Strategies is a national research firm headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia. Founded in 1991, it has conducted more than 10 million interviews with voters and consumers in all 50 states and more than two dozen foreign countries. It has a track record of accurate polling in the Memphis and Shelby County community.
The Carter Malone Group is a public relations firm headquartered in Memphis, TN. The firm was founded in 2003 and worked with Public Opinion Strategies and the Crime Commission on poll development and analysis.
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About the Memphis Shelby Crime Commission (www.memphiscrime.org): The Memphis Shelby Crime Commission is an independent, non-profit 501(c) (3) organization that spearheads development of and “quarterbacks” the work of a Safe Community Plan to prevent and reduce crime. It is funded primarily through the generous contributions of many private sector donors. Ben Adams, chairman emeritus of Baker Donelson law firm, serves as chair of the board, and Bill Gibbons serves as president of the Commission.
About the Safe Community Plan (www.memphiscrime.org): Launched in 2007, the Safe Community Plan, an action plan spearheaded by the Memphis Shelby Crime Commission, is a community-based crime prevention and reduction initiative. Implementation of the Safe Community Plan is chaired by Shelby County District Attorney General Amy Weirich.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Oct 13, 2021 | CMG News
Virtual Meetings Scheduled on October 14 and 23 for Community Input
(October 13, 2021 – Memphis, TN) The Shelby County Commission is launching a new website to share with Shelby County residents proposed redistricting maps for consideration. The website is www.myshelbytndistricts.com and is available now for residents to review and comment on the maps and participate in virtual meetings to learn more.
Every decade following the U.S. Census, Shelby County updates its maps for County Commission and School Board districts. The Shelby County Commission formed an ad hoc committee to work on this critical task. Shelby County Commissioner Van Turner, Jr. chairs this committee. “We are inviting Shelby County residents to review the website and attend the virtual community meetings on October 14 and 23. Your input is critical to the success of this redistricting process.”
The new boundaries must be roughly equal in populations and observe established redistricting guidelines that conform to federal, state, and local directives.
Visit the website to register for the virtual meetings or the Facebook page My Shelby TN Districts. On the website, residents can sign-up to receive regular updates on the process. The redistricting process will conclude in November of this year. For more information, you can contact the Shelby County Commission at 901.222.1000.
by Brian Malone | Aug 18, 2021 | CMG News
Job title: Account Executive
Reports to: President/CEO
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Summary: To coordinate and perform project management and public relations strategies for CMG clients ensuring that services are delivered on time and meet client expectations. The Account Executive is responsible for ensuring that the products that are produced are of a high standard and quality and handled professionally and confidentially.
Essential Job Requirements:
- Collaborates with the President/CEO to develop proposals for prospective and current clients. Participates in needs analysis and presentation of solution meetings as requested. Assists with identifying new opportunities with existing accounts
- Manages various client accounts or projects as assigned.
- Creates, implements and manages public relations and marketing strategies for CMG clients. Creates collaborative and productive alliances with client’s other partners
- Writes/develops materials for clients including news releases, articles, corporate materials, etc. Conducts research and editing for projects
- Compiles media coverage samples for clients from print, online and other media sources
- Research and pursue speaking opportunities for clients in alignment with public relations strategies managed by the President/CEO
- Follows quality control parameters for public relations work and related deliverables.
- Follows processes for project management, tracking, reporting, creative development and other efficiencies
- Maintains a project schedule and provides updates daily and weekly for account and operations team members. Provides reports for the President/CEO as requested
- Demonstrates strong knowledge of each area of agency resources, in order to evaluate and approve recommendations before they go out to the client. Maintains vast knowledge of competition, and latest trends
- Effectively analyzes and interprets consumer research and is familiar with a variety of advertising testing methods and their application
- Collaborates with the Creative Team to ensure that design services integrate with services and are delivered in a timely manner with a high level of quality
- Performs office support functions such as answering phones, preparing deliverables for clients, packaging or shipping project materials, entering project time on client billing form, preparing office for client visits, filing, etc.
- Perform other various job functions as may be assigned
Education and Experience:
- Bachelors degree or masters degree in public relations, advertising, or marketing
- 3(+) years of progressive growth experience in agency account management and/or mix of client side marketing and agency account experience in either a general or multicultural market advertising agency
- Possesses knowledge in each area of agency’s business (Media, Creative, Broadcast and Print production, Planning, Promotions, Public Relations, Event Planning and Finance) with emphasis on Public Relations and Marketing
Critical Team Competencies:
- Team player with strong communication skills and the ability to work across levels
- Interest and awareness of global social and political issues that may affect CMG clients
- Ability to work with and communicate effectively to diverse and minority individuals and organizations
- Professional demeanor, displaying personal integrity and lending credibility and respect to CMG
- Quick learner who can adapt and demonstrate flexibility in the work routine
Required Capabilities:
The candidate must have:
- Excellent communication abilities with superior writing skills
- Strong analytical skills
- Proven project management skills; Excellent organizational skills
- Extremely detail-oriented and with effective good follow through
- Self-motivated with a high sense of urgency and accuracy
- Discretion in dealing with highly confidential information
- Capable of high performance in a fast-paced work environment
- Reliable transportation to and from office
- Able to sit at a desk and perform typical office functions daily
- Computer experience; Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel
- Preferred computer experience: Microsoft Project
- Able to work alone and in a group environment
- Familiar with general office equipment
Benefits:
- Health Insurance, Dental and Vision
- 401K
- 2 week vacation – Year 1
Salary Range
- Starting at $37,500, negotiable
References Required
Only Serious Inquiries email: info@cmgpr.com
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Jul 2, 2021 | CMG News
MEMPHIS – Bank of America today announced more than $340,000 in support to 11 Memphis nonprofits that will help drive economic opportunity and upward mobility for individuals and families and put them on a path toward stability and success.
The local nonprofits receiving funding will help address two key factors in improving economic mobility: basic needs fundamental to building life-long stability, including access to food, shelter and health services, and access to educational and workforce development services building pathways to employment, including providing resources to rebuild careers that may have been impacted by the pandemic.
While the Memphis market is experiencing general economic recovery, recent studies show a long road ahead to regain jobs lost during the coronavirus shutdowns, according to The Memphis Business Journal.
“The strategic investment into immediate short-term and longer-term needs has been key in helping communities progress as society begins to safely reopen,” said Trevia Chatman, President of Bank of America Memphis. “By supporting Memphis’ incredible network of nonprofits, Bank of America provides philanthropic capital to help advance economic and social progress, enabling our community to succeed.”
One non-profit receiving funding is Christ Community Health Services, a community-based health organization. Christ Community provides comprehensive primary care, preventive care, and mental health/substance abuse services to persons of all ages within the Memphis Metropolitan area.
“We are excited about the partnership with Bank of America, as their support to the community, education, and our patients is invaluable,” said Shantelle Leatherwood, C.E.O of Christ Community Health Services. “Coming on as a partner during the pandemic helped us provide COVID-19 testing and the opportunity to vaccinate over 11,191 residents. As we move forward, their support of Christ Community Health Services’ School-Based Health Center at East High will allow us to be proactive and ensure that Shelby County student’s health insecurities are swiftly addressed.”
Other organizations receiving grants include:
- Advance Memphis
- Agape Child and Family Services
- Binghampton Development Corporation
- City Year, Inc.
- CodeCrew
- City of Memphis Office of Youth Services
- Memphis Athletic Ministries
- Methodist Healthcare Foundation
- MIFA
- SchoolSeed Foundation
The grants and additional funding in Memphis build on the $2.6 million in grants and matching gifts that Bank of America has provided to organizations addressing workforce development and basic needs since 2016. The work is part of the company’s commitment to responsible growth as it aims to improve the financial lives of individuals and families. Philanthropic and volunteer investments play a key role in this effort to build thriving communities.
Additional background about Bank of America’s Charitable Foundation giving can be found here.
Bank of America
At Bank of America, we’re guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better, through the power of every connection. We’re delivering on this through responsible growth with a focus on our environmental, social and governance (ESG) leadership. ESG is embedded across our eight lines of business and reflects how we help fuel the global economy, build trust and credibility, and represent a company that people want to work for, invest in and do business with. It’s demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our clients, and the impact we make around the world in helping local economies thrive. An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and advocacy groups, such as community, consumer and environmental organizations, to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. Learn more at about.bankofamerica.com, and connect with us on Twitter (@BofA_News).
For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom. Click here to register for news email alerts.
www.bankofamerica.com
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Jun 28, 2021 | CMG News
Memphis, TN (June 25, 2021) – Since 2015, the 38126 community has been a major focus of the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis’ Vision 2020 Strategic Plan to reduce poverty and improve the overall economic wellbeing of families living in South City. The COVID-19 Response Project Event will be held on Monday, June 28, 2021, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Former Georgia Avenue Elementary School located at 690 Mississippi Blvd. Memphis, TN 38126.
“We all have experienced many challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our 38126 grantee partners continue to receive an overwhelming number of requests for basic needs to help stabilize families,” said Ruby Bright, WFGM President and CEO. “We are serving those families by providing essential needs during this global health crisis. Now that vaccines are available, we are grateful for the opportunity to provide access to the vaccine for individuals who choose to receive it. We are thankful to our grantee partners, volunteers, and sponsors who believe in our vision of philanthropy, leadership and collaboration.”
Since the beginning of the pandemic the WFGM team and volunteers have distributed food, household products and personal care supplies to more than 1,500 families. The residents also received packets of information on the COVID-19 virus, testing locations, financial literacy, domestic violence, health and wellness, and employment opportunities.
Partners and sponsors for this service project include the Mid-South Food Bank, Shelby County Schools, FedEx, Kroger, Nike, Urban Strategies Inc., Bare Needs Diaper Bank, Memphis Housing Authority, Baptist Memorial Healthcare, Christ Community Health Services, International Paper, Rise Foundation, Emmanuel Center, First Baptist Church Lauderdale, SCORE Community Development Corporation, and the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis Board of Directors and Trustees. For more information, please visit www.wfgm.org or call 901-578-9346.
About the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis
For 25 years, the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis has been uniting women and helping break the cycle of poverty through philanthropy, leadership, and collaboration. The mission of the WFGM is to encourage philanthropy and foster leadership among women and support programs that engage women and children to reach their full potential.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Jun 23, 2021 | CMG News
The keynote speaker for the virtual event is California’s first African American Secretary of State, Dr. Shirley Weber.
(Washington, DC – June 22, 2021) The National Women’s Political Caucus (NWPC) will host a National Diversity Symposium discussing Voting Rights: The Key to American Democracy. The virtual event will be on June 26th at 10:45 a.m. Pacific Time (US and Canada). Registration is now open at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ZR7MetmvQ6GvkZRsbFIGyQ.
NWPC stands firmly by the fact that a woman’s right to vote is a woman’s right to choose. The organization continues to bring awareness of this initiative as they bring together an all-woman panel to shed light on the continued fight for women’s voting rights through the lens of diverse ethnicities and cultural context.
“Voting is a fundamental right,” said Dr. Carmen Schaye, Vice President of Diversity, NWPC. “It is 100 years since women won the right to vote and protecting women’s voting rights is the crux of American democracy.”
The keynote speaker for the virtual event is California’s first African American Secretary of State, Dr. Shirley Weber. Dr. Weber is the fifth African American to serve as a state constitutional officer in California’s 170-year history. The panel includes Attorney and Professor Gloria J. Browne- Marshall, President of SVREP Lydia Camarillo, Native American Political Director Theresa Sheldon, Director of the Power & Democracy Program Denise Lieberman, and Co-founder and Executive Director of Asian Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote) Christine Chen. Following the panel discussion, audience members will have the chance to ask the panelists questions during the live audience Q & A segment.
About the National Women’s Political Caucus
The National Women’s Political Caucus, founded in 1971, is a national, multi-partisan, grassroots membership organization dedicated to identifying, recruiting, training, and supporting women candidates for elected and appointed office.
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Jun 22, 2021 | CMG News, News
MEMPHIS, TENN. (June 22, 2021) – Frontier Airlines has announced that it will begin nonstop flights between Memphis International Airport (MEM) and Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) starting August 12. The service will run twice weekly, on Thursday and Sunday. The airline will utilize a 186-seat Airbus 320 aircraft for the flight.
Tickets are now on sale at www.flyfrontier.com. Frontier previously offered Memphis-Las Vegas service from August 2017 until January 2019. Las Vegas will become Frontier’s third Memphis route, joining Denver and Orlando.
“We at MEM are excited to add another option to a destination as popular as Las Vegas,” said Pace Cooper, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners for the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority. “Frontier’s expansion of its Memphis service is a clear indicator that the Memphis market is making progress in rebounding from the pandemic.”
“We’re excited to announce new nonstop flights from Memphis International Airport to Las Vegas beginning this August, joining Frontier’s nonstop service from MEM to Denver and Orlando,” said Tyri Squyres, vice president of marketing, Frontier Airlines. “Frontier is focused on ‘Low Fares Done Right’ and this new service will provide an affordable and convenient option for local residents to visit one of the top entertainment destinations in the world.”
Schedule (subject to change):
Memphis to Las Vegas
- Departs: 10:18 pm (CT)
- Arrives: 11:51 pm (PT)
Las Vegas to Memphis
- Departs: 9 am (PT)
- Arrives: 2:25 pm (CT)
For more information about these and other flights, visit http://www.flymemphis.com/flights.
by Brian Malone | May 20, 2021 | CMG News, News
MEMPHIS, TENN. (May 20, 2021) – Starting on Wednesday, May 26, all airlines at Memphis International Airport will conduct baggage operations in the B baggage lobby. American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines will all move baggage service offices to the B area on that date. All other airlines already utilize the B baggage area. The move is taking place ahead of the anticipated opening of the modernized B Concourse later this year, which is now targeted for this fall.
United’s baggage service office will be located next to the Delta Air Lines baggage office, while both American Airlines and United Airlines will have offices near carousel 4. For passengers, the changes will result in all inbound baggage being claimed in the B baggage lobby. Airlines, rather than the airport, handle all aspects of baggage operations.
Other highlights of the consolidation:
- Carousels in the B area are newer and larger and are less prone to jamming.
- Signage will now direct all arriving passengers to the B baggage area.
- The A concourse exit lane will be closed.
- The C concourse exit lane will be closed unless the C security checkpoint is open.
- While baggage operations will not be conducted in the A and C areas, the areas will be available as backup if needed. The curbs outside A and C baggage will also remain open for passenger pickup.
- With the expected increase in vehicle traffic outside the B baggage area, passengers are encouraged to utilize the cell phone waiting lot before picking up passengers. The cell phone lot features a real-time flight information display. To avoid traffic congestion, the baggage level curbside lane will be available for immediate active pickup only. Vehicles will no longer be able to park outside the baggage area and wait on arriving passengers.
Other MEM Updates:
- Federal mask mandate still in effect until September 13: Federal law requires passengers over the age of 2 (with limited exceptions) to wear a mask when traveling through U.S. airports, including MEM. More information about this and other COVID-19 related operations can be found at www.flymemphis.com/covid-19.
- Passenger growth: Last week (Sunday-Saturday) was the busiest week at MEM since the first week of March 2020, with nearly 43,000 screened at the security checkpoint. While that number is down by more than 24% compared to the same time period in 2019, MEM continues to recover at a faster rate than the national average (the average US airport was down by 34.5% last week compared to 2019).
