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).
by The Carter Malone Group LLC | Apr 12, 2021 | News
(Memphis, TN – April 5, 2021) Vintage901® celebrates its 5th Anniversary by bringing the “Grand Tasting” to the Levitt Shell on May 15, 2021. This will be a special event featuring incredible wine, wine education, Memphis music, and great chefs. Tickets are on sale now at www.vintage901.org.
This year the Grand Tasting is an outdoor event where participants can practice social distancing and still have a great time. This one-day event will have two opportunities for participation – an event from noon-3 p.m. and one from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Supporters can purchase V.I.P. tickets and have an opportunity to learn from sommeliers, who will educate attendees on the best choice of wine to go with a favorite meal. Local chefs include Chef Tamra Patterson “Chef Tam” and Chef Jimmy Gentry. Food trucks will also be present and offering delicious food selections.
“The Vintage 901 Family invites you to come celebrate life and each other in the city that we all love,” said Vintage901 founder Stephanie Ferreira. “Let’s safely reconnect with old friends, meet new ones and reflect on all that is good in our city.”
Vintage901® is partnering with ArtsMemphis for this event to provide the best local entertainment. Proceeds from the Grand Tasting will also benefit ArtsMemphis.
“We are honored to partner with Vintage901® to support the Memphis arts community. The arts bridge our differences, impact youth, drive our economy, and enhance quality of life through healing and connection,” said ArtsMemphis President & CEO Elizabeth Rouse. “We are grateful to Vintage901 for playing a role to ensure the arts remain a vital component of Mid-South culture and daily life.”
There are also opportunities for families and friends to sit together and enjoy the Vintage901® Grand Tasting event. General admission, V.I.P., and Duo tickets are available for purchase at www.vintage901.org. Vintage901® is committed to producing safe events and will abide by all Covid-19 rules and regulations and in compliance with state and local guidelines.
About Vintage901®
Vintage901® is a 501(c) 3 organization that cares about the Memphis community and supports local nonprofits in strengthening our city. Our mission is to enhance community experiences and cultural awareness for diverse audiences in unique and intentional spaces. Vintage901 events are designed to highlight artisanal wines and cuisine, alongside the cultural richness of Memphis with its long music history.
About ArtsMemphis
ArtsMemphis is the primary arts funder for Memphis and Shelby County, generating and infusing over $80 million in financial support for the arts since its inception nearly 60-years ago. With a mission to sustain Memphis’ world-renowned cultural vitality and strengthen local communities through the arts, ArtsMemphis distributes $2.5-$3 million annually to 70+ organizations and also individual artists. During the COVID pandemic, ArtsMemphis has elevated its role as convener and connector helping the arts sector recover, reimagine, and continue as a critical economic driver to ensure the arts remain a vital component of Mid-South culture and daily life. Learn more at https://www.artsmemphis.org/
by Carter Malone Group | Jun 9, 2020 | News
River City Capital Investment (RCC), an affiliate of Community Lift, was awarded $225,000 from the U. S. Department of Treasury as a part of their community development financial institution (CDFI) Fund.
“This is flexible, no-cost capital that RCC can use to increase the volume of its products and services,” said Babacar Thiaw, Lending Executive in Residence at River City Capital. “This is great not only for us as an organization, but also for the city of Memphis. We go beyond traditional lending, and this is an opportunity for us to help people in underserved communities.”
The award is intended to expand economic opportunities via CDFIs in economically distressed and underserved areas. RCC plans to use the funds to help businesses in Whitehaven along with other communities in the city. As such, they have been working with organizations like the Greater Whitehaven Economic Redevelopment Corporation (GWERC) to identify businesses that may benefit from their services.
“Economic opportunities like RCC helps GWERC to remain true to our commitment of helping the Whitehaven community to reach its full potential through the revitalization and redevelopment of businesses and the promotion of economic development in the area,” said Trey McKnight, Executive Director, GWERC.
For more information about River City Capital Investments, visit www.RiverCityCapital.org.
About River City Capital Investment:
River City Capital Investment Corp., an affiliate of Community LIFT, is a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Our mission is to increase economic development in underserved neighborhoods by attracting and leveraging investment capital for community revitalization.
by Carter Malone Group | May 25, 2020 | News
Today, Aspire Public Schools Chief Executive Officer Carolyn Hack announced the appointment of Nickalous Manning, Ed.D. as the new Memphis Area Superintendent. He has been with the organization since 2012, serving as an Associate Superintendent, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Principal of Hanley Elementary and Memphis Community Outreach and Partnerships Manager.
“Nick brings a wealth of experience to his role, as both an Aspire principal and regional leader,” said Hack. “His unwavering commitment to his hometown, deep love for Aspire and its vision, and inspiring leadership style make him the right choice to lead Aspire Memphis.” Aspire currently has three schools under the Achievement School District and one under Shelby County Schools. More than 1,600 students attend the Memphis Aspire School District.
“I look forward to serving children and families in my hometown,” said Manning. “I believe in our mission and vision for our schools and our scholars. I am proud of what our team at Aspire has accomplished already and I look forward to working with our Aspire teammates to improve outcomes for children. I will work hard every day to achieve that goal.”
Prior to joining Aspire, Manning worked in the Memphis City School system as a teacher, assistant principal, New Leader Resident Principal and a principal. He holds a BS in Secondary Education with a concentration in Economics from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Ed.D in Professional Practice from Trevecca Nazarene University.
Manning becomes Aspire’s second Memphis Superintendent replacing Allison Leslie who announced her departure in May. Leslie is thrilled for Manning. “I am looking forward to seeing Dr. Manning continue the great work we started together and make it even better. He believes in the importance of academic excellence for all of our scholars and it shows in the work he has done to date.”
About Aspire Public Schools
Aspire Public Schools operates 40 high-performing, college-preparatory public charter schools serving 16,600 students in underserved communities across California and Memphis, Tennessee. Founded in 1998, Aspire is one of the nation’s largest open-enrollment public charter school systems serving predominantly low-income students, delivering a rigorous College for Certain education across grades TK-12. Currently in its 19th academic year, Aspire is one of the nation’s first charter school systems. Visit Aspire Public Schools at www.aspirepublicschools.org.
by cmgadmin | Feb 18, 2020 | News
$5.4 million investment will create revitalized space for community activity
The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation has announced that the first project under its new strategic focus, the BlueCross Healthy Place℠ program, will be an expansive, revitalized public space at David Carnes Park in Memphis.
In total, the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation is investing as much as $5.4 million in the Whitehaven neighborhood park. Up to $4.5 million will go toward construction of the park and its facilities, along with a $900,000 endowment earmarked for its maintenance and care.
The BlueCross Healthy Place program provides neighborhoods with communal spaces for healthy activities, improving the overall wellbeing of Tennesseans.
“Concentrating our giving on BlueCross Healthy Places will allow us to have a bigger impact within our communities, reaching both urban and rural areas across the state,” said Scott Neal Wilson, BlueCross director of community relations and health foundation. “We’re excited about the potential of these projects, and we are honored to partner with the city of Memphis to launch this new focus.”
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee gathered feedback for the Memphis project during a community meeting held at Greater Faith Tabernacle Ministries on Monday, April 16. Mayor Jim Strickland and Councilwoman Patrice Robinson were in attendance, along with Kevin Woods, BlueCross Memphis market president.
“The BlueCross Healthy Place program shares one of our top priorities: healthy, inviting public spaces for our citizens. That’s why we’re so grateful for this partnership with the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation, and we’re looking forward to enhancing this park for neighbors here in Whitehaven,” said Strickland.
BlueCross Healthy Place projects are collaborations with the communities they serve. During the planning phase, representatives meet with community members to hear their ideas and ensure the space is tailored to the needs of area residents. Finalized BlueCross Healthy Places may include a number of elements, such as athletic fields, walking tracks, playgrounds and fitness areas.
The Memphis site was selected in partnership with the city and in response to community residents who previously expressed interest in having more resources for the park.
“Input from residents is crucial to the project’s success. The space will be an asset to their community – an area where they can be active and form new connections. It will truly be a hub of renewed civic activity and a jewel in the Memphis park system,” added Woods.
The project will be completed with PlayCore, a national play and recreation company. Efforts will be made to work with local and diverse suppliers.
Additional competitive funding opportunities for future BlueCross Healthy Place projects across the state will be announced in the fall. For the latest updates on the Memphis project, please visit www.bettertennessee.com.
For additional resources related to the BlueCross Healthy Place program, please visit https://bcbstnews.com/mediaresources/bluecross-healthy-place-program.
by Carter Malone Group | Mar 9, 2018 | News
The Philanthropic Black Women of Memphis awards the following grants for applications that were submitted December 2017. Each organization will receive a $5,000 grant for a total of $15,000 this grant cycle.
Benjamin L. Hooks Institute (U of M) Hooks African American Male Initiative (HAAMI)
The program was developed to improve the retention and graduation rates of African American males at the University of Memphis. HAAMI outcomes show that the program has a measurable, positive impact on increasing the retention and graduation rates of its participants.
The grant will go to assist with funding the following: $1,000 –Community Awareness – encourages the members to be positive contributors to the community. Community awareness experiences such as attending local cultural activities, conferences and other developmental opportunities expose HAAMI students to community assets as well as community needs; $1,500 – HAAMI Mentoring session – students benefit from interacting with university faculty and staff and community professionals by gaining insights from them regarding the importance of academic success, goal setting and career readiness;
$2,500 – Student Supplies – This funding allocation would be used for supplies given to new HAAMI members (estimated at 20): student business cards, business portfolios and a $100 book stipend. Daphene McFerren is the Executive Director of the Hooks Institute.
The S.O. What! Foundation
The mission of the S.O. What Foundation is to help youth and young adults overcome obstacles and eliminate excuses hindering individual and family success. The foundation was started by Summer Owens to help challenged youth find themselves, make good decisions, dream and pursue their dreams regardless of the obstacles they face.
The grant will assist with the following: The Summer Experience and Workshop Series
$2,500 – Program facilitator/camp leader; $1,000 – Supplies including workshop materials, t-shirts, books and workbook for the curriculum used; $500 – Transportation to get participants to and from meeting locations as well as field trip destinations (job shadowing, volunteer projects, college tours, restaurants/etiquette training, etc.);$1,000 – Meals (breakfast and lunch)
The Entrepreneur Training Institute
This award is to assist individuals that are unemployed or underemployed in this community gain the educational tools to become entrepreneurs. This grant will serve as a part of the seed funding to open the Entrepreneur Training Institute. The Program Director is Beverly Anderson.
About PBWM
The Philanthropic Black Women of Memphis’ focus centers around education, children and families, and programs that prepare Memphis citizens to become self-sufficient. To date, with these three new grants, PBWM has awarded $70,000. This is the culmination of the 2017 grant cycle. Members of the organization include: Mary McDaniel, Edith Kelly-Green, Carolyn Hardy, Debra Evans, Monice Hagler, Nelda Burroughs, Deidre Malone and Belinda Watkins. For more information about the PBWM and future grant opportunities, visit the website at www.pbwmemphis.org.
by Carter Malone Group | Feb 20, 2018 | News
One of the largest female owned public relations firms headquartered in Memphis, TN has opened an office in Jackson, MS. The Carter Malone Group, LLC (CMG) moved into the market to work with current clients and explore new opportunities. The office is located at the 1230 Raymond Road, Suite 1009, Jackson, MS, 39204.
CMG is a public relations, marketing, advertising and government relations firm founded by Deidre Carter Malone in 2003. She serves as president and chief executive officer of the organization.
“Our team is excited to enter the Jackson, MS market,” said Malone. “We look forward to continuing to provide quality service to our current and new clients and to grow our business in this new market.”
Currently, CMG has clients in Memphis, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Chicago and Washington, DC. In May of this year the firm celebrated15 years of being in business.
by Carter Malone Group | Jan 4, 2018 | News
Funding supports diversity on the National Register of Historic Places
The City of Memphis Division of Housing and Community Development received a $45,000 grant from the National Park Service (NPS) for the Memphis Heritage Trail (MHT) initiative. The grant is one of 13 grants from the NPS that will help increase the number of historic listings associated with communities that are underrepresented on the National Register of Historic Places.
“The National Park Service is working with states, tribes and local governments to help more people connect with their history and explore America’s diverse stories,” NPS Deputy Director Michael T. Reynolds said. “These grants will fund projects that recognize and preserve places that will educate and inspire future generations of Americans.”
MHT leaders plan to use the funds to create an in-depth analysis and survey that can ultimately lead to recognition on historic registers and a designation as a historic district. The study will help locate, identify and evaluate the sites, buildings, structures, material culture and individuals that are associated with the historical and socio-cultural development in Memphis.
“As we plan for MLK50, this grant provided an excellent opportunity for us to recognize the historic African-American locations in Memphis,” said Felicia Harris, manager of Planning and Development for the City of Memphis. “I am so thankful the opportunity to evaluate the historic resources in our city for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.”
The MHT is a historic 20-block redevelopment area in downtown and south Memphis. The project has been in the works since 2008 and includes the area bordered by Beale Street on the north, Main Street on the west, Crump Boulevard on the south and Walnut Street on the east. Some locations within the area are: Clayborn Temple, Mason
Temple, First Baptist Beale, Withers Gallery, the Universal Life Building and the
National Civil Rights Museum. It is considered the epicenter of African-American history, heritage and culture and will include a walking trail with historical markers, a customized app along with technological features and art installations.
About MHT
Memphis Heritage Trail is an expansive community redevelopment plan to celebrate the rich business, culture and musical heritage of African-American achievements in Memphis. The project brings historical tourism, urban redevelopment and city-wide pride to important public spaces. More information is available at http://memphisheritagetrail.com/.
About National Park Service
More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 417 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at www.nps.gov, on Facebook www.facebook.com/nationalparkservice, Twitter www.twitter.com/natlparkservice, and YouTube www.youtube.com/nationalparkservice.
by Carter Malone Group | Sep 26, 2017 | News
Graduate Memphis’ theme is Start. Stay. Finish!
Students looking for help with post-secondary education costs can get a head-start on completing the essential Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at workshops located at Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library on Sunday, October 1 and Saturday, October 7, 2017. The FAFSA Kickoff will consist of workshops for students and parents to complete their FAFSA, with a goal of getting the students to start college, and persist through degree completion.
Graduate Memphis and its community partners are doing their part to make sure graduating seniors and adult learners are aware of the opening of FAFSA on October 1 for the 2018-2019 academic year. “Completing the FAFSA is a critical first step in preparing for college enrollment. Graduate Memphis, along with our partners and volunteers are prepared to assist as many parents of graduating juniors and seniors as well as adults seeking to enroll in college with completing the FAFSA. The early submission of the financial aid application allows families to better plan financially for the upcoming academic year,” said Reneé McCreight, Senior Director of Graduate Memphis.
Upcoming FAFSA workshops include:
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library – 3030 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38111 Sunday, October 1, 2017, 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library – 3030 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38111 Saturday October 7, 2017, 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Last year more than 7,000 Shelby County high school seniors completed the FAFSA. Graduate Memphis and partners are trying to make sure that eligible students and adult learners interested in enrolling in a technical/career, 2 year or 4 year college or university have the opportunity to ask questions and gain accurate information from knowledgeable, trained staff and volunteers.
For more information about the FAFSA Weekend and how you can get involved, contact Renee McCreight, Senior Director for Graduate Memphis at 901.415.2774 Or rmccreight@leadershipmemphis.org. Visit the website at www.FAFSAMemphis.com Graduate Memphis is an action initiative of Leadership Memphis.
About Leadership Memphis
Leadership Memphis is a non-profit, community leadership development organization. Its mission is to prepare and mobilize leaders to work together for the good of the whole community. Founded in 1977 as the Memphis Institute of Public Responsibility, the organization has trained and graduated more than 2,500 leaders from its signature programs: Executive and FastTrack, Criminal/Juvenile Justice, and Grassroots. Its Action Initiatives include Graduate Memphis and Volunteer Memphis.
by Carter Malone Group | Sep 5, 2017 | News
Award-winning author Preston Lauterbach will share the rich and vibrant history of Downtown Memphis at a Memphis Heritage Trail event on Friday, Sept. 8. The event is being presented by the Division of Housing and Community Development as part of its Neighborhood Connect podcast, produced by KUDZUKIAN. Free and open to the public, the event will take place at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 8 at the Paradise Event Center, 645 E. Georgia Ave.
Author of the award-winning books “Beale Street Dynasty” and “The Chitlin Circuit,” a Wall Street Journal, Boston Globe, and NPR book of the year, Lauterbach will specifically highlight the Memphis Heritage Trail district, a historic 20-block Downtown area that is considered the epicenter of local African-American history, heritage and culture.
“Memphis Heritage Trail highlights the rich African-American history in this community and provides a stimulus for our economy,” HCD Director Paul A. Young said. “The dialogue with Preston Lauterbach will amplify the stories and experiences that make the South City neighborhood such a significant asset to this city.”
After Lauterbach brings the history of Downtown Memphis to life, the audience will hear an update on the status of the MHT project, which celebrates the rich business, cultural and musical heritage of African-American achievements in Memphis. The floor will then be open for questions. Lauterbach is the first guest of the new season of the Neighborhood Connect podcast. The Neighborhood Connect podcast serves as a portal for people to learn about the culturally rich communities and neighborhoods of Memphis.
“At KUDZUKIAN, we are dedicated to making different voices in the community heard through excellent programming,” Larry Robinson, the founder of KUDZUKIAN, said. “We are very excited to have Preston Lauterbach share the amazing role the African-American community played and continues to play in Memphis.”
ABOUT MEMPHIS HERITAGE TRAIL
Memphis Heritage Trail is an expansive community redevelopment plan that brings historical tourism, urban redevelopment and city-wide pride to important public spaces. The MHT is a historic 20-block redevelopment area that includes the area bordered by Beale Street on the north, Main Street on the west, Crump Boulevard on the south and Manassas Street on the east. Buildings within the area are: Clayborn Temple, Mason Temple, First Baptist Beale, the Universal Life Building and the National Civil Rights Museum. It is considered the epicenter of African-American history, heritage and culture and will include a walking trail with historical markers. More information is available at http://memphisheritagetrail.com/.
