Weekly Update

Friends,

 

One of the fun parts of this job is getting to welcome new companies and expanding companies to our city. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to do just that.

 

 

Ookla became the newest tenant of the University of Memphis Research Foundation (UMRF) Research Park on May 1. The Seattle-based company has invested significantly in renovations at the Research Park with continued planned investment over the next five years as it establishes its largest office location in the Eastern United States.

 

Examples of innovation and entrepreneurship can be seen throughout our city’s history.

Ookla is exactly the type of high-tech, high-growth company that will help us to continue that tradition, and we’re so happy to have them in Memphis.

 

Since coming to the mayor’s office, we have placed a heavy focus on working to be a government who operates at the speed of business. In other words, we work hard to make it easy to do business and create jobs here in our city.

 

There are any number of other communities that Ookla could have chosen to grow their business, but we’re grateful they chose to do it here.

 

Teamwork makes the dream work: During times of crisis, you find partners who you can truly rely on when you need help. The YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South is one of those great partners.

 

During the pandemic when the virus shut down Shelby County Schools food operations, the YMCA along with many other partners, including Memphis city government, stepped up to help us answer the call. With the City’s assistance with logistics, vehicles, manpower and community centers, the YMCA has served over 4 million meals to children and families in need to-date.

 

 

To commemorate our partnership, the YMCA awarded the City it’s “Outstanding Community Partner Award” at its annual celebration.

 

Thanks again for your partnership during a critical time in our city's history.

 

New Leadership: Yesterday afternoon, we celebrated heritage and tradition and the beginning of a new era in leadership for the historic LeMoyne-Owen College. The formal investiture was held for Dr. Vernell Bennett-Fairs as the new president of LeMoyne-Owen.

 

 

We know well here the important place that historically black colleges and universities have in the landscape of higher education. For 160 years, LeMoyne-Owen College has been grooming young minds through education. Future doctors, lawyers, CEO’s and teachers have put in work studying there to prepare them for their careers. Having strong, steady leadership at an institution like this in our city is absolutely invaluable, and I know we will have that while Dr. Bennett-Fairs is at the helm.

 

Dr. Bennett-Fairs—congratulations on this step in your career, and thank you for what you are doing to help groom the next generation of young leaders in our city.

 

Game 3, Conference Semifinals: The Grizz play tomorrow night at 7:30, and right now, the series is tied 1-1. Be sure to watch and cheer them on!

 

In addition to a pretty big game, Jaren Jackson, Jr. is up for some pretty big recognition. He is one of 10 finalists for the 2021-2022 Season long NBA Cares Community Assist Award. So, cast your vote for Jaren Jackson, Jr. today and every day through May 14th.  The winner of the award will receive a $75,000 donation to the charity of their choice.

 

To vote and learn more, please go here.

 

Enjoy your weekend and Go Grizz!

 

Yours,