Weekly Update

Friends,

 

Earlier this week, we had a painful reminder of the dangers the men and women of the Memphis Fire Department face every time they put on the uniform. On a rainy Wednesday evening, 32-year veteran David Pleasant was driving the fire truck on their way to a call when they were hit by another driver at an intersection turning their truck over onto its side. Three other firefighters were seriously injured, and tragically, Driver David Pleasant lost his life.

 

 

My thoughts and prayers are with the family of David Pleasant and the Memphis Fire Department family who lost one of their own. If you see a member of the Memphis Fire Department, or any public safety employees for that matter, please thank them for their service.

 

Forge Memphis: This past Tuesday at city council we heard from a group proposing ziplines all across Mud Island.

 

 

The Forge Memphis includes a Skybridge Zipline Tour, an Aerial Challenge Course & Climbing areas, a food & beverage operation in the current Gulf Grill space, along with activations of music, races, festivals, and events.

 

I am excited about this opportunity for a couple reasons.

 

The first—it will bring more people to Mud Island and will likely help spur more investment in the area and compliments other investments along the riverfront. The second, the project will require no government incentives.

 

To learn more, go here.

 

The first time: Congratulations are in order for Chuck Smith. He is the first Memphian to be named the national president of Ducks Unlimited.

 

I’ve gotten to know Chuck over the last several years as he has been the chair of the fundraising committee that is raising private money to help fund the $30 million new Leftwich Tennis Center.

 

Congrats Chuck, and thanks for all you do for our community!

 

Another plug for Memphis: Last week, I shared an interview where Governor Lee was discussing the economic momentum we’re feeling in Memphis. I’m sharing another with you this week in which he talks about Memphis and the state as whole. There’s a line he uses during the interview that really sums it all up for me. The Governor says, “If Nashville is the heart of Tennessee, Memphis is the soul.”

 

It’s so true. With everything we do, Memphians add flavor and soul to the mix. Memphis is a city that has changed the world, and I’m glad others are noticing.

 

Enjoy your weekend!

 

Yours,