THE MMBC CONTINUUM
Future Ready: Reimagining, Collaborating and Transforming
Future Ready:
Reimagining, Collaborating and Transforming
SEPTEMBER 10-12 | RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER
MEMPHIS, TN
Driving Forward, Together.
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 2024 Economic Development Forum. This year, we gather under the inspiring theme of FUTURE READY: Reimagining, Collaborating, and Transforming. This forum is a place where you can reimagine the future of your business, company, organization, and even your community.
We have intentionally curated a special agenda to address each area with the intent to get everyone focused on being future ready. Our goal is to provide you with insights into what is required to transform business operations, workforce development, as well as new sustainable growth. Every speaker and panelist will be focused on these critical areas, offering their expertise and innovative ideas.
As we embark on this journey together, I encourage you to engage fully, collaborate with your peers, and take advantage of the wealth of knowledge and experience gathered here. Let us work together to shape a future that is not only ready for the challenges ahead but also filled with limitless possibilities.
Thank you for being a part of this transformative event. I look forward to the exciting discussions and groundbreaking ideas that will emerge from EDF 2024.
The MMBC Continuum Operator, Tennessee MBDA Business Center
On behalf the MMBC Continuum Board of Directors, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2024 Economic Development Forum. Your presence here signifies a commitment to innovation and growth. We are excited to see the ideas and collaborations that will emerge from your participation.
To our sponsors and supporters your investment fuels future innovation and economic growth across communities and industries.
Over the course of the next two days let us embrace the opportunities to network and collaborate as we reimage the future.
Thank you for support and engaged participation.
Sincerely,
Keith Norman Chairman of the Board
The MMBC Continuum
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE 2024 SPONSORS
Thank you to our 2024 EDF sponsors for your ongoing commitment to improving the economy through the inclusion of diverse suppliers.
Special Thanks to the 2024 EDF STAR SPONSORS
A-1 Electrical
ABC Charter Service
Ardmore Roderick
Black Chamber of Memphis
Bluff City Electrical
Brighter Days & Nites
Bruce Law
City of Memphis Housing
Comprehensive Staffing
Downtown Memphis Commission
Enfinity Supply LLC
Epicenter
Gipson Mechanical
Innovative Engineering Services, LLC
Memphis Shelby County Schools
Pathway Lending
Pete Mitchell & Associates
Service First Cleaning
TopCat
TN APEX Accelerator
TSBDC
United Way of the Mid- South
WABTS
DAY 1 | TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2024
8:00 am – 3:00 pm
5:30 – 7:30 pm
Exhibitor Move-In / Registration Renasant Convention Center – Power Zone (Exhibit Hall)
EDF Opening Business Reception Rooms 203-305
Musical Entertainment by Black Cream
DAY 2 | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2024
7:00 am – 4:00 pm Registration | Main Foyer (Ballroom Level)
8:30 – 10:00 am
Power Breakfast | Ballroom A
Speakers:
Jim Clifton, Chairman, Gallup
Joe Daly, Managing Partner, Gallup
10:15am
Exhibit Hall Grand Opening – Ribbon Cutting Ceremony | Power Zone (Exhibit Hall) Entrance
10:15am – 2:00pm iZone Presentations | Power Zone (Exhibit Hall)
10:30am – 3:30pm FREE Headshots | Power Zone (Exhibit Hall)
10:30 – 11:15 am
SILENT WORKSHOPS | Power Zone (Exhibit Hall) (Concurrent) You Are Your Brand! Ford BlueOval Stage
Alicia Hill, CEO, A Career Girl
Bankers Hour: Business Information You Didn’t Know You Needed FedEx Stage
Jermaine Fletcher, First Horizon Bank
Steve Swain, Pinnacle Financial Partners
Sean Norris, Truist Bank
Tatiana McCoy, Regions Bank
11:45 am – 1:00 pm GRAB AND GO BOXED LUNCHES | Power Zone (Exhibit Hall)
*Lunch Included for Full Conference Attendees.
*Lunch Concessions Available for Purchase.
12:15pm – 1:00pm LUNCH Speaker
Power Zone (Exhibit Hall) Center Stage Special Invitation to all Women Business Owners
Joann Hill, Director, Office of Customer Experience, U.S. Dept. of Commerce, MBDA
2:30 – 3:15 pm SILENT WORKSHOPS | Power Zone (Exhibit Hall)
(Concurrent)
3:30pm
Community Transformers: Reimagining Memphis Ford BlueOval Stage
Facilitator:
Dr. Joann Massey, Economic Development Growth Engine for Memphis & Shelby County Panelists:
Tori Haliburton, Director Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Downtown Memphis Commission
Rory Thomas, President and CEO, Medical District Collaborative
Anthony Young, Interim President and CEO, Epicenter
Amy Shead, AVP of Workforce Development, Southwest Tennessee Community College
Alan Gumbel, Chief Operating Officer, Black Chamber of Memphis
Lawrence Browder-Parker, Project Director, Tennessee Minority Business Development Agency Business Center
Leveraging ChatGPT to Power Your Business FedEx Stage
Karen McCrary Market President, Memphis/Tupelo, iHeartMedia Markets Group
Prizes and Awards Announced BEST Corporate and Small Business Booth Awards Power Zone (Exhibit Hall) Center Stage
DAY 3 | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2024
7:00 am – 4:00 pm Registration Renasant Convention Center – Power Zone (Exhibit Hall)
8:00 – 8:30 am Continental Breakfast Ballroom Level Lobby
8:00 – 8:45 am Networking & Matchmaking Session Ballroom Level Lobby
8:00 – 8:45 am FREE Headshots Ballroom Level Lobby
DAY 3 | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2024 (cont’d)
8:45 am – 10:15 am MBDA Seminar
Collaborate to Elevate: Strategies for Successful Joint Ventures | Ballroom B
This seminar will spotlight the power of leveraging joint ventures as a growth strategy that positions minority firms for growth and provides the opportunity to expand capacity, offer additional services/products, and possibly develop secondary core competencies. This seminar will show examples of successful partnerships in the service, supplies and construction industries.
Facilitator:
Travis Spencer, Sr. Manager, Supplier Relationships, Ford Motor Company
Panelists:
Terrell Richards, Co-President, W & T Contracting Corporation
Wiley Richards, Co-President, W & T Contracting Corporation
Khalif Johnson, Procurement Manager, Turner Construction
Herbert Brown, Regional Community & Citizenship Director, Turner Construction
Sam Boye Jr., Vice President, Buildings & Facilities, Ardmore Roderick
9:15 am – 10:45 am 2GMBE Youth Seminar
Embracing Next-Gen Tech: How to Succeed in Business and AI Technologies | Room 105
Sponsored by Regions Bank
Are you curious about how AI is shaping the future of business? Don’t miss the 2GMBE Seminar (Second Generation Minority Business Enterprise), to tap into the exciting world of fast-paced AI technologies. Check out how high tech industries are changing the business game like never before and hear from industry experts to be sure you are future ready!
Facilitator:
Sue “Big Sue” Purnell, Senior Vice President of Programming, iHeart Memphis Media
Panelists:
Meka Egwuekwe, Executive Director, Code Crew
Terini Dewberry, Owner, Educated Professionals, LLC
Rocky Jackson, Memphis Operation Manager, ER2
Angelina Tsuboi, Founder, Stellaryx Labs
Angie Jerding, Branch Manager, Regions Bank
10:30 – 11:30 am Plenary Session – Presented by FedEx Ballroom B
Facilitator:
LeTonya Cooper, Manager Sourcing | Sourcing & Procurement, FedEx
Panelists:
Rita Cowen, VP Internal Audit, FedEx
Karen Ellis, VP Environmental Affairs & Chief Sustainability Officer, FedEx
Crystal Oliver, VP Memphis World Hub, FedEx
11:45 am – 1:15 pm LUNCHEON | Ballroom A
Keynote Speaker
Lanette Mattison, Technical Expert in Data Science and Generative AI Specialist,Ford Motor Company
Presented by FedEx
1:30 – 2:30 pm SEMINARS (Concurrent) Corporate Session
Reimagining the Future of Technology Within Corporations and Businesses | Ballroom C
The impact of the Digital Divide has caused corporations and business owners to reimagine their technology solutions. This seminar will bring together thought leaders, industry pioneers, and experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. During this session experts will delve into the heart of this evolution, exploring the cutting-edge innovations and strategic insights that will shape the business world as an imperative for future growth and sustainability.
Facilitator:
Charles Elliott, CEO, Blue Suede Networks
Panelists:
William Kim, SVP & CIO, Regional One Health
Lashell Vaughn, Vice President & CIO, MLGW
Soo Tsong Lim, President, Unistar-Sparco Computers
Sylvester Tate, President & CEO, Tate Computer Systems
Hughetta Dudley, President, Stragistics Technology
M/WBE Session | Ballroom D
Thriving in Tomorrow: Building Future-Ready Businesses Today | Ballroom B
In an ever-evolving business land-scape, the key to enduring success lies in a company’s ability to innovate, form strategic partnerships, and adapt swiftly to change. This seminar provides a unique opportunity to hear from a panel of esteeamed small business owners who have exemplified innovation, mastered the art of strategic partnerships, and showcased remarkable adaptability.
Facilitator:
Tamara S. Pate, Supplier Diversity Coordinator, MLGW
Panelists:
Charlotte Boyce, Chief Operating Officer, Comprehensive Staffing
Kathy Buckman, Founder and CEO, KBG Technologies, LLC
Beverly Mullikin, President/CEO, CTD Staffing, LLC
Lucy Richardson, CEO and Chief Creative Officer, New Vision Technical Solutions
2:45 – 3:30 pm
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Networking & Matchmaking Session Ballroom Level Lobby
Robert R. Church, Sr. Achievement Awards Gala Ballroom A
Food, Awards & Silent Auction Music by Candy Fox
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Ballroom A
PROGRAM
Opening Remarks
& Introduction of MC
Introductions
Invocation
Greetings
Sponsor Comments
Speaker Introduction
Jozelle Luster Booker, President & CEO
The MMBC Continuum
Joy Redmond, News Anchor Action News 5
Rev. Dr. J. Lawrence Turner
Sr. Pastor, Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church
BREAKFAST SERVED
The Honorable Paul Young Mayor, City of Memphis
The Honorable Lee Harris Mayor, Shelby County Government
Karen McCrary, Market President iHeart Media Memphis
Celestine Evans, Manager, Enterprise Business Services, FedEx
Travis Spencer, Senior Manager – Supplier Relations, Ford BlueOval City & EV Sales
Jozelle Booker
CONTINUUM CHAT
Guest Speakers ..............................
Jim Clifton, Chairman, Gallup
Joe Daly, Global Managing Partner, Gallup
Closing Remarks
Final Remarks
Jozelle Luster Booker
Keith Norman, Vice President Government Relations, Baptist Memorial Health Care
Chairman, MMBC Continuum Board of Directors
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Ford BlueOval City Stage
You Are Your Brand
PRESENTER
Alicia Hill CEO A Career Girl
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
FedEx Stage
Bankers Hour: Business Information You Didn’t Know You Needed
Sean Norris Truist Bank
Tatiana McCoy Regions Bank
Steve Swain Pinnacle Financial Partners
Jermaine Fletcher First Horizon Bank
LUNCH SPEAKER
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Power Zone (Exhibit Hall) Center Stage
Special Invitation to all Women Business Owners
Come hear how women business owners can connect to resources and networks across the federal government to access opportunities for scalable business growth.
LUNCH SPEAKER
Joann Hill Director, Office of Customer Experience
U.S. Dept. of Commerce, MBDA
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Ford BlueOval Stage
Community Transformers: Reimagining Memphis
PANELISTS
Amy Shead AVP of Workforce Development Southwest Tennessee Community College
Lawrence Browder-Parker Project Director Tennessee Minority Business Development Agency Business Center
Anthony Young Interim President & CEO Epicenter
Rory Thomas President and CEO Medical District Collaborative
Alan Gumbel Chief Operating Officer Black Chamber of Memphis
Tori Haliburton Director Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Downtown Memphis Commission
FACILITATOR:
Dr. Joann Massey Economic Development Growth Engine for Memphis & Shelby County
tva.com
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
FedEx Stage
Leveraging ChatGPT to Power Your Business
PRESENTER:
Karen McCrary Market President, Memphis/Tupelo
iHeartMedia Markets Group
Thursday, September 12, 2024
8:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Ballroom B
Collaborate to Elevate: Strategies for Successful Joint Ventures
This seminar will spotlight the power of leveraging joint ventures as a growth strategy that positions minority firms for growth and provides the opportunity to expand capacity, offer additional services/products, and possibly develop secondary core competencies. This seminar will show examples of successful partnerships in the service, supplies and construction industries.
PANELISTS
Terrell Richards Co-President W& T Contracting Corporation
Kalif Johnson Procurement Manager
Turner Construction
Wiley Richards Co-President W& T Contracting Corporation
Herbert Brown Regional Community & Citizenship Director
Turner Construction
FACILITATOR: Travis Spencer Sr. Manager, Supplier Relationships
Ford Motor Company
Boye
Vice President, Buildings & Facilities
Ardmore Roderick
Sam
Jr.
Thursday, September 12, 2024
9:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Room 105
2GMBE Seminar
Embracing Next-Gen Tech: How to Succeed in Business and AI Technologies
Are you curious about how AI is shaping the future of business? Don’t miss the 2GMBE Seminar (Second Generation Minority Business Enterprise), to tap into the exciting world of fast-paced AI technologies. Check out how high tech industries are changing the business game like never before and hear from industry experts to be sure you are future ready!
PANELISTS
Meka Egwuekwe Executive Director Code Crew
Angelina Tsuboi Founder Stellaryx Labs
Terini Dewberry Owner Educated Professionals, LLC
Rocky Jackson Memphis Operation Manager ER2
FACILITATOR: Big Sue Program Director iHeart Media
PLENARY SESSION
Thursday, September 12, 2024
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Ballroom B
Plenary Session:
PANELISTS
Publication: Southern Heritage Classic Size: 8.5"x11"
Client: Regional One Health
Job No: 230020E
Title: 230020A Southern Heritage Classic Ad
LUNCHEON WITH SPEAKER
Thursday, September 12, 2024
11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Ballroom A
PROGRAM
Opening Remarks & Introduction of MC Jozelle Luster Booker, President & CEO, The MMBC Continuum
Introductions
Invocation
Brief Remarks
Loretta McNary, CEO, McNary Media
Rev. Dr. Earle Fisher, Senior Pastor Abyssinian Baptist Church
Aditi Khanna, Interim Director of Sourcing, FedEx
Travis Spencer, Sr. Manager, Supplier Relationship, Ford Motor Company
Introduction of Keynote Speaker Jozelle Booker
Keynote Speaker
Closing Remarks
Lanette Mattison, Technical Expert in Data Science and Generative AI Specialist, Ford Motor Company
Loretta McNary Jozelle Luster Booker
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Lanette Mattison
Technical Expert in Data Science and Generative AI Specialist Ford Motor Company
Thursday, September 12, 2024
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Ballroom C
Corporate Session
Reimagining the Future of
rations and Businesses
Technology Within Corpo-
The impact of the Digital Divide has caused corporations and business owners to reimagine their technology solutions. This seminar will bring together thought leaders, industry pioneers, and experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. During this session experts will delve into the heart of this evolution, exploring the cutting-edge innovations and strategic insights that will shape the business world as an imperative for future growth and sustainability.EI strategies changes the culture within organizations and increases societal impact in the communities they work and serve.
PANELISTS
William Kim SVP & CIO Regional One Health
Sylvester Tate President & CEO Tate Computer Systems
Lashell Vaughn Vice President & CIO
Hughetta Dudley President Stragistics Technology
FACILITATOR: Charles Elliott President Blue Suede Network
Soo Tsong Lim President Unistar-Sparco Computers
Thursday, September 12, 2024
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Ballroom B
M/WBE Session
Thriving in Tomorrow: Building Future-Ready Businesses Today
The federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) aka Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) signed into law in 2021 authorized $1.2 trillion for transportation and infrastructure spending. The funding, expansive in its reach, is an opportunity to rebuild America’s ports, airports, rail and roads; expand access to clean drinking water; ensure that every American has access to high-speed internet; and to tackle the climate crisis and advance environmental justice. For decades Memphis, has been marketed as and has created a strong economy due its geographic location and specifically the intersection of major highways, the river, rail, and its international airport. During the seminar, panelists will discuss airport, river, roads, and rail projects underway and the opportunities these projects will provide to businesses, communities, and individuals.
PANELISTS
Lucy Richardson CEO and Chief Creative Officer
FACILITATOR:
Charlotte Boyce Chief Operating Officer
Kathy Buckman Founder and CEO
After you interview a Regions Business Banker, take a good look at our references.
Ask us questions that get to the heart of the matter.
1 What feedback do you get about your responsiveness and personal service?
2 How will you position yourself as a trusted extension of my management team?
3 How have you worked with clients like me to achieve their financial goals?
4 What can you do to show me that Regions is known for customer satisfaction? © 2015 Regions Bank. All loans and lines subject to credit approval. *Regions Bank received the highest numerical score in the South region in the proprietary J.D. Power 2014 Small Business Banking Satisfaction Study.SM Study based on 8,996 total responses, measuring 9 financial institutions in the South region (AL, AR, DE, DC, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV) and measures opinions of small business customers with annual revenues from $100,000 to $10 million. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of customers surveyed in July-September 2014. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com. Team Up with the Greater Memphis
J.D. Power awarded Regions “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Small Business Banking in the South Region.*” So interview a Regions Business Banker today to learn how we can help your business move forward.
For an interview with a Regions Business Banker, call 1.800.833.9776 or visit us online at regions.com/interview.
First Horizon is proud to support the work of the Mid-South Minority Business Council Continuum. Because their members know that business success takes more than a will to make it happen. It takes connection – to new ideas, to unexpected opportunities and to the countless ways we’re all better for being part of this community.
©2022 First Horizon Bank. Member FDIC.
Pinnacle Loca�on�
Pinnacle is located in 11 major markets in Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. For a full listing, visit www.pnfp.com
Cordova 894 N. Germantown Pkwy. Ste 4 Cordova, TN 38018 (901)624-9469
Fore�� �ill 9057 Poplar Ave. Germantown, TN 38138 (901)309-4990
Oa� Cour� 4445 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN 38117 (901)259-4960 Shady Grove 949 S. Shady Grove Road Ste 100 Memphis, TN 38120 (901)259-5620 Union Avenue 155 Rozelle St. Memphis, TN 38104 (901)259-2170 WEST TENNESSEE LOCATIONS FOR LENDING NEEDS ONLY, VISIT ONE OF OUR LOAN PRODUCTION OFFICES
Ralei�h 2235 Whitten Road Memphis, TN 38133 (901) 309-4944
Wolf River 1264 Germantown Road Germantown, TN 38138 (901)309-4940
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St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a proud sponsor of the Mid-South Minority Business Council Continuum and local community. Learn more at stjude.org.
St. Jude
We are actively hiring CNC Machinists
$22.50/hr + $3,000 sign-on bonus, benefits starting day 1
• 6 months of machining experience and/or completion of a trade school machine shop program
• Ability to read/interpret blueprints; measuring instruments and knowledge of tool identification
Visit https://smith-nephew.com/careers to apply today
EDGE, the Economic Development Growth Engine, is a quasigovernmental agency that serves as the Chief Economic Development Office for Memphis/Shelby County
Dr
Joann
Massey VP Operations
EDGE is committed to equitable economic development practices with over $96 2 million spent by our corporate PILOT (Payment-In-Lieu of Taxes) recipients with MWBE in 2021 and 90% of our incentives recipients are based in inner city communities We demonstrate daily our organization values diversity, equity, and inclusion
What does EDGE do?
Serve as the Thought Leader of Economic Development Strategies
Provide Tax Incentives
Coordinate Technical Assistance
Administer Grants
Manage Port of Memphis
Represent Mayors and Elected Officials in all economic development activities
What are EDGE's Goals?
Family Sustainable Job Creation
Neighborhood Revitalization
Regional Collaboration
Industrial Development
Small Business Growth
Revenue Generating Strategies
For more information, contact us: 901-341-2100
WABTS
Financial & Tax Advisors
“OUR LOAN FROM PATHWAY LENDING GAVE US THE CONFIDENCE TO BID DIFFERENTLY BECAUSE WE KNOW SOMEONE HAS OUR BACK.”
— LORENZO MYRICK PRESIDENT, APS FACILITY MAINTENANCE
FLEXIBLE LOANS AND THE SUPPORT YOU NEED TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS
Apply online at PATHWAYLENDING.ORG
Tranforming Memphis from one of America’s least connected cities to a national model of digital inclusion
Blue Suede Networks is a Memphis-based fiber broadband network developer determined to make fiber broadband accessible, affordable and adoptable for Memphians of all income levels.
We are committed to help eliminate the divide that excludes thousands of Memphians from our digital society and compromises opportunity for all.
We’re proud to partner with the MMBC Continuum to ensure that local businesses are explicitly involved in this historic project – from the start and for the duration.
Contact info@bluesuedenetworks.com to learn about potential opportunities for your business.
BlueSuede_QuarterPageAd_5.5x4.25.indd 2 9/11/24 12:44 PM
Special thanks to our Board of Directors, corporate members, M/WBEs, foundation and other strategic partners, for your support of our efforts to engage in the journey to economic inclusion.
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