2026 Economic Development Forum Digital Program

OFFICIAL PROGRAM BOOK

AUGUST 25 - 27, 2026 RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER | MEMPHIS, TN

AMERICA’S #1 MOST ICONIC COMPANY

2026

A Welcome from Jozelle Booker

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elcome to the 2026 Economic Development Forum!

The EDF is more than a conference; it is where ideas become relationships, relationships become opportunities, and opportunities fuel growth. Each year, we bring together entrepreneurs, business leaders, corporations, investors, workforce professionals, and community stakeholders to connect, learn, and move the MidSouth economy forward.

This year’s theme, Power Forward, challenges us to turn possibility into progress. Whether you are building a business, advancing your career, expanding your network, pursuing capital, exploring procurement opportunities, or preparing for what is next, the EDF is designed to help you take your next step.

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Over these two days, I encourage you to lean in to learn boldly, connect intentionally, and pursue opportunities that can move you or your business forward.

Thank you for your support and engagement as we build the foundation for a brighter future.

Let’s Power Forward together.

Jozelle Luster Booker President and CEO The Mid-South Business Continuum

A Message from Keith Norman

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n behalf of the Board of Directors of The Mid-South Business Continuum, welcome to the 2026 Economic Development Forum.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of The MidSouth Business Continuum, welcome to the 2026 Economic Development Forum.

The EDF is possible because of the vision, commitment, and investment of our sponsors and corporate partners. Their support is more than sponsorship it is an investment in the people and businesses that strengthen the Mid-South economy.

Because of these partners, entrepreneurs and small business owners gain access to resources, relationships, knowledge, capital, procurement opportunities, and connections that can help them grow and scale.

To every sponsor, partner, speaker, exhibitor, volunteer, and participant: thank you for investing in the EDF and in the future of our region. Your commitment helps create a stronger, more connected, and more opportunity-driven Mid-South.

Welcome to the EDF. Together, we Power Forward.

Sincerely, Keith Norman VP, Government Affairs, Baptist Memorial Health Care Board Chair, The Mid-South Business Continuum

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Working together for stronger, healthier communities

At Baptist Memorial Health Care, our ability to care for and strengthen our communities is made stronger through connections to organizations that share our commitment to improving lives across our community.

Today, we salute the Mid-South Business Continuum for its efforts to advance economic development in the region.

Proud sponsor of the 2026 Economic Development Forum

baptistonline.org

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Letter from MMBC Continuum CEO................................................ 4 Letter from the MMBC Continuum Board Chairman........................ 5 EDF Corporate Sponsors / M/WBE Sponsors / Media Sponsors........ 10 2026 EDF Schedule........................................................................ 12 Continental Breakfast.............................................................. 14 Opening Penary....................................................................... 15 Power Session 1 – Behind the Build......................................... 16 Lunch & Learn Keynote – The AI Edge..................................... 17 Power Session 2 – Booked for Business.................................... 18 Power Session 3 – Advertising 101.......................................... 19

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Seminar – The Human Premium.............................................. 22 Seminar – Bank on It............................................................... 23 Luncheon Keynote – AI, Robotics & The Future of Work.......... 24 Seminar – 2G:MPower Shaping the Future.............................. 26 Exhibitor Map................................................................................ 44 Exhibitor Listing............................................................................. 46 Special Thanks............................................................................... 55

Get the EDF 2026 App

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SPECIAL THANKS TO THE 2026 SPONSORS Thank you to our 2026 EDF sponsors for your ongoing commitment to improving the economy.

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2026 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FORUM

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS DAY 1 | TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2026 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Vendor + Sponsor Move-In Renasant Convention Center – (Exhibit Hall + Loading Dock)

5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Opening Networking Reception Venue TBD

DAY 2 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2026

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7:30 am – 8:30 am

Continental Breakfast A Cup of Joe with the CEO Breakfast with President & CEO, Joelle Booker Ballroom A

8:30 am – 10:15 am

Opening Plenary + Ribbon Cutting Ballroom A + Exhibit Hall Entrance Keynote Speaker Kevin Russell, Senior Fellow, McKinsey Global Institute

10:30 am – 11:45 am

Curated Matchmaking • AM Block Exhibit Hall Floor - Power Zone

10:30 am – 4:30 pm

Innovation Zone Open Exhibit Hall Floor

10:45 am – 11:45 am

Power Session 1 - Behind the Build Fireside Chat - Lessons from the Obama Presidential Center Exhibit Hall Floor - Power Lab Moderator Travis Spencer, Head of Supplier Relations, Ford Motor Company Rashod Johnson, CEO, Ardmore Roderick

11:00 am – 3:30 pm

I-Zone Presentations Hands-on Small Business Resources, growth solutions, AI, emerging technology and edutainment Exhibit Hall Floor - Power Lab

12:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Lunch & Learn Keynote The AI Edge: Artificial Intelligence is no longer a future conversation. It’s todays competitive advantage.

Main Stage - Power Zone Keynote Speaker Bethanie Nonami, Award-Winning AI Strategist, Entrepreneur/CPD Trainer

1:45 pm – 4:05 pm

Curated Matchmaking • PM Block: Exhibit Hall Floor - Power Zone

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Power Session 2 – Booked for Business Featured authors share the stories, lessons and practical takeaways behind useful small business reads. Book sales and signing follow.

Exhibit Hall Floor - Power Lab Brad Federman, Author, Speaker, Culture Architect Lekeyantia Naylor, Author, Publisher Lauren Ready Author, Filmmaker, Founder, Forever Ready Productions

2026 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FORUM

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 3:15 pm – 4:00 pm

Power Session 3 Advertising 101: How Advertising Helps Small Businesses Grow Exhibit Hall Floor - Power Zone Leon Williamson, Market President Memphis & Tupelo, iHeartMedia

4:05 pm – 4:35 pm

Announcements + Giveaways Main Stage - Power Zone

DAY 3 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026 7:30 am – 9:00 am

Continental Breakfast Exhibit Hall

9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Curated Matchmaking • AM Block Exhibit Hall Floor

9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Innovation Zone Open Exhibit Hall Floor

9:30 am – 10:15 am

Seminar The Human Premium: AI Won’t Replace Great Leaders. But Leaders Who Master AI Will Outpace Those Who Don’t.

Main Stage - Power Zone

10:00 am – 3:30 pm

I-Zone Presentations Exhibit Hall Floor - Power Lab

10:30 am – 11:30 am

Seminar Bank On It - Tools, Talk + Time with Financial Experts Local financial institutions share banking resources for small businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals, followed by oneon-one conversations with bank representatives.

Main Stage - Power Zone

12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Luncheon Keynote (Exhibit Hall Closed) Where Innovation Meets Opportunity: Robotics, AI & the Future of Work Ballroom A Calvin Zhou, Co-Founder, Magnus Robotics

2:15 pm – 4:15 pm

Matchmaking • PM Block Exhibit Hall Reopens Exhibit Hall Floor

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Seminar 2G:MPower – Shaping the Future: Discover What’s Missing to Create What’s Next Exhibit Hall Main Stage Speaker: Calvin Zhou, Co-Founder, Magnus Robotics

4:15 pm – 4:45 pm

Final Announcements + Giveaways + Booth Awards Main Stage - Power Zone

6:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Robert R. Church, Sr. Achievement Awards Gala Ballroom A An elegant black-tie evening honoring small business enterprises and leaders whose achievements are driving economic growth across the Mid-South.

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2026 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FORUM

CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST | A CUP OF JOE WITH THE CEO Wednesday, August 26, 2026 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

Ballroom A Foyer Exclusive opportunity for members to meet with President and CEO, Jozelle Booker.

Join her for a brief chat to learn how The Mid-South Business Continuum can help empower you to grow and scale your business.

14 SPEAKER Jozelle Booker President & CEO The Mid-South Business Continuum

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OPENING PLENARY Wednesday, August 26, 2026 8:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

Ballroom A

Global Trends, AI Economy & Business Strategies Shaping the Next Decade Get Insight About Industries Fueling Tomorrow’s Economy Plan to attend the Opening Plenary Session Setting the Stage for the Entire Conference PLENARY SPEAKER

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Kevin Russell Senior Fellow McKinsey Global Institute

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POWER SESSION 1 Wednesday, August 26, 2026 10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Exhibit Hall Floor - Power Lab

Behind the Build Lessons from the Obama Presidential Center A Fireside Chat Go behind the scenes of the Obama Presidential Center to hear firsthand how complex infrastructure projects are planned, managed, and executed—from leadership and collaboration to procurement, workforce, and risk management.

Whether you’re a general contractor, subcontractor, engineer, architect, construction manager, supplier, or skilled trades business, this session delivers practical insights to help you compete for and perform on larger, more complex projects.

PANEL

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Moderator Travis Spencer Head of Supplier Relations Ford Motor Company

Cherryl ThomasChief Strategic Officer Ardmore Roderick

Sam Boye, Jr., MBA Vice President of Buildings & Facilities Ardmore Roderick

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LUNCH & LEARN KEYNOTE Wednesday, August 26, 2026 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Main Stage - Power Zone

The AI Edge: Artificial Intelligence is no longer a future conversation. It’s today’s competitive advantage.

Put AI to work immediately with practical strategies to strengthen decision-making, unlock productivity and prepare for what is next.

Attendees who complete the session earn an AI Certification.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

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Bethanie Nonami Award-Winning AI Strategist Entrepreneur | CPD-Certified Trainer

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POWER SESSION 2 Wednesday, August 26, 2026 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Exhibit Hall Floor - Power Lab

Booked for Business Featured authors share the stories, lessons and practical takeaways behind useful small business reads. Book sales and signing follow.

PANEL

18 Brad Federman Author, Speaker Culture Architect

Lekeyantia Naylor Author, Publisher

Lauren Ready Author, Filmmaker, Founder, Forever Ready Productions

2026 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FORUM

POWER SESSION 3 Wednesday, August 26, 2026 3:15 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Exhibit Hall Floor - Power Zone

Advertising 101: How Advertising Helps Small Businesses Grow Key Takeaways: • Power of Advertising: Understanding how advertising builds awareness, creates demand, and drives customer action • Maximizing Your Marketing Investment: How to identify the right audience, choose the right media, and measure success • Scaling Your Business: Strategies to turn marketing into growth and long-term revenue PRESENTER

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Leon Williamson Market President, Memphis & Tupelo iHeartMedia

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2026 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FORUM

AI SEMINAR Thursday, August 27, 2026 9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

Main Stage - Power Zone

The Human Premium: AI Won’t Replace Great Leaders. But Leaders Who Master AI Will Outpace Those Who Don’t.

The Future of Business Belongs to Those Who Master AI. AI is rapidly becoming embedded in how businesses operate, compete, and grow. The question is no longer whether your organization will use AI—but whether you and your team will know how to use it strategically.

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This session delivers a practical blueprint for building an AI Action Plan—giving business leaders a roadmap to integrate AI, strengthen their teams, increase productivity, and prepare for an AI focused future.

PRESENTER

Jonathan Mitchell Seasoned Media Executive

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BANKING SEMINAR Thursday, August 27, 2026 10:30 p.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Main Stage - Power Zone

Bank On It - Tools, Talk + Time with Financial Experts Local financial institutions share banking resources for small businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals, followed by one-onone conversations with bank representatives.

PANEL

23 Cheryl Edwards-Gray VP, FInancial Inclusion Leader II Truist Bank

Janetha Brown, MBA Vice President/BCM First Horizon

April Scales Senior Business Consultant JPMorganChase

Evan Collins VP, Community Lending & Relationship Director Renasant Bank

Jamel Dagher Assistant VP, Commercial Lending Paragon Bank

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LUNCHEON KEYNOTE Thursday, August 27, 2026 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Ballroom A

Future of Work Where Innovation Meets Opportunity: Robotics, AI & the Future of Work Join Calvin Zhou, Co-Founder of Magnus Robotics and Silicon Valley technology investor, as he explores how robotics and artificial intelligence are reshaping industries, redefining jobs, and creating unprecedented opportunities for businesses and the workforce.

Whether you’re a corporate executive, entrepreneur, educator, workforce leader, manufacturer, or technology professional, this keynote will provide practical insight into how organizations can prepare for the next era of intelligent automation.

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KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Calvin Zhou Co-Founder Magnus Robotics

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SEMINAR - 2G:MPOWER Thursday, August 27, 2026 3:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Exhibit Hall Main Stage

Shaping the Future: Discover What’s Missing to Create What’s Next Don’t just prepare for the future of work. Learn how to shape it!

Calvin Zhou, is a graduate of White Station High School, a Memphis-Shelby County School. He is the co-founder of Magnus Robotics and a Silicon Valley technology investor. Calvin will share how curiosity, creativity, and emerging technology can be transformed into real opportunity.

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Whether you want to pursue an in-demand career, launch a company, modernize an existing business, or bring new ideas to your community, this session will help you recognize emerging opportunities—and understand how to begin preparing for them now. You do not have to move to Silicon Valley or become a computer scientist to participate in the AI economy. Your opportunity may begin with a problem waiting to be solved right here at home.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Calvin Zhou Co-Founder Magnus Robotics

2G: MPOWER

EMPOWERING BIG IDEAS!

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For 75 years, the Tri-State Defender has connected businesses with one of the MidSouth's most engaged audiences through trusted local journalism.

Our platforms-T SDMemphis.com, the Daily Digital newsletter, TSD in the Community Forums, the weekly e-edition and social media-help businesses reach customers every day.

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Local roots.

A world of possibility.

We’re grateful to be a part of this community and to celebrate the countless ways the 2026 Economic Development Forum keeps the local economy thriving. firsthorizonfoundation.com ©2026 First Horizon Foundation. The First Horizon mark is owned by First Horizon Corporation and is licensed to First Horizon Foundation, a Tennessee nonprofit corporation.

Supporting diversity and growing local businesses in the community.

Building the Infrastructure that Powers the Mid-South

ArchKey Solutions is proud to help power growth and deliver electrical construction, engineering, technology, and mission-critical infrastructure solutions across Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi.

HIRING TALENT. DEVELOPING LEADERS. BUILDING WHAT'S NEXT.

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WABTS F I N A N C I A L & TA X A D V I S O R S

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2026 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FORUM

EXHIBITOR MAP

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2026 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FORUM

EXHIBITOR MAP

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2026 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FORUM

EXHIBITORS

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ABC Charter Services, LLC

FedEx

Action JPS

First Horizion

Action News 5 | Gray Media

Flintco, LLC

Allworld Project Management, LLC

Ford BlueOval City

ArchKey Solutions

HCD - City of Memphis

Ardmore Roderick

iHeartMedia, Inc.

AutoZone

JPMorgan Chase

Aztec Masonry, Inc.

MAMCA

Baptist Memorial Health Care

Memphis Electric Co., LLC

Black Chamber of Memphis

Memphis Shelby County Airport Authority

Bluff City Events Mobile Marquee, LLC BMA Transports, Inc. mStreet Fiber Memphis, LLC Bruce Law, PLLC MyCity Rides C. Foster Construction Company, Inc.

Paragon Bank

Campbell & Ford Construction, Inc.

ParCou, LLC

Cigna

Pete Mitchell & Associates, Inc.

Comcast

Precise Contracting, LLC

Corpay

Regional One Health

Downtown Memphis Commission

Renasant Bank

EpiCenter

Right Way Profits

Families Matter

ServiceMaster Facilities

2026 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FORUM

EXHIBITORS Maintainence

INNOVATION ZONE EXHIBITORS

Shelby County Government Sign Matters, Inc.

Baron Von Opperbean’s River of Time

Simmons Bank

MLGW EPIC

SKB Facilities & Maintenance, Inc.

New Visions Technical Solutions, LLC

Sorkaty Capital Advisors Sports Sanitizers, LLC

Southwest Express Career Exploration Lab

Tennessee Valley Authority

Unistar-Sparco Computers, Inc.

The Podcast Center

Vital Health Global

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center TN APEX TN Department of Labor & Workforce Topcat Masonry Contractors, LLC Truist Bank Turner Construction Company Unistar-Sparco Computers, Inc. Veasley’s Paving Services, Inc. W & T Contracting Corporation WABTS Financial & Tax Advisors Young Technologies, LLC

MARKETPLACE EXHIBITORS Cole’s Screen Printing Forever Ready Productions / Curiosity Impact Collective Henna House No Bib Ribs PerformancePoint LLC. Taylor Made Global Consulting TheLNBooks, LLC Wilson Consulting, LLC

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mStreetFiber is proud to support the MMBC 18th Annual Economic Development Forum Contact tn_info@mstreetfiber.com to learn about potential opportunities for your business.

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2026 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FORUM

SPECIAL THANKS

Special thanks to our Board of Directors, corporate members, The Mid-South Business Continuum members, small businesses, ecosystem partners, foundation and other strategic partners, for your support of our efforts to engage in expanding access and empowering progress for all Mid-South businesses.

SAVE THE DATES & Plan to Attend EDF Next Year Fall 2027

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T H E M I D -SOU T H B U S I NESS CONT I NU U M 2 0 0 J EF F ERSON AVENU E SUIT E 1 0 0 0 M E M P HI S , T N 3 81 03

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