Presidents Island Site Makes Way for New Occupant

The EDGE Board approved the selection of a demolition company that will raze a building on a sizeable tract of land at the Port of Memphis. The approval makes way for the Port to begin readying the site for an industrial occupant. The 42-acre site is located at 2700 Channel Avenue near the tip of Presidents Island. The site includes a functionally obsolete 19,000 square foot building built by the Navy in 1968 that will be demolished. After accepting proposals from various companies, Chandler Demolition Co. Inc. has been selected as the vendor to complete the project. Chandler is expected to begin bulldozing the property in April. This is the last large property available on Presidents Island. Many businesses have shown interest in the tract of land and interest has increased since Ford Motor Company revealed plans for Blue Oval City.

Venture South Productions Readies for Grand Opening

In October 2021, the Economic Development Finance Committee was introduced to fine arts instructor Venise Settles. Settles launched a non-profit training center for visual and performing arts called Venture South Productions. She was approved for a $20,000 ICED loan to complete roof and exterior repairs, interior upgrades, and HVAC installation to a 90-year-old building at 2622 Poplar Avenue. After months of hard work, Venture South Productions will open in April with a weekend of festivities for adults and kids. An arts program for children 6-17 years old is planned for summer, and additional workshops will be scheduled throughout the year. For more information visit, venturesouthproductions.org.

Shelby County Earns ThreeStar Award 

Shelby County has a new award to show for its dedication to economic development. The County received the ThreeStar award from the State of Tennessee. ThreeStar serves to promote economic and community prosperity through collaboration to positively impact Tennesseans. Community Development Program Director Jody Sliger was on-hand to present the award to the EDGE Board and thank them for their continued commitment to making Shelby County a better place to work and live. Pictured left to right: Thomas Dyer, EDGE Board Vice Chairman, Jody Sliger, TN Statewide ThreeStar Director and John Lawrence, EDGE Sr. Economic Development Specialist

Meet the Economic Development Finance Committee

The Inner City Economic Development (ICED) program is designed to spark revitalization of Memphis inner city neighborhood business districts through small, three-year forgivable loans of up to $25,000 to assist with facade and other building improvements. The Economic Development Finance Committee meets throughout the year to approve loan and project assistance requests. The Committee is comprised of community leaders from various areas of business, and EDGE appreciates each member for sharing their insight with our organization.

EDGE Board Meeting Dates EDGE Board meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 3:00 p.m. Locations vary by month. Meetings are open to the public. The next meeting will be held Wednesday, April 20 at Embassy Suites - 1022 S. Shady Grove Road, 38120. Upcoming Meeting Dates       May 18 June 15 July 20 Please check our website for meeting locations.

EDGE at a Glance  Since 2011, EDGE has approved projects expected to create:

*Wage calculation includes PILOTs only

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