, 2005

MLGW, TVA, Memphis Chamber and MMBC commit to business development program at signing ceremony (August 20, 2001) - Representatives from four dynamic organizations, including Herman Morris, Jr., President and CEO for MLGW, Glenn L. McCullough, Jr., Chairman of the Board for TVA, Marc Jordan, President of the Memphis Area Chamber of Commerce and Luke Yancy, III, President of the Mid-South Minority Business Council (MMBC) will unite today at 4 p.m. at a signing ceremony at the MMBC headquarters at 411 W. Park Loop (University of Memphis South Campus). During the ceremony, each participating organization will pledge their commitment to facilitating the development of local businesses through the Memphis Business Academy project. The Memphis Business Academy will officially open on Oct. 1 as a two-year pilot program to promote the growth of minority-owned and women-owned businesses in the Memphis Metropolitan Statistical Area. The academy will achieve this goal by helping 10 to 15 qualifying businesses chart a path to greater success. Franketta Guinn, who serves as President of Monguinn Enterprise Consulting Company and one of MLGW's Board of Commissioners, will also serve as Director for this initiative. Through the program, participants' businesses will be assessed to identify a path needed to spark further growth in their companies. A customized curriculum will then be developed and the academy will direct each business to resources that will allow them to reach the next level. In addition to providing businesses with access to capital, the academy will also offer technical assistance, legal consultation, human resource management and many other business support services. "MLGW works hard on many fronts to have a positive influence on the Memphis community by contributing to the city's prosperity. This project enhances our efforts to contribute to the growth and success of a robust and vibrant community of providers of goods and services that reflect the rich diversity of the community we serve," said Herman Morris, Jr., President and CEO of MLGW. Glenn L. McCullough, Jr., Chairman of the Board for TVA, stated, "As one of our largest electric customers, Memphis is one of our greatest assets. Our participation in this program represents our commitment to nurturing this valuable asset by stimulating growth in this dynamic community." "The Memphis Business Academy concept has been a long-time vision for the Chamber in our efforts to foster economic growth through our Memphis 2005 program. We're glad to be involved in a project that will help 'level the playing field' for businesses in our community and further develop our workforce and economy," said, Marc Jordan, President of the Memphis Area Chamber of Commerce. "The Mid-South Minority Business Council is committed to supporting the development of corporations, other business entities and increasing the size and prosperity of minority and women business enterprises in the Memphis area. Many small businesses in our community are minority-owned and offer quality products and services, but don't have access to the resources necessary to help their businesses excel. This effort enhances our ability to elevate opportunities for these businesses and encourages the prosperity of all in our richly diverse culture," said Luke Yancy, III, President of the MMBC.