S6E21 - Posture of Positivity: Memphis' Economic Advantages (Re-Air)

Memphis is THE place for collaboration, and our friends at The Daily Memphian recently invited New Memphis President & CEO Anna Mullins Ellis to their studio for an episode of their podcast, The Sidebar, which is hosted by The Daily Memphian CEO, Eric Barnes. We are thrilled to have such collaborative partners on the airwaves, and we’ll be airing their conversation today! Host: Eric Barnes Guest: Anna Mullins Ellis This conversation originally aired here as an Episode of The Sidebar with Eric Barnes on May 18, 2026.

One Memphis-based company has embedded itself in the city and the community through a legacy of leadership and a model for talent attraction and retention. Joe Lyons (Barr Brands) and Scott Beal (Barr Brands) share the impact of two major milestones in today's conversation. Resources mentioned in this podcast include: Barr Brands Memphis-Based Barr Brands Marks 80 Years in Business and 30 Years of Employee Ownership Meet the Chairman’s Circle: Joe Lyons of Barr Brands 2023 CFO of the Year finalist Joe Lyons with Barr Brands International This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

Memphis' economic advantage is its young people. New Memphis always says that our city's greatest resource is its people. Today, we will be focusing on one subset of the population and how they are poised to make the most impact. Join us as we take a look back to take a step forward. Longtime journalist Tom Jones and economics professor Dr. David Ciscel join us to share insights on the economic structure of Memphis, provide context for why specific decisions were made, and a platform where Memphis has the economic advantage — its young people! Resources mentioned in this episode include: The Advantage of Age in Memphis Magazine by Tom Jones David Ciscel LinkedIn David Ciscel ResearchGate Memphis Poverty Fact Sheet 2024 Tom Lee Park Learn more about the 1979 Memphis Jobs Conference, convened by then-Gov. Lamar Alexander, here and here Tom Jones shares insights on urban sprawl Smart City Consulting The Sidebar conversation with Anna Mullins Ellis This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

Shelby County students can earn and learn through a collaborative model for student success. Talking about this innovative partnership from both the logistical side and the employer perspective are Cortney Richardson (Peer Power) and Roxy Nunnally (4D Marketing and Business Solutions Firm Corporation). Resources mentioned in this episode include: Peer Power Peer Power's Earn and Learn program 4D Marketing and Business Solutions Firm Corporation Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development Previous conversations on workforce development can be found New Memphis Summer Experience Memphis Shelby County Schools This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

- Shelby County government provides free community-based resources to help youth and their families overcome obstacles. From therapy sessions to early intervention and alternatives to arrest and detention, the Shelby County Youth and Family Resource Center exists to meet the needs of youth and families in Shelby County. This conversation — led by Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris — illuminates innovation at work and showcases real impact. Tune in to learn how Shelby County is collaborating to build brighter futures for youth in Memphis and Shelby County with Amy Kalb (Shelby County Youth and Family Resource Center) and Mollie Barker Cook (National Assessment Center Association). Resources mentioned in this episode include: Shelby County Youth and Family Resource Center Youth Connect National Assessment Center Association https://www.nacassociation.org/ Shelby County Youth & Family Resource Center on Instagram This episode is made possible in partnership with Shelby County Government. Find out more at https://meanwhile-in-memphis.pinecast.co

A proven model of success is helping students in Memphis persist to graduation and launch careers in the Mid-South thanks to an impact-driven collaboration between tnAchieves and MDRC. Listen in to learn how a state-wide program is taking a tailored approach to help students in Memphis succeed! Guests: Krissy DeAlejandro (tnAchieves) Sonia Drohojowska (MDRC). Resources mentioned in this episode include: tnAchieves MDRC MEMcomplete MDRC Post Secondary focus Tennessee Promise Slingshot Memphis MEMworks Southwest Tennessee Community College Previous Meanwhile in Memphis episodes on related topics can be found here , here , here , here , and here This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank. Find out more at https://meanwhile-in-memphis.pinecast.co

The City of Memphis named the goal of 10,000 housing developments by 2030 in an effort to create a vibrant city core with community-lifting development. This conversation with Mayor Young (City of Memphis) and John Zeanah (Chief of Development and Infrastructure for the City of Memphis) explores the "how" and "why" behind the goal. Resources mentioned in this episode include: The City of Memphis Housing and Community Development Previous episodes featuring Mayor Young can be found here , here , and here . Previous conversations featuring John Zeanah can be found here and here . State of the City 2026 Community Redevelopment Agency Memphis 3.0 HOME Program EDGE Downtown Memphis Commission This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank. Find out more at https://meanwhile-in-memphis.pinecast.co

The local farming and agriculture community is helping Memphians to bloom where they're planted. Camille "Farmer C" James (Halls of Ivy) and Derravia and Bobby Rich (Black Seeds and Black Seeds Urban Farms) share how to grow what you know by discussing creative solutions and collaborations that make Memphis more sustainable while providing access to food education and healthy options. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Halls of Ivy Black Seeds Urban Farms Mia's Orchard Frayser Community Garden Everbloom Farmacy Alpha and Omega Veteran Services New Way Aquaponic Farms Agritourism The Works Jones Orchard Certified Naturally Grown (CNG) Certified Tubby Creek Farm Booker T. Whatley Girls Inc. Black Seeds Urban Farms Instagram Farmer C Instagram Black Seeds Urban Farms: From Family Garden to Local Food Movement The Giving Garden: Black Seeds Urban Farms Feeds the Soul of Its Memphis Community Roxie's Market This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank. Find out more at https://meanwhile-in-memphis.pinecast.co

Memphis is a media oasis! The city has a vibrant, people-powered ecosystem with a wealth of public radio stations. Go behind the scenes of two of the city’s signature public stations with Jared "Jay B" Boyd (WYXR 91.7 FM - the host station for Meanwhile in Memphis) and Charles McLarty. (WKNO 91.1 FM) to learn what role they play in connecting the community through news, music, and future-focused missions. This episode first aired on November 18, 2025 (S5E46) Resources mentioned in this episode include: WYXR WKNO The Daily Memphian Previous episodes on similar topics can be found here , here , here , and here NPR PBS Morning Edition All Things Considered Behind the Headlines KLOVE Donate to WKNO and donate to WYXR The University of Memphis Crosstown Concourse Congress rolls back $9 billion in public media funding and foreign aid article from NPR Timeline: The History of Public Broadcasting in the U.S. Educational Television Facilities Act of 1962 Public Broadcasting Act of 1967 This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank. Find out more at https://meanwhile-in-memphis.pinecast.co

Christian Brothers University is turning learners into leaders. This conversation with President-Elect Ronald Brandon is part of a series that explores the role Memphis' colleges and universities play as essential civic anchors shaping the region's talent pipeline, stabilizing neighborhoods, driving research and innovation, and influencing long-term economic vitality. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Christian Brothers University Christian Brothers University Appoints Ronald L. Brandon as Next President John Baptist de la Salle Christian Brothers University gifted $5M to implement new academic programs Other episodes in this series can be found here and here This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank. Find out more at https://meanwhile-in-memphis.pinecast.co