Memphis welcomes global leaders through the Americas Competitiveness Exchange

Memphis recently welcomed leaders from across the Western Hemisphere for the Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE), a premier initiative led by the Organization of American States (OAS) focused on strengthening innovation, competitiveness, and economic collaboration across the Americas.

Hosted in partnership with EDGE, Start Co., the City of Memphis, and numerous regional organizations, ACE brought together delegates representing countries throughout North, Central, and South America to explore how regions build economic momentum through infrastructure, innovation, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and strategic partnerships. Throughout the week, Memphis had the opportunity to showcase its global connectivity and the partnerships and strategies helping translate growth into opportunity.

Showcasing Memphis as a global hub
The week began with opening remarks led by City of Memphis Mayor Paul A. Young, U.S. Ambassador Leandro Rizzuto, and OAS Officer in Charge Barbara Kotschwar, and an economic development discussion featuring EDGE President and CEO Dr. Joann Massey, Greater Memphis Chamber Chief Economic Development Officer Gwyn Fisher, and MLGW President and CEO Doug McGowen. Conversations centered on Memphis’ position as a global logistics hub, the importance of infrastructure and utilities in supporting growth, and how partnerships continue driving long-term economic competitiveness.

Throughout the week, delegates experienced firsthand what makes Memphis uniquely positioned at the crossroads of global commerce, innovation, and culture.

A visit to FedEx Headquarters highlighted Memphis’ role in global distribution and supply chain connectivity. Delegates learned more about the Memphis World Hub – the company’s largest global sort facility – and explored how data, logistics, and innovation continue shaping the future of commerce from Memphis to markets around the world.

The group also visited the FedEx Institute of Technology at the University of Memphis, where discussions focused on applied research, emerging technologies, and other efforts helping strengthen the region’s innovation economy.

Innovation, entrepreneurship, and community impact
ACE programming also highlighted Memphis’ broader innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. At Epicenter, delegates explored how Memphis is helping founders build and scale businesses through mentorship, strategic support, and ecosystem partnerships. Conversations focused on emerging industries, including logistics and medical devices, while emphasizing the role entrepreneurship plays in strengthening long-term economic growth. The Innovation Exchange Coalition Showcase further connected global leaders with founders and innovation ecosystem partners working to drive collaboration across borders.

Healthcare and community impact were also central themes throughout the week. Delegates visited St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to hear from hospital leadership about global pediatric research, innovation, and long-term strategic growth. At the National Civil Rights Museum, conversations explored the lasting connection between civil rights, social justice, and economic mobility, reinforcing how opportunity and economic development are deeply interconnected.

Place-based investment in action
In addition to Memphis’ major institutions and industries, ACE highlighted how place-based investment strategies are shaping neighborhoods and commercial corridors across the region.

Delegates explored the Memphis Medical District, Downtown Memphis, and Crosstown Concourse to better understand how infrastructure, healthcare, housing, entrepreneurship, arts, and public investment can work together to create connected communities. Visits also included The Works’ neighborhood development initiatives and Northside Square, demonstrating how community-led investment strategies can support housing, workforce pathways, and long-term neighborhood revitalization.

The week also expanded beyond Memphis through visits focused on agriculture innovation and rural economic development, including Rose Creek Farms and Somerville, Tennessee, where delegates learned more about food systems, local entrepreneurship, and rural economic opportunity. Additional programming highlighted workforce development and STEM education through Code Crew and retail innovation through the Orgill Innovation Center.

Powering progress through partnerships
Throughout the week, Memphis shared its collaborative spirit.

For EDGE, ACE represented an opportunity to demonstrate how we are #poweringprogressthroughpartnerships – bringing together public, private, nonprofit, educational, and community partners around a shared vision for growth.

As delegates departed Memphis, they left with a firsthand look at a city where logistics, entrepreneurship, innovation, and neighborhood investment are interconnected parts of a broader strategy to create long-term opportunity.