That is where the Port of Memphis plays a critical role.

As one of the largest inland ports in the United States, the Port of Memphis provides the kind of multimodal flexibility that helps businesses build stronger, more resilient supply chains. With direct access to river, rail, road, and air, the Port gives companies multiple pathways to move raw materials, finished goods, and oversized freight without overreliance on any single mode.

Resilience starts with optionality
At the Port of Memphis, cargo can transition seamlessly between the Mississippi River, five Class I railroads, major interstate corridors, and the FedEx global air hub. This multimodal connectivity allows companies to shift freight routes when delays, congestion, or capacity constraints affect one part of the system.

That flexibility is especially important for industries moving bulk commodities, manufacturing inputs, steel, agricultural goods, energy products, and large industrial equipment. The ability to move freight by barge when trucking capacity tightens, or transition to rail when timing and scale demand it, reduces risk and improves continuity.

Strategic infrastructure strengthens continuity
The Port’s physical assets are designed to support long-term operational reliability. Three slack-water harbors, industrial parks on Presidents Island and Pidgeon Industrial Park, dry and liquid bulk storage, rail-served industrial sites, and extensive berthing capacity all create redundancy within the system.

That means supply chains are not dependent on a single terminal, warehouse, or transportation path. If one route is constrained, operators can leverage nearby assets within the same logistics ecosystem. This level of built-in adaptability is what allows the Port to support industries that rely on consistency, especially during periods of market volatility, weather events, or national freight disruptions.

EDGE’s role in managing resilience
Resilience requires active stewardship. As the manager of the International Port of Memphis, EDGE plays a central role in ensuring that the Port’s infrastructure, industrial land, and logistics assets continue evolving alongside market needs. That includes supporting lease activity, industrial site activation, multimodal expansion, and long-range planning that keeps freight and industrial operations competitive.

EDGE’s role is especially important in managing Presidents Island and Pidgeon Industrial Park, where industrial occupancy, transportation access, and land availability directly affect how quickly businesses can scale or adapt operations.

This stewardship also extends to Foreign Trade Zone 77, another critical tool that helps companies improve efficiency, manage inventory strategically, and strengthen supply chain flexibility through global trade advantages.

By managing these interconnected assets, EDGE helps ensure the Port remains operationally strong today and positioned for the future.

Why supply chain resilience matters for regional growth
Supply chain resilience has become a major site-selection factor. Companies are increasingly looking for regions where infrastructure reduces vulnerability, improves optionality, and supports domestic manufacturing and reshoring strategies. The Port of Memphis offers central geography, multimodal redundancy, industrial land, and coordinated management.

For Memphis and Shelby County, this resilience supports jobs, industrial growth, business attraction, and long-term economic competitiveness.

The Port of Memphis is where resilient systems are built — supported by strategic infrastructure, operational flexibility, and the long-term stewardship that EDGE provides.

That resilience helps strengthen both supply chains and the regional economy built around them.

The post How the Port of Memphis supports supply chain resilience first appeared on Economic Development Growth Engine.

The post EDGE Express Newsletter: April 2024 first appeared on Economic Development Growth Engine.

EDGE Vice President of Operations Dr. Joann Massey has extensive expertise and unwavering commitment to fostering economic growth. This made her a valuable addition to the panel discussion titled “Small Business, Big Impact: How Economic Development Experts Plan for the Future.”

Moderated by Bistany Bass of WBEC South, the panel featured distinguished experts including Dr. Isaac Addae from the Nashville Mayor’s Office, Lyndi Berrones representing the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD), and Patrick Cammack from the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce. Together, they explored strategies for enhancing opportunities for small and diverse businesses and discussed the pivotal role of economic development in shaping the future of Tennessee.

Throughout the discussion, Dr. Massey highlighted the importance of proactive measures to support small and diverse businesses, emphasizing the need for collaborative initiatives and strategic partnerships. Drawing from her experience at EDGE, she underscored the significance of tailored approaches to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing communities.

One key takeaway from the panel was the recognition of small businesses as drivers of innovation and economic resilience. By fostering an inclusive ecosystem that champions diversity and entrepreneurship, stakeholders can unlock new avenues for growth and prosperity. Moreover, the panelists emphasized the importance of leveraging resources and networks to facilitate access to opportunities like this.

The post Navigating Economic Growth: Insights from the Small and Diverse Business Forum 2024 first appeared on Economic Development Growth Engine.

The post EDGE Express Newsletter: January 2024 first appeared on Economic Development Growth Engine.

Located on Presidents Island and bordered by Harbor Avenue and Channel Avenue on the north and south, and by Buoy Street and the U.S. Navy’s William B. Morgan Large Cavitation Channel research and testing facility on the east and west, the vacant site is currently owned by the Economic Development Growth Engine of Memphis & Shelby County (EDGE). EDGE, the Greater Memphis Chamber, and the Port of Memphis worked together to achieve the certification, which adds the site to the list of properties that TNECD markets to site development consultants and business leaders as ready for development.

“Memphis exemplifies the power of collaboration and strategic planning in creating opportunities for economic growth and innovation,” said Kirby Lewis-Gill, Director of Site Development for TNECD and manager of the Select Tennessee program. “Achieving the Select Tennessee Certified Site designation for The EDGE Property at Presidents Island is a testament to this team’s commitment to building a thriving community with the infrastructure and partnerships needed to attract global investment.”

TNECD launched Select Tennessee in 2012 to elevate the state’s sites to the level of preparedness necessary for corporate investment. The program, which is administered by Austin Consulting, has certified more than 70 sites across the state. The certification is only available to high-quality industrial sites with 20+ acres, documented environmental conditions and geotechnical analysis, existing onsite utilities or a formal plan to extend utilities to the site, and truck-quality road access.

“Partnerships have been a key strategy throughout this journey,” said EDGE VP of Operations Dr. Joann Massey. “Collaboration with the Greater Memphis Chamber, the City of Memphis, and our team at the Port of Memphis has been instrumental – with a particular focus on economic development initiatives and driving positive change within our community.”

The site, known as The EDGE Property at Presidents Island, is strategically located, with easy access to the 4 “Rs” — river, rail, runway, and road. The property is adjacent to the CN railway, with established agreements for switching between BNSF and Union Pacific railroads; has easy access to the Port of Memphis, the fifth largest inland port in the nation; is approximately five miles from Interstate 55; and is 15 miles from Memphis International Airport, the second busiest cargo airport in the world.

“The port alone contributes a substantial $6.2 billion economic impact, highlighting the advantage of this land being the last undeveloped site of its magnitude on Presidents Island,” said Memphis & Shelby County Port Commission Executive Director Randy Richardson.

Memphis also boasts the highest concentration of Black advanced manufacturing professionals of any major metro in the nation at 44% of its workforce, compared to a national average of 10%, according to the Greater Memphis Economic Research Group at the Greater Memphis Chamber.

“Earning this highly sought-after certification signals to the world that Memphis is ready for investment,” said Ted Townsend, President & CEO of the Greater Memphis Chamber. “Not only are we the nation’s logistics leader, but we also have the shovel-ready sites, diverse talent, and future-ready infrastructure that give a competitive advantage to our rapidly growing stable of world-class advanced manufacturers. Armed with this designation, we look forward to marketing this site in partnership with TNECD.”

The post Memphis site achieves coveted Select Tennessee certification first appeared on Economic Development Growth Engine.

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The post Recapping a Successful 2023 first appeared on Economic Development Growth Engine.

Muller delved into the inception of the first PILOT program in Shelby County, first implemented in 1973, navigating the complexities of incentives and propelling Tennessee into the economic development spotlight. Reflecting on his impactful work with the Memphis Chamber, Muller shares pride in contributing to projects with industry giants like International Paper, Gibson Guitar, William Sonoma, Nike, and Nucor Steel.

The episode explores Muller’s instrumental role in setting up the Memphis and Shelby County Community Redevelopment Agency, showcasing successful projects like Northside Square. As a 40-plus-year veteran in economic, workforce, and community development, Muller explores the intersection of social programs and the business community, emphasizing the pivotal role of partnerships in achieving meaningful impact.

About Dexter Muller
Dexter Muller, owner of Development Innovations, LLC, embarked on his urban planning journey in 1973, evolving into a 40-plus-year journey into economic, workforce, and community development. From directing the Memphis & Shelby County Office of Planning and Development for 27 years to serving as the Senior Vice President of the Greater Chamber of Memphis for 15 years, Muller has been a driving force behind transformative projects with industry titans like Gibson Guitar, International Paper, Ducks Unlimited, and more.

Explore Muller’s profound insights and wealth of experience in the full episode.

The post The Headquarters: Episode Three, Featuring Dexter Muller first appeared on Economic Development Growth Engine.

The post EDGE Express Newsletter: December 2023 first appeared on Economic Development Growth Engine.

In the episode, Collins shared insights into his various leadership roles and the profound impact of the Shelby County Government on public health, corrections, and education. He also reflected on key moments during service, including his involvement in the Christmas Parade on Elvis Presley Boulevard, the successful venture of building The Guest House at Graceland, and the pivotal vote to rebuild the Regional One Health center – an upcoming economic development project. Collins discussed intentional plans for Memphis and Shelby County neighborhoods, emphasizing opportunities in trade professions for youth.

About Harold Collins
Harold Collins, Chief Administrative Officer for Shelby County Government, is a distinguished leader with a rich history of service and commitment to the Memphis community. Serving as Memphis City Councilman and chair from 2008 to 2015, Collins advocated for vocational technology, community re-entry, and essential benefits for public safety. With a background in corrections and community engagement, Collins brings unparalleled expertise to the conversation on economic development, community empowerment, and the strategic vision needed to address challenges in Shelby County.

Don’t miss this episode for profound insights into strategic planning, community engagement, and overcoming challenges for economic development growth in Shelby County. You can listen to his insights in the full-length episode.

The post The Headquarters: Episode Two, Featuring Harold Collins first appeared on Economic Development Growth Engine.

The post EDGE Express Newsletter: November 2023 first appeared on Economic Development Growth Engine.