The credential holds particular significance for Dr. Massey as a leader in a region anchored by one of the largest inland ports in the United States. While Memphis and Shelby County continue to strengthen their position as a national hub for logistics, distribution, and advanced manufacturing, the CPE designation reinforces Dr. Massey’s commitment to EDGE’s role in advancing the infrastructure and partnerships that keep the local economy competitive.

Awarded with Continuing Education Units through the Engineering Institute of Canada, the CPE designation places Dr. Massey among a growing network of nearly 1,000 senior port and marine professionals across North America and internationally.

“Memphis has always been a place where location, logistics, and opportunity meet,” said Dr. Massey. “Together with our partners, we are strengthening the systems that move goods, create jobs, and connect Memphis to the world.”

The achievement reflects her ongoing commitment to professional excellence and leadership development in service of economic growth across Memphis and Shelby County.

“The Port of Memphis is powered by EDGE, so deepening my expertise in maritime leadership is another way we can ensure our region continues to leverage every strategic advantage we have,” said Dr. Massey.

The post EDGE President & CEO Dr. Joann Massey Earns Certified Port Executive Designation first appeared on Economic Development Growth Engine.

The Economic Development Finance Committee awarded a $25,000 Small Business Loan for JTAP Kitchen, LLC. Funds will be used to complete improvements to the 4,000 square foot space constructed in 1925 and located at 3397 Summer Avenue. As a new fine dining restaurant, these investments will strengthen operational capacity, improve the guest experience, and create a more inviting venue for daily dining and private events.

The Small Business Loan Program is designed to help local entrepreneurs access the capital they need to grow and create jobs across the community. Supporting founders at every stage, from startup to scale, remains a central pillar of EDGE’s mission and one of the region’s most powerful economic advantages.

The full board also addressed key administrative priorities, including the appointment and election of officers and committee leadership, alongside financial and organizational reports. Additionally, the PILOT Performance Review & Compliance Committee met to discuss open projects, including PMC Biogenix.

EDGE remains committed to fostering a coordinated ecosystem where entrepreneurs, businesses, and community partners can connect to resources, capital and opportunity. Collectively, we are strengthening neighborhoods and positioning Memphis and Shelby County as a hub for innovation and inclusive growth.

The post EDGE Board advances economic development priorities at July meetings first appeared on Economic Development Growth Engine.

Economic Development Finance Committee Meeting
2:30 p.m.

1. Call to Order/Roll Call
2. Public Comments
3. Approval of the June 17, 2026 Meeting Minutes
   LOAN OPPORTUNITIES
4. JTAP Kitchen, LLC
   ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES & REPORTS
5. Announcement of Chair and Vice Chair
6. Other Remarks
7. Adjourn

EDGE Board Meeting
3:00 p.m.

1. Call to Order/Roll Call
2. Chairman’s Opening Comments
3. Public Comments
4. Approval of June 17, 2026 Board Meeting Minutes
   ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES & REPORTS TO THE BOARD
5. Appointment / Election of Officers and Committees
6. Other Business
7. General Counsel Report
8. Financials
9. President’s Report
10. Other Remarks
11. Adjourn

PILOT Performance Review & Compliance Committee Meeting
3:30 p.m.

1. Call to Order / Roll Call
2. Chairman’s Opening Comments
3. Public Comments
4. Approval of the September 17, 2025 Meeting Minutes
5. PMC Biogenix PILOT Review
6. Other Remarks
7. Adjourn

The post Wednesday, July 15, 2026: EDFC, EDGE Board, and PILOT Committee Meetings first appeared on Economic Development Growth Engine.

Hosted by EDGE at the Renasant Convention Center, this year’s event welcomed entrepreneurs, business support organizations, community partners, and residents for an afternoon dedicated to celebrating local businesses and the impact they make every day in neighborhoods across our community.

Beyond just an expo, the gathering served as another activation of Entrepreneurship City – the initiative launched by EDGE and the City of Memphis to connect founders with the resources, relationships, and opportunities they need to start, grow, and scale successful businesses.

Celebrating the businesses building Memphis
Throughout the Expo, attendees had the opportunity to meet the entrepreneurs behind many of Memphis’ beloved businesses, engage directly with local partners, hear their stories, and learn more about the journeys that transformed ideas into thriving companies.

Many participating businesses have benefited from EDGE’s Small Business Loan Program, which has helped neighborhood-serving businesses invest approximately $9 million into their communities while creating nearly 600 jobs since the program launched. These opportunities create jobs, activate commercial corridors, provide gathering places, and help define the unique character of Memphis neighborhoods.

Honoring a Memphis legend
One of the highlights of this year’s Expo was recognizing Uncle Lou’s Fried Chicken Founder Louis Martin III with EDGE’s inaugural Small Business Legacy Award.

For decades, Uncle Lou’s has been a community institution, demonstrating how a locally owned business can create lasting economic and cultural impact while remaining deeply rooted in the neighborhood it serves. The award recognizes businesses whose legacy extends beyond commercial success to include community investment, resilience, and a lasting contribution to Memphis’ entrepreneurial story.

Introducing Culture Corner, sponsored by TVA
New this year, EDGE unveiled Culture Corner, sponsored by TVA, to celebrate the important role artists, creatives, and cultural entrepreneurs play in Memphis’ economy. The interactive space featured local artists, singers, performers, and musicians, highlighting how creativity fuels innovation, strengthens neighborhoods, and contributes to economic growth.

Culture Corner reflected a simple truth: economic development isn’t only about buildings and business recruitment. It’s also about supporting the creative talent that makes Memphis distinctive and helps attract people, investment, and opportunity.

Building the future through Entrepreneurship City
The Small Business Expo demonstrated what is possible when entrepreneurs have access to support, capital, mentorship, and meaningful connections. As Entrepreneurship City continues to grow, EDGE remains committed to helping founders transform bold ideas into thriving businesses that strengthen communities across Memphis and Shelby County.

Thank you to our sponsors, partners, participating businesses, volunteers, and everyone who attended the Fourth Annual Small Business Expo. Together, we are creating an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive – and where Memphis continues to grow through innovation, collaboration, and opportunity.

The post Small Business Expo celebrates Memphis entrepreneurs and community partnerships first appeared on Economic Development Growth Engine.

The EDGE Board approved an amendment to the lease held by Enterprise Products Partners, L.P. at the Port of Memphis. This reinforces the Port’s role as a critical economic asset and supports continued industrial activity and investment along the Mississippi River.

A Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy and Resiliency (C-PACER) financing request was also approved for McLean Partners LLC for up to $11.02 million. This will support the development of senior living communities at 34 McLean Boulevard and 35 and 51 South Barksdale Street in Memphis. C-PACER financing provides access to long-term, fixed-rate capital for energy efficiency, resiliency, and sustainability improvements in commercial properties.

“EDGE is committed to strengthening Shelby County’s economic foundation through strategic, community-centered investments,” said EDGE President and CEO Dr. Joann Massey. “Each incentive approved in today’s EDFC and EDGE board meetings builds a stronger, more competitive Shelby County economy. We are focused on providing resources that help businesses grow, create jobs, and improve quality of life across our region.”

The Economic Development Finance Committee also met and approved Small Business Loans for Destination Education Academy of Memphis, Inc. and Brilliant Minds Childhood Education Center. Through small forgivable loans, the program has invested more than $9 million in Memphis neighborhoods.

Jacolbie Hardy, owner of Destination Education Academy, was awarded a $25,000 Small Business Loan to go toward $60,000 worth of work that includes structural repairs, interior reconfiguration, painting, lighting upgrades, a new emergency entrance, and updated signage. These enhancements will improve the facility’s safety, functionality, and appearance at 4064 St. Elmo.

As the founder of Brilliant Minds Childcare Development Center, Dr. Irma Davis will use an $18,000 Small Business Loan toward work at 1019 Berclair Road that includes new signage, upgraded fencing and lighting, installation of gutters and downspouts, and refreshed landscaping. These funds allow the center to improve and upgrade its exterior while maintaining a safe, welcoming environment and keeping childcare affordable for families. It also supports hiring three additional local, part-time employees.

The post EDGE Board Approves Port Lease Extension and C-PACER Financing, Two Small Business Loans first appeared on Economic Development Growth Engine.

As Memphis continues to strengthen its entrepreneurial ecosystem through Entrepreneurship City, Economic Development Growth Engine for Memphis & Shelby County (EDGE) will bring together small business owners, creatives, support organizations, lenders, and community partners at its Fourth Annual Small Business Expo on June 25 at the Renasant Convention Center.

The Expo serves as a key activation of Entrepreneurship City, the initiative launched by EDGE and the City of Memphis to connect founders, small businesses, and innovators with the resources, relationships, and opportunities needed to grow and succeed. This year’s event will also introduce Culture Corner, sponsored by TVA, highlighting the important role artists and creative enterprises play in the local economy.

“Entrepreneurship City is about creating an environment where entrepreneurs can access the support, connections, and opportunities they need to thrive,” said EDGE President and CEO Dr. Joann Massey. “The Small Business Expo showcases what’s possible when we invest in local talent, whether that’s a neighborhood restaurant, a technology startup, a retail business, or a creative entrepreneur.”

WHAT: Fourth Annual Small Business Loan Expo
WHEN: Thursday, June 25, 2026, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Renasant Convention Center, Riverfront Rooms 1-5 (255 N Main St, Memphis, TN)

Since 2014, businesses supported through EDGE’s Small Business Loan Program have invested approximately $9 million into the communities they serve and created nearly 600 jobs. Many of those entrepreneurs will be featured at the Expo, providing attendees with a firsthand look at how local businesses are strengthening neighborhoods, commercial corridors, and the broader Memphis economy.

Culture Corner will feature participation from the Memphis & Shelby County Film and Television Commission and the City of Memphis Office of Creative & Cultural Economy, along with performances and showcases from local artists, designers, photographers, and other types of performers.

Attendees will have opportunities to connect with organizations dedicated to helping businesses launch, grow, and thrive.

The Small Business Expo is free and open to the public.

The post Entrepreneurship City Brings Memphis Entrepreneurs, Small Businesses and Creatives Together at Fourth Annual EDGE Expo first appeared on Economic Development Growth Engine.

Economic Development Finance Committee Meeting
2:30 p.m.

1. Call to Order/Roll Call
2. Public Comments
3. Approval of the April 15, 2026 Meeting Minutes
   LOAN OPPORTUNITIES
4. Brilliant Minds Childcare Development Center
5. Destination Education Childcare Center
   ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES & REPORTS
6. Other/Remarks for the Good of the Order
7. Adjourn

EDGE Board Meeting
3:00 p.m.

1. Call to Order/Roll Call
2. Chairman’s Opening Comments
3. Public Comments
4. Approval of May 20, 2026 Board Meeting Minutes
   ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
5. Enterprise Pipeline Addendum to Lease
6. The Iris at Midtown C-Pacer Loan Approval
   ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES & REPORTS
7. Other Business
8. General Counsel Report
9. Financials
10. President’s Report
11. Other/Remarks for the Good of the Order
12. Adjourn

The post Wednesday, June 17, 2026: EDFC and EDGE Board Meetings first appeared on Economic Development Growth Engine.

of the

Board of Directors and Executive Committee Meeting of the Shelby County
Joint Economic & Community Development Board (JECDB)
Staffed by: EDGE (Economic Development Growth Engine)

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to all residents of the City of Memphis and County of Shelby, Tennessee, and to all persons interested that an open and public meeting of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee Meeting of the Shelby County Joint Economic and Community Development Board (JECDB) will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 9:00 a.m., at Agricenter International Hospitality Room, 7777 Walnut Grove Road, Memphis, TN 38120.

There will be considered at such meeting:

• 9:00 a.m. Call to Order & Roll Call – Board Staff: Joann Massey, EDGE President & CEO
• 9:01 a.m. Opening Remarks – Mayor Mike Palazzolo, Chair
• 9:02 a.m. Public Comments (limited to three minutes)
• 9:05 a.m. Review/Approve March 5, 2026 JECDB Meeting Minutes, Joann Massey, EDGE President & CEO
• 9:06 a.m. Presentation by YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South
• 9:26 a.m. Questions and Answers
• 9:30 a.m. Community Activity Updates (limited to 1-2 minutes each)
  • Arlington
  • Bartlett
  • Collierville
  • Germantown
  • Lakeland
  • Memphis
  • Millington
  • Shelby County
  • Agricenter International
  • Greater Memphis Chamber
  • Shelby County Chambers Alliance
  • TN Dept. of Economic & Community Development
  • TVA
  • YMCA
  • MLGW
  • Southwest TN Community College
  • Shelby County Schools
  • Downtown Memphis Commission
  • Midsouth Development District
  • Tennessee College of Applied Technology
  • Junior Achievement
  • EDGE
• 10:00 a.m. Adjournment

The post June 2026: Shelby County Joint Economic & Community Development Board (JECDB) Board of Directors and Executive Committee Meeting first appeared on Economic Development Growth Engine.

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.

The post Memphis welcomes global leaders through the Americas Competitiveness Exchange first appeared on Economic Development Growth Engine.

Hosted at Memphis City Hall, the inaugural event brought together business leaders, elected officials, and community stakeholders for a morning of discussion centered on policy, infrastructure, innovation, and civic engagement. Through curated sessions and conversations with city leadership, attendees gained insight into how Memphis is addressing key priorities while strengthening connections across sectors.

The event featured sessions on topics including doing business with the City of Memphis, innovation and artificial intelligence in government, and infrastructure and city operations. Leaders from across city government shared updates and perspectives on how Memphis is approaching operational efficiency, technology, and long-term planning to better serve residents and businesses.

The morning concluded with remarks from Memphis City Council Chairwoman Jana Swearengen-Washington and a keynote conversation with Memphis Police Department Chief C.J. Davis focused on public safety, leadership, and engagement with the business community.

For EDGE, the event reinforced that meaningful progress depends on strong relationships across business, government, and community leadership. That perspective made Dr. Massey’s recognition especially meaningful.

As president and CEO of EDGE, Dr. Massey leads efforts to strengthen economic opportunity through business attraction and expansion, entrepreneurship support, strategic infrastructure, neighborhood reinvestment, and cross-sector collaboration. Under her leadership, EDGE continues advancing initiatives that help create jobs, strengthen commercial corridors, support entrepreneurs, and position Memphis and Shelby County for long-term competitiveness.

The Public Service Leadership Award recognized Dr. Massey’s “outstanding civic leadership and enduring commitment to advancing both community and commerce in Greater Memphis,” a reflection of the community-centered approach that defines both her leadership and EDGE’s mission.

In accepting the award, Dr. Massey reflected on the many forms public service can take and the importance of bringing people together around the shared work of creating opportunity for Memphis. That perspective closely reflects what she has coined as “powering progress through partnerships,” a phrase that has become central to EDGE’s approach to economic development and long-term growth.

The Greater Memphis Chamber’s Chamber Day at City Hall highlighted the value of strong civic leadership and continued dialogue between the public and private sectors as Memphis works to build long-term momentum.

EDGE is proud to celebrate Dr. Massey on this well-deserved recognition and grateful for the many organizations and leaders across Memphis and Shelby County helping create opportunity, strengthen communities, and move the region forward.

The post Dr. Joann Massey recognized with Public Service Leadership Award first appeared on Economic Development Growth Engine.