EDGE Board Approves Two Port of Memphis Subleases, One Small Business Loan

The Economic Development Growth Engine (EDGE) Board on Wednesday approved Watco Transloading, LLC request to sublease two portions of the public dock to Granite Construction and T&S Southern. The Port of Memphis Board finalized SCF Fleeting’s lease for a portion of land along McKellar Lake. The EDGE Economic Development Finance Committee also approved a Small Business Loan to Big Bill’s BBQ.

To strengthen the long-term vitality of the Memphis and Shelby County Port and reinforce its role as a critical logistics and industrial asset for the region, the Port of Memphis and EDGE Board approved measures supporting the Memphis and Shelby County Port Commission’s authorization to enter into a lease with SCF Fleeting, LLC for property along McKellar Lake, as well as the approval of Watco Companies to sublease a portion of the Public Dock to Granite Construction, Inc. and another portion to T&S Southern. Together, these actions support continued activation of port assets, increased utilization of waterfront infrastructure, and sustained industrial activity on Presidents Island.

“By enabling strategic partnerships and responsible redevelopment of long-standing port facilities, EDGE and its partners are helping preserve critical shipping capacity, support thousands of existing jobs, and position the region for future industrial growth,” said EDGE President and CEO Dr. Joann Massey. “These actions underscore the importance of collaboration and thoughtful stewardship of our public assets.”

The Economic Development Finance Committee also met and approved a $25,000 Small Business Loan. Through small forgivable loans, the program has invested more than $9 million in Memphis neighborhoods.

Curtis Givens, owner of Big Bill’s BBQ, will use the funds to help with a variety of facade, HVAC and building interior improvements at 4101 Elvis Presley Blvd. The business is a local Southern BBQ restaurant in Whitehaven that serves a diverse age range of customers. Big Bill’s will expand to offer dine-in services and, in turn, provide more jobs to community members.