Is Memphis the forgotten city?

[pearlbobb]

A lot of stuff you guys are talking about I think is generational. I would consider myself a young Black (26) professional. I think I speak for othes my age (Black & White) when I say Memphis is great. There is a tremendous amount of opportunity here and as far as entertainment goes, it doesn't get any better from a southern standpoint (except maybe New Orleans or Miami)! Yeah Memphis has big city problems that other cities have too. As far as the content, backward thinking behavior; like I said in an earlier post I think its from losers who can't make their situation better so they blame Memphis. I've heard this before, "if I were in Atlanta I would be doing much better." Huh?! In my field and just simply who I associate myself with, I see and hear the good and bad about the city in ways that are fair and balanced. Memphis is similar to its housing market, always growing at a steady pace. I'll say it once again, just because we're not taking the same routes as other cities and we don't look like Anytown, USA doesn't mean that the place is a black hole. There are some amazing things going on it this city from St. Jude to IP to other companies growing and coming everyday.

Now that I've said that, does Memphis have some issues? Of course, but with this new generation of positive thinkers/doers like myself, Memphis will improve its position in the long run. Remember folks, the grass aint always greener in Anycity, USA

[bigshow1991]

I agree, I lived in Knoxville for 6 years, and the segregation is beyond the levels of Memphis, however, racial tension is at a minimum. I feel the reason being is that, there aren't a lot of black politicians and blacks are only the majority in one area. There are only 2 schools with a significant black population. Its easy to ignore any racial strife, easy to be at a restuarant or mall or any situation and be exposed to no more than one or two groups of blacks. Whereas in Memphis, its difficult to go anywhere, outside of some places in midtown, without being exposed to racial diversity, so that racial tension is more evident.

[bigshow1991]

also, i believe the media here in Memphis is one reason for the negative self percetion. MEMPHIS IS NOT THE MURDER CAPITAL OF THE USA or anywhere close to it, however, the news will paint a different story. Whenever i'm in Atlanta, Nashville, or Knoxville, the first news story is hardly ever crime related. Memphis is the only city out of ones that I frequent that has a Murder countdown (or countup). Its hard NOT to believe Memphis is not overrun with crime.

Whenever I see the news, and the lead story is talking about Weather, or Business (Never!) then i think "well, i guess nobody got shot today." Imagine if Detroit or Philadelphia reported on EVERY shooting that happened in the city that day, they wouldn't have time to report anything else.

[mandrws1]

you say Memphis is 'great' ?

Perhaps at 26 years of age you have not lived in too many other cities ?? If you haven't, please get some actual experience, then your perspective shall be broadened a bit..

The grass 'ain't always greener' ?? I agree, not always but in fact many times it IS, and to suggest it's not seems parochially blind or in denial.

[Clobber]

I think Memphis tends to attract new businesses and HQs more due to geography than any other reason. If the city was in the condition its in now but located elsewhere in the nation, it would be more of a decrepit backwater.

[Clobber]

also, i believe the media here in Memphis is one reason for the negative self percetion. MEMPHIS IS NOT THE MURDER CAPITAL OF THE USA or anywhere close to it, however, the news will paint a different story. Whenever i'm in Atlanta, Nashville, or Knoxville, the first news story is hardly ever crime related. Memphis is the only city out of ones that I frequent that has a Murder countdown (or countup). Its hard NOT to believe Memphis is not overrun with crime.

Whenever I see the news, and the lead story is talking about Weather, or Business (Never!) then i think "well, i guess nobody got shot today." Imagine if Detroit or Philadelphia reported on EVERY shooting that happened in the city that day, they wouldn't have time to report anything else.

[Clobber]

you say Memphis is 'great' ?

Perhaps at 26 years of age you have not lived in too many other cities ?? If you haven't, please get some actual experience, then your perspective shall be broadened a bit..

The grass 'ain't always greener' ?? I agree, not always but in fact many times it IS, and to suggest it's not seems parochially blind or in denial.

[pearlbobb]

Wow. Just, wow. :shakes head:

Memphis has earned these businesses. If it were just because of geography, they could've considered St. Louis, Birmingham, Little Rock, those cities are all pretty close to the middle of the country. No other reason than geography? Absolutely absurd. Another example of a malcontented hyperbolic comment. No way anyone can back that up with facts. I'm not saying geography plays a role. But if it was "only" geography, they could've landed anywhere. They continue to land here because of other things -- we just need to improve on what we're doing to continue to enhance what we are able to offer potential companies and workers.

[northernbizzkit1]

Perhaps you're right, perhaps you're wrong.

Maybe IP located on Poplar because of the fine lifestlye, housing, entertainment that Memphis could offer their executives, board and their families ?

Maybe they moved their coporate location for the fine ambiance of the city and its cultural amenities and quality schools and talent pool ? ?

Maybe they just liked the BBQ ?, Great airline service and cheap flights ? The dual governments as well ?

Maybe they relocated to Memphis for the fine race relations and thought their employees could use a change ?

That's laughable of course.

All business decisions in re corporate moves are about MONEY, and the bottom line. It's about objective aspects of business like cutting expenses, high rents, salaries/benefits, etc.

It's about cheap labour...relatively cheap per square foot floorspace...

It's about TAX INCENTIVES, and other assorted 'giveaways', like tax moratoriums and subsidies....

It's about communication savings, travel savings (distance)

It certainly can be about georgraphy and distribution infrastructure .....trucking, interstate systems, FEDEX hub...

Other business factors are also hinged on geography....things like CLIMATE and it's effect on productivity,, travel, downtime....these things are translated into dollars and cents.

It's not that Memphis is some glorious business mecca....it's certainly not on par with Charlotte or even Atlanta

I think hard costs are the driver of most business decisions with respect to relocation to Memphis...it darn sure can't be the food for instance

Ask any executive for International Paper, or FEDEX, Morgan Keegan, Northwest, etc.....they'll be 'diplomatic' because they have to.

[pearlbobb]

are you and shekelmeister BFF? haha

[mandrws1]

are you and shekelmeister BFF? haha

[sleepy]

and talent pool ? ?

All business decisions in re corporate moves are about MONEY, and the bottom line. It's about objective aspects of business like cutting expenses, high rents, salaries/benefits, etc.

[Rural King]

No, I'm shekelmeistermans' younger brother though !

[northernbizzkit1]

you say Memphis is 'great' ?

Perhaps at 26 years of age you have not lived in too many other cities ?? If you haven't, please get some actual experience, then your perspective shall be broadened a bit..

The grass 'ain't always greener' ?? I agree, not always but in fact many times it IS, and to suggest it's not seems parochially blind or in denial.

[TchulahomaKid38118]

Its one thing to give an opinion but to constantly bash a city is another. My city may not be as glamorous as other cities but she definitely serves a purpose for the U.S. Memphis has plenty of amenities that can compare to other cities but I wonder why most people don't hear about them as much ? Having low cost of living and tax incentives is not a bad thing, economically. Its only a matter of time before businesses pick up on that and then the relocations will follow. Businesses are always looking to make more money and save money. All cities have their negatives just like Memphis. The crime, bad school system (which is not only Memphis but Tennessee as a whole), and politics here is just a "speed bump" and all can be fixed; its only a matter of time.

And who cares if you don't want to cut your grass or not, Pearlbobb? . Since you have so much money would you pay someone to wipe your butt? Some people like to cut their grass and some people don't. Some people can afford it and some can't. Some people have the time and others don't. To base your assessment on just "pretending" is closed-minded. It could be a number of things. My parents pay a ton on grass treatment but my Dad prefers to cut, trim, edge it his own way and thats his business.

[Clobber]

All business decisions in re corporate moves are about MONEY, and the bottom line. It's about objective aspects of business like cutting expenses, high rents, salaries/benefits, etc.

[G-townTN]

I just wanted to let everyone know that my girlfriend and I were in memphis this past weekend visiting my family. I have lived in nashville for the past two years and I don't get back to home as much as I would like to and this past weekend was a blast.

The city looked wonderful. Friday night was a little hectic, but I managed to get around the city pretty well. We went to the rendevous (girlfriend is from nashville and has never been), redbird's game, stopped by the westin hotel, met a friend at the majestic on main street, and concluded my night with another friend at brookhaven pub. We had so much fun. I must say that I am excited to have the westin here in memphis. It gives a sort of miami or new york feel to our very conservative southern style, I might add that I enjoyed the man playing on the piano. It proves that memphis is ready to move on to the future, yet keep the character that makes us memphis.

Saturday was much the same way, we got around visited people and places.

I am very excited about memphis right now. There is a lot going on, expecially downtown. People are definitely becoming more aware around the country about what is happening and were are becoming more and more dynamic. The future of this city is very bright.

[TchulahomaKid38118]

^ I totally agree. Its a matter of time. I really think that once One Beale and the Horizon are completed and utilized, then other projects will arise. Remember, there are other sites currently being considered for future use. I am glad that you and your girlfriend had a good time. Like I said, there is plenty to do here and I feel that the bad press is just overblown. I 've been living in Memphis for 18 years and I have never had any problems growing up in the Whitehaven area. My girlfriend is from North Memphis and she and her family never had ANY problems.

[bigshow1991]

I agree, I've lived in Memphis for over 27 years (all in Whitehaven, Parkway Village) and the only times that i've been the victim of a crime has been in Knoxville, and Atlanta. It seems that the people that are least affected by crime, politics (that live "good" areas and/or outside the city limits) are the most critical and complain to the newspaper the most.

There was a good letter to the editor in todays paper that said:

"I implore you editorial staff to cease publishing letters to the editor from those who complain endlessly about Memphis and finish their diatribes by saying that they are planning to leave for some unknown, perfect destination and that they cannot wait to do so, as if their leaving would be a loss to this great city.

The letters you publish should reflect constructive, well-reasoned criticism, suggestions, questions and commendations that fairly represent the millions of decent citizens of the Memphis region, not the silly, self-centered whining of the pathetic losers. "

I thought this may be a change in the negative attitudes and policies of the paper, but however the very next letter stated

"Imagine that everyone who is educated, resourceful and responsible flees your city at the first chance they get. Government has collapsed, unable to enforce laws and support a tax base, and is so corrupt that even when it does try to do something, no one will listen. Neighborhoods are filled with crumbling houses and abandoned buildings. The violence on the streets can be compared to a war zone, and the police are either taking part in it or are afraid to fight it....Some of us don't have to imagine this. This is what we see in Memphis every day."

[mandrws1]

So you admit you're wrong. It's not about just geography. It's about money. Geography had no effect on IP or ServiceMaster. Those were exec positions that would not have been enhanced by geography. Every decision is about money. Whether it's to locate in Denver, Atlanta, or Memphis. It's financially beneficial to the decision-maker.

So the reasons Memphis gets these relocations is no different than any other city, and should not reflect any less on Memphis than any other city that gets a relocation. Stop imposing a higher set (if not an impossible set) of standards for Memphis to meet than other cities.

[Memphis Love]

I agree, I've lived in Memphis for over 27 years (all in Whitehaven, Parkway Village) and the only times that i've been the victim of a crime has been in Knoxville, and Atlanta. It seems that the people that are least affected by crime, politics (that live "good" areas and/or outside the city limits) are the most critical and complain to the newspaper the most.

There was a good letter to the editor in todays paper that said:

"I implore you editorial staff to cease publishing letters to the editor from those who complain endlessly about Memphis and finish their diatribes by saying that they are planning to leave for some unknown, perfect destination and that they cannot wait to do so, as if their leaving would be a loss to this great city.

The letters you publish should reflect constructive, well-reasoned criticism, suggestions, questions and commendations that fairly represent the millions of decent citizens of the Memphis region, not the silly, self-centered whining of the pathetic losers. "

I thought this may be a change in the negative attitudes and policies of the paper, but however the very next letter stated

"Imagine that everyone who is educated, resourceful and responsible flees your city at the first chance they get. Government has collapsed, unable to enforce laws and support a tax base, and is so corrupt that even when it does try to do something, no one will listen. Neighborhoods are filled with crumbling houses and abandoned buildings. The violence on the streets can be compared to a war zone, and the police are either taking part in it or are afraid to fight it....Some of us don't have to imagine this. This is what we see in Memphis every day."

[BrandonTO416]

I lived in Memphis for a while and don't really think Memphis goes unnoticed. You talk to people in other parts of the nation and they recognize both Memphis and Nashville equally when you talk about Tennessee. You'll find some people that think of Memphis and some people that think of Nashville, but honestly I never really think Memphis is left out more than any other city its size.

[TennBear]

As far as being mentioned in surveys of cities, Memphis often doesn't make it on the list. I think that that was one of the prime thoughts that led to this forum. I think that Nashville is seen as being more the current "Go'Getter" city in Tennessee and is included as the only city on many of those types of lists. It seems to me sort of like on National Weather Maps you'll only see one or the other. For North Carolina you'll see Charlotte and not Raleigh. I agree with the people that say that both Nashville and Memphis are thought of in much the same way by people outside of the region. I live in the Washington DC area and I know many people here who go to Memphis quite often for things like the Beale Street Music Festival and on holiday and most of them think very highly of the city. Memphis is not going to be the first city that most people will mention for a vacation or as a place to relocate. The big three outside of Florida in the South that are on that kind of list right now are Atlanta, Charlotte, and Nashville. Both Charlotte and Atlanta have the advantage for being thought of by the East Coast media centers because they are along I-85 which is a major N/S route. Charlotte is also a star because of the fact that it has grown so quickly and gains notice from being the headquarters of the Bank of America and it's being the center for NASCAR. Birmingham has much of the same thoughts of being a forgotten city and so does Richmond or Louisville. Richmond and Louiville were very large cities long before many of the other newer cities that have long since past them in population. Often the cities that are "forgotten cities" keep many of the things that keep them unique and loved by those that know them. Charlotte's downtown has very little that is old that has been kept. Bank of America led the gentrification of downtown Charlotte and it is very clean and pristine, it even has a good deal of street life, but it feel more like a set than a city. There is something about a little grit left in a city that makes it feel like a city. It's downtown like Nashville's is in the center of the urban area and is the business center for the metropolitan area and like Nashville is gaining more downtown office towers. Memphis' downtown is not now nor will it ever be again the business center of the Memphis urban landscape and so for those that then of cities for their new towering skylines will be a forgotten city. I had a friend of mine from Austin TX make a trip over to Charlotte through Memphis, and Nashville with a jot over to the Corvette Museum and he was truely amazed at how alive and interesting downtown Memphis was. He was also amazed at how hard and expensive it was for him to get a downtown hotel room in Memphis. I had him go to "Interstate Bar-B-Que" and to the "Rendezvous" and he loved them both and was happy that I had told him what to expect of both. He didn't make it to Tunica, but stopped in Shreveport for the casinos there on his return to Austin. He talked far more about Memphis than he did about either Nashville or Charlotte. Can't say that Memphis is the "forgotten city", it's just not the flavor of the month in cities.

[G-townTN]

How do you know downtown Memphis won

[Clobber]

How do you know downtown Memphis won