Business Perspectives

Browse past and current articles from this publication.

The Memphis economy in 2009.(Forecast: Memphis MSA)
The start of 2009 found the Memphis economy embroiled in the same recessionary pressures faced by the rest of the nation. The current financial crisis brought about by the housing market collapse an . . .

What does it mean to go green?(changing economy impacts on sustainable development growth)(Brief article)
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Going green is the new power label in today's economy. However, as Kermit the Frog once lamented in song, "it's not that easy being green." The truth of those words weighs h . . .

The University of Memphis: a leading partner in sustainability.(college buildings designed with use of green technology)
For many, the concept of sustainability is shaped by the knowledge and understanding of environmental and ecological issues such as global warming, conservation of natural resources, limited availab . . .

Is the Green Revolution for real this time? Will green jobs be created in sufficient numbers to offset declines in other parts o
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This is not the first "Green Revolution," and it won't be the last. But, it may be the right time and place for the Green Revolution to make a meaningful change in the way A . . .

The Ecological Research Center: training tomorrow's ecologists.(University of Memphis opens Ecological Research Center )
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Vision The vision of the University of Memphis is to be recognized as one of America's great metropolitan research universities, noted for its comprehensive, innovativ . . .

Institutionalizing ecological literacy: a critical component of the new "green" economy: Henry David Thoreau, Rachael Carson, DD
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] What is Ecological Literacy? We all know about the need for clean air and clean water. These needs were the subjects of massive government intervention programs beginning . . .

Biodiversity and the Greater Memphis Region.
Biodiversity has been defined by many sources as the variety of life. This includes the different plants, animals, and microorganisms of an area as well as their genes and the ecosystems of which th . . .

The Center for Biofuel Energy & Sustainable Technologies joins the University of Memphis sustainable world.
The Motivation Sustainable. Renewable. Green. These adjectives are used more and more each day in the press and in everyday life. Why? Because our society has evolved to the point where we must lo . . .

Returning to our roots.(generation of biotechnology uses common alternative energy)
With the rising costs of petroleum, concerns over climate change, and geopolitical uncertainty, it is no secret that scientists, researchers, and world leaders have been scrambling to find alternati . . .

Urban green space: is it the next financial frontier?(advantages of ecotourism)
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Although it may seem counterintuitive, green space within and around cities provides social, economic, and environmental advantages. Generally, people assume that for each g . . .

The master plan.(Shelby Farms Park approved by Shelby County commisioner and financed by Hyde Family Foundations)
In August 2008, the sparkle on Shelby County's jewel, Shelby Farms Park, became a little brighter. Shelby Farms Park's Master Plan was approved by the Shelby County Commission with a unanimous vote. . . .

Greening the infrastructure at the University of Memphis.(Physical Plant provides energy efficient buildings)
The University of Memphis is essentially a small city with over 20,000 citizens. These citizens need heat, light, power, water, and air to maintain a satisfactory environment. How these utilities (o . . .

The Burgundy Book: a new source of economic data from the St. Louis Fed.
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "The pace of economic activity in the Memphis zone slowed during the first quarter of 2008. Except for the manufacturing sector, in which contacts reported increased activit . . .

Tennessee: ahead of the curve on energy initiatives.(Volkswagen announced a $1 billion investment in Tennessee )
In July 2008, Volkswagen announced a $1 billion investment in Tennessee with the selection of Chattanooga for its new plant. Among the vehicles to be manufactured will be a hybrid. The Volkswagen an . . .

National & regional economies.(Statistical table)
National Economic Indicators November July August September 2007 2008 2008 2008 Consumer Confidence (1) 87.8 . . .

Confluence of structural and cyclical change clouds outlook for 2008 and beyond.(Wall Street Economic Crisis, 2008)
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As an extension of previous arguments, it now appears that our greatest fears about the simultaneous appearance of two economic forces, inflation and recession, may become a . . .

The Memphis economy in 2008.
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] There is good news for the Memphis economy in 2008, even as the U.S. economy appears to be in or headed for a recession. In particular, the Memphis area is being surrounded . . .

... And the hill becomes a mountain!
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The title of last year's Tennessee Valley outlook article was "The Bump in the Road Becomes a Hill." For 2008, that hill has become a mountain. The overwhelming influence on . . .

The world economic outlook for 2008.(International Monetary Fund )
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Introduction Stubbornly high energy prices, volatile financial markets, weak credit conditions, and a continuing downturn in the U.S. housing market have combined to produ . . .

The Arkansas economic outlook for 2008.
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Arkansas economy expanded in 2007 despite mixed signals and abundant evidence of declining growth going into 2008. The main source of weakness stemmed from ongoing strug . . .

Kentucky's economic outlook for 2008: by the Kentucky Office of State Budget Director.(Reprint)
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Kentucky's Economy Kentucky's personal income is estimated to be $134.8 billion for the second quarter of FY 2008, an increase of 5.9 percent from a year ago. U.S. persona . . .

The Louisiana economy.
An examination of the Louisiana economy provides a study in contrasts. Not only is the state split between two Federal Reserve Districts, it is similarly geographically split between those areas sev . . .

The Mississippi economic outlook, 2008.
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The economic future is never certain, but it looks especially risky at this early stage of 2008. The subprime mortgage credit crisis, $90-$100 per barrel oil, falling consum . . .

An economic summary of Missouri.(Reprint)
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This excerpt is from "The Missouri Budget, Fiscal Year 2009, Budget Summary." The SBBER wishes to thank Governor Blunt, the Office of Administration, Division of Budget & Pl . . .

Still chilly after all these years: a longitudinal study of corporate board composition in Tennessee.(the role of working women
A look into the corporate board rooms across the nation shows the under-representation of women at the table. The absence and near absence of women in many board rooms is perplexing. As an issue tha . . .

Subprime: boon or bain?
Where to From Here? The Subprime Mortgage Market Last year was the year when the term "subprime" became a part of everyday speech and was often followed by any number of other terms--crash, deba . . .

The credit crunch: a domino effect.
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Introduction In the shadow of the spotlight focused on the faltering nationwide housing market comes the all-encompassing catch phrase "credit crunch." However, the term i . . .

Mapping out the credit crunch and its impact on real estate.
The recent credit crunch is having a noticeable effect on the real estate market both nationally and locally. The third quarter 2007 Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight's House Price Inde . . .

National & regional economies.(Statistical table)
National Economic Indicators February October November 2007 2007 2007 Consumer Confidence (1) . . .

Where the business of hospitality begins.
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Where the Business of Hospitality Began Today, in a world where well over a hundred hotel schools offer the educational fundamentals for a career in the hospitality indust . . .

An industry niche--executive conference centers business-like, purpose-driven meeting atmosphere.(International Association of C
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Specialization is the latest hotel industry strategic tool, Product success is now less dependent upon standard demographics and more dependent upon understanding "mind sets . . .

The draw to Memphis.(economic aspects of tourism)(Financial report)
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] by the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau Memphis Tourism Known around the world for its historic cotton industry and now as the logistics capital of the world, one of . . .

Take me away to Tunica! How casinos hit the jackpot for Tunica, MS.(growth of gambling industry in Tunica)(Financial report)
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] To visitors who come to the area, it's called "The South's Casino Capital," but to people who have lived in Tunica for more than 15 years, they call it "The Tunica Miracle." . . .

Working hard for Memphis: the Metropolitan Memphis Hotel & Lodging Association.
Change is constant, and the need to keep up is ever present. That is one reason to belong to a trade association. The Metropolitan Memphis Hotel & Lodging Association (MMH-LA) fits the bill for loca . . .

Serving Memphis: the Memphis Restaurant Association.
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] One industry in the U.S. stands out above all the others for containing the largest number of individuals who at one time or another in their lives have been employees--the . . .

Cambria suites brand cites success in 2007: a new generation of hotels.
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Since ince the initial launch of the Cambria Suites brand concept in 2005 through our first four hotel openings this year, we have recognized that the lodging industry is in . . .

National & Regional Economies.(Statistical table)
National Economic Indicators November July August 2006 2007 2007 Consumer Confidence (1) . . .

National & regional economies.(Statistical table)
National Economic Indicators March April 2007 2007 Consumer Confidence (1) 107.2 . . .

Memphis International Airport, air cargo, and the global economy.
* The Airports International Council cites Memphis International Airport as the world's busiest cargo airport for the past 12 consecutive years. * In 2006, over 3.5 million metric tons were shippe . . .

Thank you, Shirley! On June 30, 2007, after 42 years of dedicated service, Shirley Stanphill, the Sparks Bureau of Business and
Forty-two years is a long time. For a career, it is a commitment. In fact, it can be argued that 42 years is a labor of love. In the case of Shirley Stanphill, that is exactly what it was. Althoug . . .

2005 lending study key findings.(Report)
I. What's New? In an ongoing commitment to cast light on lending patterns and lending disparities in Memphis and Shelby County, the Community Development Council of Greater Memphis (CD Council) an . . .

Going the extra MILE: the Memphis Institute for Leadership Education Leadership Mentoring Program.
There is always a need for a few good leaders, and the Memphis business community certainly needs a lot more than just a few. The Fogelman College of Business & Economics is attempting to help meet . . .

Open for business: the University Neighborhoods Development Corporation.
Introduction The University Neighborhoods Development Corporation (UNDC) is a private, non-profit, neighborhood-based organization, distinct from the University of Memphis, focusing on a community . . .

The mortgage default crisis: the American dream becomes a nightmare.
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The startling foreclosure numbers revealed by Realty-Trac in January 2007 and the recent fallout in the subprime mortgage market have left real estate professionals and home . . .

Crime and property values.
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It is an unfortunate reality for the residents of Memphis that high on the list of local claims to fame--along with Blues, and Elvis--is crime. Memphis ranks 13th in crime p . . .

Annexation of Cordova, Tennessee, by Memphis: sale price trends from repeat-sale indexes.
Introduction This article addresses the array of benefit and cost factors that should be considered when, as part of its growth policy, a city considers the annexation of adjacent or nearby uninco . . .

Affordability in the single-family housing market.
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Introduction The single-family housing rental market is a unique one that vividly illustrates the local character of real estate. All participants in the real estate indus . . .

The fed strikes again ...: this time it was the housing market that suffered, so when will the recovery begin?(Industry overview
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Market Imbalances Result from Fed Actions Daily evidence of the continuing erosion of the housing market, the associated disruption of financial and credit markets, and th . . .

The Memphis Area Association of REALTORS[R] Education Foundation and the Center for Real Estate Research at the Sparks Bureau of
In an ever-changing and dynamic field such as real estate, keeping abreast of the latest trends and newest innovations can be challenging. For real estate professionals today, success in meeting the . . .

Sparks Bureau of Business and Economic Research's Center for Real Estate Research continues to grow.(finance for construction of
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It is difficult to believe that two short years ago the University of Memphis was just beginning the process of establishing the Center for Real Estate Research (CRER) withi . . .