Latest news with #Memphians
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Richard Smith nominated to FedEx's board of directors
Richard Smith may soon have some more responsibilities at FedEx. The FedEx executive and son of the company's late founder, Fred Smith, has been nominated for the company's board of directors. The Memphis-based logistics giant's annual stockholders meeting is Sept. 29. Richard Smith currently serves as chief operating officer, International, and chief executive officer, Airline, at FedEx. He started at FedEx in May 2005. His jobs at the company have included serving as president and CEO of FedEx Express. "Richard possesses extensive FedEx experience and will represent the legacy and values of his father and family on the Board of Directors," R. Brad Martin, chairman of the FedEx board of directors, said in a letter. Fred Smith died of natural causes on June 21 in Memphis. A celebration of life event in honor of Smith was held on Aug. 11 at FedExForum in Downtown Memphis. FedEx hosted the event that was open to the public to celebrate the life of Smith on what would have been his 81st birthday. Memphis Mayor Paul Young presented a key to the City of Memphis to Fred Smith's family. Young also declared Aug. 11 as "Fred W. Smith Day." During the event, Richard Smith reassured Memphians that FedEx isn't going anywhere. Corey Davis is the Collierville and Germantown reporter with The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at or 901-293-1610. To keep up with the latest news from the Shelby County suburbs, sign up here for our Suburban Pulse weekly newsletter. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Richard Smith nominated to FedEx's board of directors Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Yahoo
07-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Venice Film Festival lineup includes made-in-Memphis 'Newport & the Great Folk Dream'
The new movie from Memphis author and filmmaker Robert Gordon will have its world premiere in September at the Venice Film Festival, the world's oldest and arguably most significant film showcase. Crafted from largely never-before-seen footage of Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Howlin' Wolf, Mississippi John Hurt and other artists, "Newport & the Great Folk Dream" is a documentary that covers the mid-1960s glory years of the Newport Folk Festival, including the infamous Dylan-goes-electric performance of 1965 that inspired the recent hit movie, "A Complete Unknown." "It began in Newport, it resided for decades in vaults in Long Island, and it was made in Midtown Memphis," said Gordon, 64, referring to his film and the long unseen footage that made it possible. "Honestly, this is a very prestigious festival," he added, "and I'm elated to be going." The critical and box-office success of director James Mangold's "A Complete Unknown," which earned eight Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor (for Timothée Chalamet, who played Dylan), is certain to elevate the profile of Gordon's movie, which presents authentic footage and provides context for some of the events dramatized in Mangold's film, which climaxes at the famous folk festival at Newport, Rhode Island. Gordon said he and his collaborators had been working almost eight years on the Newport documentary when Mangold's movie arrived, "so there's no way we could have planned the dovetailing. I need to send a thank you note to Timothée Chalamet and James Mangold for expanding the audience. Seriously, they made people aware of the subject of this film in a way that I never could have dreamed of." He said audiences who enjoyed "A Complete Unknown" are likely to find his "Newport" movie "very fulfilling, because it shows so much of what folk music was drawing from, and also the tension about change in folk music. Folk is about tradition, but even traditions change." MADE IN MEMPHIS: Pop stars, influencers — why not Jesus? Memphis filmmakers create 'vertical' faith content "Newport" is in part a collaboration between Gordon and New York-based producer Joe Lauro, a longtime archivist and documentary filmmaker who acquired the Newport footage from the late documentarian Murray Lerner. Lauro also rediscovered the footage that was the foundation of Questlove's Oscar-winning documentary, "Summer of Soul." In addition to writer-director Gordon, several Memphians played significant roles in the documentary, including editor and key collaborator Laura Jean Hocking (also a producer). Among the many other Memphians who contributed are producer Kim Bledsoe Lloyd and sound designer/mixer Kevin Houston. "The movie is heavy with Memphis connections," Gordon said. "The creative talent, the mixing... Memphis was able to supply us with access to what we needed, and everything was first class. There was no need to go elsewhere." A three-time Grammy winner for his scholarly and curatorial contributions to projects involving Stax Records and the the power pop band Big Star, Gordon has been an essential chronicler of Memphis-and-more music history for most of his adult life. Among his books are "It Came from Memphis" and "Muddy Waters: Can't Be Satisfied," and his filmography includes documentaries about Johnny Cash, Sun and Stax, and — outside of music, other than the music of witty conversation — the Gore Vidal-vs.-William F. Buckley debates of 1968. Debuting at the 93-year-old Venice Film Festival as an out-of-competition selection, "Newport & the Great Folk Dream" will unspool in a particularly glamorous environment and prestigious context, alongside new work by some of the world's most acclaimed and successful auteurs. Other movies set to premiere at Venice include Guillermo Del Toro's "Frankenstein," Jim Jarmusch's "Father Mother Sister Brother," and Kathryn Bigelow's political thriller, "A House of Dynamite." The Venice Film Festival runs Aug. 27-Sept. 9, with "Newport & the Great Folk Dream" premiering Sept. 5. The movie is almost certain to acquire a theatrical and streaming distribution deal at the festival or in the wake of its Venice exposure, and is likely to be made available to the general public next year. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Venice Film Festival lineup includes 'Newport & the Great Folk Dream' Solve the daily Crossword
Style Blueprint
14-07-2025
- Business
- Style Blueprint
She Launched Jasper Float Spa, the Mid-South's First Urban Wellness Retreat
Share with your friends! Pinterest LinkedIn Email Flipboard Reddit An accountant by trade with 15 years of corporate financial experience under her belt, this week's FACE of Memphis once helped others build their empires — before realizing she could build her own. Antwanette Crutcher is the visionary entrepreneur behind Jasper Float Spa & Wellness, the Mid-South's first urban wellness retreat. Offering sauna, massage, float therapy, and more, meet the woman who's helping Memphians recharge and avoid burnout. Pin What inspired you to open a luxury rest and recovery spa? During the pandemic, I worked from home around the clock, wore many hats, and felt overwhelmingly burned out. To help relieve stress, I took a girls' spa trip to California and experienced float therapy for the first time. It was very transformative and offered my mind relief for the first time that I could truly remember. In fact, that same night, I couldn't sleep due to a strong conviction about the business idea. My purpose and calling in that season became crystal clear: to help the busy and burned out find peace, rest, and balance when they need it most … without having to wait for a vacation. I envisioned a space that serves as an everyday rest and wellness haven. Before leaving the spa, I knew I was destined to launch a similar experience in Memphis. What lessons have you learned that have helped you become successful? Everything works together! All experiences, whether good or bad, are lessons to set you up for a successful future. One of my most valuable lessons was learning to thrive in the unknown. As an entrepreneur, this mindset is critical to adopt and sustain through every phase of scaling a business. You must also have a vision when navigating the unknown. It will keep you sane to remember why you're building as you trailblaze to the end goal, especially if you're building something the world has never seen. Which leads me to my last, most impactful lesson: exercising creativity is a superpower. Sometimes you are looking for a blueprint, but there is none. The universe is waiting for you to create it! You are the solution. Use what's in your hands and never despise small beginnings. Pin What philosophy guides your services and the overall experience at Jasper Float Spa & Wellness? Our guiding philosophy is a people-first approach, which is also our core value. We believe in treating every individual with kindness and care, providing a personalized experience that prioritizes helping our clients feel their absolute best in mind, body, and soul. What can someone new to float therapy expect? If you're new to float therapy, prepare for a uniquely calming and restorative experience. We offer a waterless float therapy called REST Therapy (Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy), which uses an innovative zero-gravity lounger and custom-blend high-density beading to cradle your body and mimic the sensation of floating, enhanced by a heated and weighted blanket. This meticulously designed environment minimizes external stimuli, allowing your mind and body to deeply relax into a meditative state, often leading to profoundly rejuvenating sleep. Our REST Therapy is designed for express rejuvenation, fitting seamlessly into your busy schedule. Unlike traditional float therapy, it doesn't require extensive pre- or post-float preparations, meaning you can tap into the power of deep rest on your own time. It's perfect for a quick reset, embodying our vision of being an everyday rest and wellness haven. Pin How do you make each visit feel personal? We genuinely care about your individual needs and preferences because we want you to feel your absolute best. Our highly skilled team is dedicated to providing a truly pampering experience, understanding that sometimes, you simply need someone else to take care of you. You don't have to bear the weight of caring for everyone else, including yourself — we've got you covered. We meticulously curate each detail to ensure your wellness experience allows you to fully relax and rejuvenate. Are there any new services, classes, or expansions in the works you're excited about? We've reached an exciting point where our success and the overwhelming demand for our rest and recovery services mean we've lovingly outgrown our current space. With an expanded team and a growing clientele base, we're eagerly looking forward to expanding our reach and impact, growing alongside the community by offering even more opportunities for profound relaxation and rejuvenation. Pin How do you stay grounded and well, especially as a small business owner? As a small business owner, maintaining a constant flow of rest is absolutely essential. For me, this involves a combination of daily, weekly, and monthly practices. Each morning, I prioritize renewing my mind and reviewing what truly matters, setting a focused tone for the day. My weekly routine includes dedicated time for physical rest, which is where my love for Sundays comes in. I love Sundays — easy like Sunday mornings! Those who know me know I don't work on Sundays and rarely attend Sunday events. That day is sacred for family time, rest, reflection, soul/spiritual nourishment, mind care, planning, and preparation for the week ahead. It's easily the secret sauce to my flow. Monthly practices further focus on mind and body care, and I'm truly blessed to employ some of the best therapists in Memphis to help with that. REST Therapy is my favorite of all our services, helping ensure all aspects of my well-being are addressed. If you could give one piece of wellness advice to every person who walks through your door, what would it be? Prioritize a constant flow of rest and intimately understand what you're truly grounded in. Consistent rest is the foundation for staying grounded and showing up with confidence. Knowing your purpose helps you navigate challenges, and when life is off balance, pause to reset. Personal well-being doesn't have to wait for a vacation. Aside from faith, family, and friends, what are three things you can't live without? A clear sense of purpose, the cultivation of positivity, and the restorative power nap. Pin Thank you, Antwanette! ********** For more inspirational FACES of Memphis, click HERE! About the Author Gaye Swan As a professional writer of over 20 years, Gaye is an avid traveler and enjoys highlighting food, culture, and attractions around the South. While Gaye is passionate about life in Memphis, she grew up in Meridian and is still a Mississippi girl at heart.
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘Greatest Memphian of all time': Former mayor reflects on relationship with Fred Smith
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Former Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland is reflecting on his time spent with FedEx founder Fred Smith, who died on Saturday. Strickland, a two-term mayor of the city, interacted with Smith often and on various projects. 'Such a unique, remarkable person that we've been blessed to have here in Memphis,' Strickland said. 'One of the honors I had as being mayor was getting to interact with Fred on a fairly regular basis.' Strickland says while he's shocked and saddened by his passing, he reflects on the business titan's remarkable impact. 'He is absolutely the greatest Memphian of all time,' Strickland said. 'I mean, think about 30,000 people in this area who work for FedEx. It's the largest private employer in the state. I remember when I would go to Mayor's conferences and we would talk about big employers. Thirty thousand is beyond belief for one city and one area, and he's allowed generations of Memphians to live the American dream.' City leaders offer condolences following Fred Smith's death Smith did so while also giving back. 'From the FedEx Forum to the FedEx Institute at the University of Memphis, every good thing in Memphis for 40 or 50 years involves him or his family or somebody at FedEx,' Strickland said. But his influence includes more than just donations to countless groups. 'And then on just a personal level, advising and mentoring so many people at FedEx and outside of FedEx, I took his advice all the time,' Strickland said. 'I remember I asked his advice on economic development, and he told me, 'Take care of your meds and eds,' meaning you're higher education facilities and you're medical facilities because they're going to be here for you. I put that into practice, and St. Jude wanted to expand, and they needed $25 million to greatly improve the sewer system down there in the Pinch [district]. We signed onto that immediately.' Strickland offers his advice to continue Fred Smith's legacy. 'Strive to be the best you can be, because he did and he achieved greatness. Now we may not be able to achieve or equal his greatness for sure, but we can be inspired to do our best, in our profession, in our education, in our personal lives, and as a community, engaged in our community. He excelled in all those areas,' Strickland said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Extra.ie
22-06-2025
- Business
- Extra.ie
Billionaire FedEx founder dies aged 80, leaving behind legacy and 10 children
Fred Smith, the billionaire entrepreneur who transformed the global delivery industry by founding FedEx, has died at the age of 80. Smith launched FedEx in 1973 with a groundbreaking idea: a faster, more efficient way to deliver small parcels and documents than the traditional postal service. Starting with just 14 aircraft operating out of Memphis International Airport, the company serviced 25 U.S. cities in its early days. His innovative 'hub and spokes' model, coordinating air cargo flights around a central hub, quickly became a cornerstone of modern logistics. Under Smith's leadership, FedEx grew into a global powerhouse, now delivering an astonishing 17 million parcels every day. His cause of death has not yet been confirmed. Under Smith's leadership, FedEx grew into a global powerhouse, now delivering an astonishing 17 million parcels every day. A Yale University graduate, Smith famously drew on a business theory he developed during his college years to create the foundation for FedEx. Worth an estimated $5.3 billion at the time of his death, according to Forbes, Smith was also a dedicated philanthropist. He donated millions to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, supporting the families of those who served. Though he stepped down as CEO in 2022, Smith remained deeply involved with the company as executive chairman. Fred Smith. Pic: Getty His passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from political and business leaders alike. Memphis's former mayor Jim Strickland called him 'the most significant Memphian in history,' adding: 'He benefited our city in every way possible and allowed generations of Memphians to achieve the American dream. God bless Fred Smith. My condolences to the Smith family.' Smith is survived by his wife and 10 children.
