ORION'S NEW HQEarlier this week, Orion Federal Credit Union started its move to a brand new corporate headquarters. More than 150 employees are set to make the pilgrimage from the current Wolfchase site to the Edge District, with Orion setting up shop inside the former Wonder Bread factory at 400 Monroe Ave.The move has been in the works since 2017, when Orion leadership decided that a new location could be of benefit both to the company and to the city. A core tenet of the credit union’s mission is to give back to the community. With the Wonder Bread factory having been vacant since 2013, it was a good candidate to be repurposed.“When considering a new location for our headquarters, we saw an opportunity to benefit Memphis and the communities we serve,” said Orion CEO Daniel Weickenand in a press release. “A strong city core can create a ripple effect for development and energy throughout the region. We’re proud to be a part of that with this move.”Board chairman Andrew Fowlkes agreed that the new headquarters needed to provide a boost to Memphis. “The location in the Edge was chosen when the Orion leadership agreed that the organization could strategically position their corporate headquarters to anchor a historic Memphis neighborhood, end blight, spur commercial and residential growth, and reinforce a critical connection between the Medical District and Downtown Memphis.”While the building retains the large Wonder Bread sign with updated lighting, architectural partner Looney Ricks Kiss used the building’s existing foundation to craft a more modern-looking space. The building isn’t Orion’s first foray into reducing blight: back in 2017, the company set up a Silver LEED certified location at a remediated brownfield site across from Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.-Samuel X. CicciWHAT'S GOING ON- The nominations have started coming in: Inside Memphis Business has been recognizing the top thinkers and doers in the city for several years. Our seventh annual IMB Innovation Awards issue is coming in September and we want your nominations for these people and organizations that are at the forefront of evolution — tinkerers, questioners, visionaries — who keep the machine of commerce oiled. Last year’s winners covered a range of areas, from medicine to music, education to civics. When you send us your nominations of the best and brightest candidates, please include any pertinent biographical or business information, and why the person, business, or organization should be recognized as a leader among innovators. Email your nomination to sparks@
UPCOMING- Girls, Inc. of Memphis hosts its annual fundraiser to recognize girls and women who possess the three characteristics that define Girls Inc.: strong, smart, and bold. The Celebration Luncheon is Wednesday, June 12th, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Holiday Inn, University of Memphis. girlsincmemphis.org- Wine Down for BizTown: Junior Achievement’s event tasks teams of participants to blind-taste-test various vintages to see which style of wine is the most popular among the crowd. Food and live music are also available at the event. Proceeds go toward Junior Achievement of Memphis. June 14, 6 to 9 p.m. Junior Achievement, 307 Madison Ave. $30/person. juniorachievement.
POWER PLAYER
Inside Memphis Business magazine publishes a list of local Power Players every year. These are the movers and shakers in more than 30 categories who get things done in their respective fields. IMB’s April issue has the complete list. We also publish individual categories in other issues throughout the year, and we feature individual Power Players in our weekly Tip Sheet.This week’s Power Player is James F. Collins, principal, Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. B.S., Civil Engineering, University of Memphis. Projects include Environmental Impact Statement for a new multimodal bridge over the Mississippi River in Memphis, design of Elvis Presley Boulevard improvements, industrial warehouses, I-240/Airways interchange, Memphis/Shelby County traffic signal coordination, and redesign of Saddle Creek South. 2010 ACEC Featured Engineer.For the complete list of Inside Memphis Business Power Players, go here.QUOTABLE“There’s really no limit to what we want to do here.”- Da’Livya Gordon of Dee’lightful Bliss Bakery in the new Puck Food Hall, quoted in Memphis magazine.TAKE NOTEOne of Memphis magazine’s most popular issues comes out in August. The City Guide is a keeper with invaluable listings of places to go and stories covering what you need to know about Memphis, whether you’re a newcomer or long-timer. Features include “Who’s Who in Memphis,” a roster of movers and shakers in town. You’ll also find top restaurants, places to go, guides to theater and arts, music, and nightlife, and what you need to know about education and healthcare. Advertisers: contact Margie Neal, neal@contemporary-media.
UPCOMING- Girls, Inc. of Memphis hosts its annual fundraiser to recognize girls and women who possess the three characteristics that define Girls Inc.: strong, smart, and bold. The Celebration Luncheon is Wednesday, June 12th, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Holiday Inn, University of Memphis. girlsincmemphis.org- Wine Down for BizTown: Junior Achievement’s event tasks teams of participants to blind-taste-test various vintages to see which style of wine is the most popular among the crowd. Food and live music are also available at the event. Proceeds go toward Junior Achievement of Memphis. June 14, 6 to 9 p.m. Junior Achievement, 307 Madison Ave. $30/person. juniorachievement.POWER PLAYERInside Memphis Business magazine publishes a list of local Power Players every year. These are the movers and shakers in more than 30 categories who get things done in their respective fields. IMB’s April issue has the complete list. We also publish individual categories in other issues throughout the year, and we feature individual Power Players in our weekly Tip Sheet.This week’s Power Player is James F. Collins, principal, Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. B.S., Civil Engineering, University of Memphis. Projects include Environmental Impact Statement for a new multimodal bridge over the Mississippi River in Memphis, design of Elvis Presley Boulevard improvements, industrial warehouses, I-240/Airways interchange, Memphis/Shelby County traffic signal coordination, and redesign of Saddle Creek South. 2010 ACEC Featured Engineer.For the complete list of Inside Memphis Business Power Players, go here.QUOTABLE“There’s really no limit to what we want to do here.”- Da’Livya Gordon of Dee’lightful Bliss Bakery in the new Puck Food Hall, quoted in Memphis magazine.TAKE NOTEOne of Memphis magazine’s most popular issues comes out in August. The City Guide is a keeper with invaluable listings of places to go and stories covering what you need to know about Memphis, whether you’re a newcomer or long-timer. Features include “Who’s Who in Memphis,” a roster of movers and shakers in town. You’ll also find top restaurants, places to go, guides to theater and arts, music, and nightlife, and what you need to know about education and healthcare. Advertisers: contact Margie Neal, neal@contemporary-media.
