Memphis Local, Sports, Business & Food News | Daily Memphian | Blake Fontenay

Where have all the workers gone?

bfontenay@dailymemphian.com (Blake Fontenay) — Sun, 20 Jun 2021 04:00:14 -0500

As the economy has started to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses have been having a hard time finding enough workers to meet the demand. Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons, the labor shortage might not be ending any time soon.

Did COVID-19 kill business travel?

bfontenay@dailymemphian.com (Blake Fontenay) — Sat, 19 Jun 2021 04:00:12 -0500

Business travel hasn’t resumed its pre-pandemic pace, even with vaccination rates rising and COVID-19 restrictions being lifted. Some are questioning if it ever will.

FedEx testing self-driving delivery vehicles

bfontenay@dailymemphian.com (Blake Fontenay) — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 14:24:55 -0500

FedEx has announced a new partnership with Nuro, a provider of self-driving vehicles, to enhance its parcel delivery system.

FedEx increases dividend payments

bfontenay@dailymemphian.com (Blake Fontenay) — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 09:09:33 -0500

The dividends will be payable July 12 to people on record as stockholders by the close of business June 28.

Alternate route: Bridge-detour signs could be clearer

bfontenay@dailymemphian.com (Blake Fontenay) — Wed, 9 Jun 2021 14:36:08 -0500

Memphians know how to detour around the closed Hernando DeSoto Bridge, but electronic signs aren’t as helpful for out-of-town visitors as they could be.

FedEx Supply Chain staffing up another warehouse

bfontenay@dailymemphian.com (Blake Fontenay) — Tue, 8 Jun 2021 21:37:18 -0500

Job offers will be made on the spot, and employment will begin immediately for the applicants selected.

Real estate executive and philanthropist Robert Fogelman dies

bfontenay@dailymemphian.com (Blake Fontenay) — Tue, 8 Jun 2021 06:16:59 -0500

Robert Fogelman was devoted to numerous civic causes, particularly providing support to the University of Memphis.

Details released on Buttigieg visit

bfontenay@dailymemphian.com (Blake Fontenay) — Wed, 2 Jun 2021 15:49:04 -0500

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is visiting Memphis to learn more about the damage to the Hernando DeSoto Bridge.

FedEx Supply Chain hiring more than 100 workers

bfontenay@dailymemphian.com (Blake Fontenay) — Tue, 1 Jun 2021 12:06:58 -0500

The company is trying to fill a variety of positions at its warehouse in Olive Branch.

New bridge movement energized by Hernando DeSoto closure

bfontenay@dailymemphian.com (Blake Fontenay) — Fri, 28 May 2021 19:49:15 -0500

The closure of the Hernando DeSoto Bridge has re-energized supporters of a plan to add a new bridge across the Mississippi River in the Memphis area for cars and trucks.

Protect Our Aquifer hires 'water warrior' as new leader

bfontenay@dailymemphian.com (Blake Fontenay) — Fri, 28 May 2021 16:01:36 -0500

Sarah Houston, who has devoted her career to water resource management and protection, will lead Protect Our Aquifer as the nonprofit group enters a new phase of its existence.

Vacation travel is back, but what will it look like?

bfontenay@dailymemphian.com (Blake Fontenay) — Fri, 28 May 2021 04:00:02 -0500

After months of being cooped up at home, people are traveling again. That may pose some new challenges in the hospitality industry, though.

Federal money for bridge repairs may be on the way

bfontenay@dailymemphian.com (Blake Fontenay) — Thu, 27 May 2021 15:53:48 -0500

U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty is one of the co-sponsors of legislation that could provide funding to repair the Hernando DeSoto Bridge, build a new bridge across the Mississippi River, or both.

Memphis chamber taps new workforce development chief

bfontenay@dailymemphian.com (Blake Fontenay) — Wed, 26 May 2021 18:46:39 -0500

The Greater Memphis Chamber is hiring Amity Schuyler, a seasoned veteran of nonprofit and government work, to oversee its efforts to promote workforce development in the community.

State legislators call for third bridge to Memphis

bfontenay@dailymemphian.com (Blake Fontenay) — Wed, 26 May 2021 14:05:33 -0500

Two state legislators from Tennessee say planning needs to begin immediately for a third bridge in Shelby County crossing the Mississippi River.

First phase of bridge repair complete

bfontenay@dailymemphian.com (Blake Fontenay) — Tue, 25 May 2021 14:49:07 -0500

The first phase of repairs on the Hernando DeSoto Bridge is complete, state transportation officials announced Tuesday, May 25.

AutoZone reports strong sales growth

bfontenay@dailymemphian.com (Blake Fontenay) — Tue, 25 May 2021 12:49:48 -0500

AutoZone reported another strong quarter of sales and earnings growth.

Help wanted: FedEx division hopes to hire 150 warehouse workers

bfontenay@dailymemphian.com (Blake Fontenay) — Tue, 25 May 2021 09:22:02 -0500

FedEx is particularly interested in hiring experienced forklift drivers and will pay $21.50 per hour.

Will AutoZone feel jolt of electric cars in future?

bfontenay@dailymemphian.com (Blake Fontenay) — Mon, 24 May 2021 11:56:42 -0500

The rise in popularity of electric cars almost certainly means changes ahead for the automotive industry, but that’s not necessarily a doomsday scenario for companies like Memphis-based AutoZone Inc.

Pipeline opponents cite Civil Rights Act in legal argument

bfontenay@dailymemphian.com (Blake Fontenay) — Sat, 22 May 2021 04:00:05 -0500

Opponents of the Byhalia Connection pipeline project are making the argument that a state permit for the project was issued in violation of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964.