FedEx is stepping back from the research and development program for a same-day bot to prioritize several nearer-term opportunities.

This week’s Inked highlights the Memphis Area Association of Realtors' September real estate report and CBRE’s third-quarter industrial and office report. 

Artisent Floors, ALLMemphis, Pickering Firm Inc. and Marx-Bensdorf Realtors announce promotions and additions.

On Tuesday, Oct. 11, the Center City Revenue Finance Corp. approved a 12-year PILOT for the $46.6 million Vic on Union development in the Medical District and provided updates on the Dream Hotel project. 

The Downtown Memphis Sheraton Hotel will be getting a significant makeover soon. 

The company announced Tuesday, Oct. 11, it has agreed to be acquired by Linde Gas & Equipment, a division of Linde PLC.

After flu hit historically low levels during the COVID-19 pandemic, it may be poised for a comeback. “This year we know flu is back,” said influenza specialist Richard Webby of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Tennessee voters have the opportunity to pass a constitutional amendment that would ban all-union workplaces and require unions to provide services for which workers do not have to pay.

During the first week of October, the river hit historic lows in Memphis, where it hovered just a few feet higher than the lowest recorded river level. 

After waiting some time for a space to open and COVID-19 to clear, Robb Hunter is ready to open his Tavern 64 next to his cigar store in Lakeland.

The news follows a particularly poor earnings quarter from the Memphis-based company, which announced several cost-cutting measures in September.

Related story:

FedEx volunteers bundle 20,000 care packages for members of armed forces

On Friday, Oct. 7, the co-founders of RDX, a trucking company, had the grand opening of their new $8.6 million facility at 4504 American Way. 

Christmas shoppers still have 79 days to go, but an onlooker Friday, Oct. 7, would have thought the holiday was already here as shoppers packed Agricenter International for the opening of the 19th annual Mistletoe Merchants.

The supplies will be sent to military training centers in the U.S. and remote locations worldwide.

Makeda’s began with a love story, a family recipe, nurses at The Med and a sick little girl. But it almost permanently closed after the killing of rapper Young Dolph there.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February, more than 1,200 companies around the world have curtailed their operations in the region.

The $6 billion acquisition is expected to close Wednesday, Oct. 12.

On Wednesday, Oct. 5 the Economic Development Administration announced the 51 recipients for its Build to Scale grant program including AgLaunch and University of Memphis. 

Texas-based Hunington Properties wants a 12-year PILOT for its 286-unit Vic on Union development at the former Office Depot site at 785 Union Ave. 

Jonesboro-based Six Land Company is planning to demolish the former Holliday Flowers site and build a $15.3 million, 105-unit apartment complex overlooking The Ravine.

The federal assistance comes months after pilots picketed outside the FedEx Express Air Operations Center with signs that read, “When the world shut down, FedEx pilots delivered.” 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that more than 275,000 additional nurses will be needed through 2030.

This week’s Inked covers news on Cushman & Wakefield’s industrial estate report, the new Rumble Boxing location and Drapac Capital leaving Memphis. 

The Memphis Shelby County Airport Authority will hold two sessions, the first on Tuesday, Oct. 25, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m, followed by a second meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Obsidian Public Relations announces four new promotions and additions.