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The dawn of the ‘Digital Delta’ dream

By , Daily Memphian Updated: June 24, 2025 4:00 AM CT | Published: June 24, 2025 4:00 AM CT

The late FedEx founder and CEO, Frederick W. Smith, whose legacy lives on in Memphis and extends beyond the city’s borders, played a pivotal role in establishing the Digital Delta. 

The less than five-year-old initiative to establish the Memphis area as the “Digital Delta” has gained momentum recently with several advanced manufacturing and high-tech companies launching local operations. 


Elon Musk talks xAI in Memphis and beyond


Greater Memphis Chamber officials point to Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company xAI supercomputer and its continued expansion; the $50 million expansion of South Korea-based manufacturer Hyosung Hico’s Riverport Road plant; and Google’s plans to build a $10 billion data center development in West Memphis. 

“We’ve been successful in branding and marketing that and getting national and international recognition, which has now created an echo chamber,” said Ted Townsend, Chamber president and CEO. “People are calling it back to us now.” 

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Richard Smith Ted Townsend Greater Memphis Chamber Digital Delta Subscriber Only

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Sophia Surrett

Sophia Surrett

Sophia Surrett is a University of Alabama graduate, where she received her B.A. in news media and M.A. in journalism and media studies. She covers small business, nonprofits, restaurant real estate, hospitality and tourism and manufacturing.


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