Last week the Greater Memphis Chamber and FedEx welcomed a French delegation, for what participants believe is the beginning of an important and profitable working relationship.
The delegation came here to learn more about the FedEx SuperHub in Memphis, specifically, how its presence has helped to attract businesses here and to positively impact the local economy. The visitors hope to achieve similar economic development around the fast-growing FedEx hub at Roissy-Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris.
Developing economic activity around de Gaulle airport is an important element in FedEx’s global three-hub strategy. With hubs in Memphis, Paris, and now Guangzhou, China, the company has positioned itself to provide fast and efficient service to more than 98% of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP). A company with operations near these hubs can offer faster service to its customers worldwide by utilizing the later drop-off times available only at those three locations.
The French delegation consisted mostly of representatives of government and private groups charged with economic development in the Ile-de-France region surrounding de Gaulle airport.
The group also included Alain Chaille, FedEx Vice President of Operations, Southern Europe, and Elisabeth le Masson, Deputy Director of Sustainable Development, Aeroports de Paris (Paris Airports).
John Moore, President and CEO of the Greater Memphis Chamber, told the group that several dozen companies have located in Memphis to take advantage of direct access to FedEx’s overnight services, including Pfizer, Toshiba and the French company Technicolor (Thomson). He provided an overview of the Memphis economy, outlined the city’s prowess in all modes of transportation, and detailed FedEx’s role as a valuable corporate citizen in areas ranging from community sponsorship and charitable contributions to environmental responsibility.
Members of the delegation expressed great interest in how the Chamber and its local partners go after international business, and how development entities for the entire region work together in those efforts.
"FedEx’s global strategy means opportunity for both Memphis and Paris," speakers including FedEx Global Supply Chain Services President and CEO Tom Schmitt told the delegation. For example, a company already strong in Europe could enter the American market by opening a facility near the Memphis hub, where later drop-off times allow for faster service to customers. Conversely, an American company could enter the European market efficiently by establishing operations near the de Gaulle hub, which offers the same advantage in faster service. A company with operations near all three hubs – Memphis, Paris and Guangzhou – could maximize its global reach and offer faster service to its customers all over the world.
The visit to Memphis wasn’t all meetings and presentations, though. The delegation also toured the Memphis SuperHub, dined on Beale Street and visited Graceland. And what could be more international than FedEx, the blues and Elvis?
Consul General of Japan Strengthens Ties with Memphis by Lori Spicer
The Greater Memphis Chamber, Japanese Traders & Manufacturers Association of Memphis and the Japanese American Society of Tennessee welcomed Consul General of Japan in Nashville, Hiroshi Sato (Sah’toe), by hosting a reception held on Monday, January 26, 2009 at the University of Memphis Fogelman Executive Conference Center. Other attendees included the President & CEO of the Greater Memphis Chamber, John Moore; Shelby County Mayor, the Honorable Mayor AC Wharton; University of Memphis President, Dr. Shirley Raines; and President of NKC of America, Inc., Mr. Kiichiro Yamamoto.
For many years, the Consulate-General of Japan for the Southern states was located in New Orleans. The state of Tennessee, as well as Memphis is very fortunate to have the new Consulate-General now conveniently located in Nashville. The new Japanese Consul General, Hiroshi Sato, who will lead this new office and serve Japanese expatriates while promoting US-Japan trade.
Consul General Sato began his career with Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1973. Since then, he has faithfully represented Japan in countries around the world. The United States of America, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Egypt and most recently Hong Kong are a few of the countries that have benefited from his diplomacy.
Through this reception, the city of Memphis hopes to build a stronger relationship with the Consul General and increase business commerce between Memphis and Japan.
Following the reception guests were entertained by the Noh performers who traveled from Kyoto, Japan to Memphis to deliver the evening’s performance. Memphis was one of three stops the performers made in our region.
Born into a long tradition of Noh actors, Mr. Yasuhiro Urata, a renowned performer from the Kanze school of Noh, led the troupe consisting of actors and musicians.
Noh has developed over centuries and audiences enjoyed this unique glimpse into Japan’s classic masked theatrical art that combines music, dance and narrative.
