Setting Our Sights on Bio-Logistics

In the June BioBiz column, I discussed the concept of bio-logistics and Memphis’ need to focus on the “bio” aspects of the equation.  With the world’s busiest cargo airport, FedEx’s World Headquarters, five Class I railroads, daily nonstop flights to Europe and Mexico, the fourth largest inland port in the United States, two major interstate systems (with two more planned), and two foreign trade zones, our city is certainly a leader in logistics.  Now is the time to build upon that strength to become a better leader in bio-logistics.

Collaborative Bioscience Community Advances Memphis’ Postion as Hub of Bioscience Activity

For Memphis to raise its level of competitiveness in the bioscience industry, the city needs to work towards building a collaborative bioscience community.  In this collaborative community, companies can share skills, resources and knowledge, to everyone’s benefit.  Working together will promote greater innovation, higher productivity, increased inward investment and more start-up companies incubated in Memphis.

Bio-Logistics or Bio-Logistics

We talk a lot in Memphis about the concept of building leadership in bio-logistics. It is something we need to be doing. It is something that builds from our business heritage in Memphis and the mid-south. And yet, I don’t believe we are all talking about the same thing – and the differences in our vision and point of reference will make a very big difference in where we end up.

Biotechnology Moving Ahead with Boost from Memphis Fast Forward Initiative

When local and private officials commissioned a study to help drive Memphis’ economic development, the initial news was enlightening. Conducted by Atlanta-based Market Street Services and commissioned by Memphis Tomorrow, Memphis Regional Chamber, Memphis Mayor W.W. Herenton and Shelby County Mayor AC Wharton, the study found that Memphis and Shelby County have the “most under-funded economic development plan in the nation.”

The Search for a Chancellor at UTHSC Presents and Opportunitiy for Memphis and Tennessee

The opening of the chancellor’s position at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) in Memphis presents an excellent opportunity for Memphis and Tennessee to make a statement about our position and vision in the biosciences. The biosciences will influence, or even dominate, much of the world’s business growth in the foreseeable future, and many communities are staking claim to a leadership role. The quality and caliber of the person sought by the university and its board will say a lot about what role we intend to play.

A Solid Education Foundation is Critical for Area’s Bioscience Plans

The availability of higher education is an important part of any community’s ability to maintain a stable economy with well-paying jobs. In Memphis, the development of a thriving bio-economy is in large part dependent upon our ability to create a highly knowledgeable workforce with experience in the bioscience industries.

Community Connectivity: Why A Fiber Optic Network is Necessary to Memphis

Information Technology is changing the way organizations around the world are doing business. Wireless, IP telephony and other network solutions are being utilized to improve safety, enhance services and generate educational excellence. However, many organizations are using technology in isolation – they are connected internally, but lack the community connectivity that can foster innovation and collaboration across a variety of different organizations and industries, as well as drive a competitive economy.

25X’25 Initiative Pushes Nation to Set Standards, Goals for Renewable Energy Use

On Tuesday, February 27, Brent Bailey, Southeast coordinator for the 25X’25 Action Plan, announced plans to present Congress with specific recommendations for reaching an ambitious renewable energy goal to supply 25 percent of the nation’s energy supply from renewable sources by 2025. The plan was developed and is supported by a broad alliance of more than 400 agricultural, energy, business, labor and environmental groups.

Bio Agriculture Offers More than Crop Benefits – Industrial and Manufacturing Industries Stand to Gain As Well

A few weeks ago, The Commercial Appeal ran an editorial (Agricenter Positioned to Make Agriprogress) that I had written about the 50-year easement preventing commercial development at Shelby Farms and how that translates into an opportunity for Agricenter International to become a leader in the bio agriculture industry. In this BioBiz column, I would like to discuss how the industrial and manufacturing industries can benefit from bio agriculture in the years to come.

2006 Recap

Only five years ago, the Memphis Bioworks Foundation started out with three simple goals to help Memphis become an internationally recognized center for bioscience. Grow the workforce. Build the infrastructure. Promote entrepreneurship.