The Greater Memphis Chamber’s Annual Chairman’s Luncheon, held Wednesday, Dec. 10, unfolded as both a high-energy celebration of the city’s economic momentum and a moment of collective reflection on the life of one of Memphis’ most transformative figures.
As about 1,000 attendees took their seats, music from the Garry Goin Band ignited the celebration. However, the program officially opened with full pomp and spectacle with a parade down the center of The Peabody Grand Ballroom, led by Memphis hip-hop pioneer, Al Kapone, the University of Memphis pep band, Sound of the South, pom squad and Pouncer the Tiger. The processional set an atmosphere of civic pride and forward-looking optimism.
Kapone announced that the Chamber was recognized with the national honor of Chamber of the Year Award from the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), a distinction Executive Director Ted Townsend attributed directly to Memphis’ trajectory. “Your chamber is greater because our city is greater,” said Townsend.
The momentum paused for a solemn tribute to Frederick W. Smith, the FedEx founder who passed away earlier this year. Born in 1944 and raised by a single mother, Smith’s family roots in transportation — from a grandfather who captained steamboats to a father who early-on drove Greyhound buses — shaped his lifelong focus on commerce and logistics.
A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Smith revolutionized global shipping in April 1973 when FedEx launched with 185 packages on its first night; the company now moves more than 17 million packages daily. A tribute video emphasized Smith’s belief in “shrinking time and distance and advancing global progress.”
Richard Smith reflected on his father’s legacy. He described Fred Smith as a man who preferred productivity over recognition, offering kindness anonymously and treating everyone with dignity. A believer in preparation and discipline, he often cited the adage, “Prior planning prevents poor performance.” Richard Smith noted that his father prized the FedEx “PSP” philosophy — People-Service-Profit — and the “Purple Promise” to always deliver outstanding service, while maintaining unwavering calm under pressure.
In honor of his father’s impact, Richard Smith announced that the city’s airport will be named for the logistics giant.
Smith said his father was a humble leader who preferred team accomplishments to personal accolades. “If we want to honor his legacy, fill the void he left,” he said. “Keep moving forward in commerce and innovation.”
Throughout the luncheon, Memphis’ corporate community highlighted its role in sustaining that progress. Executives from the Peabody, Kroger and Valero emphasized their contributions to the regional economy, including Valero’s role as the state’s only oil refinery and its commitment to safe production of the fuel that powers the region.
Outgoing chamber Chairman Greg Duckett reflected on his term, which included the Chamber receiving its national honor. His father, present at 92 years old, received recognition from the stage.
Incoming Chairman Duncan Williams was introduced through a humorous video, featuring the Memphis Grizzlies hype team and even Williams’ mother. His remarks focused on the good news unfolding across the region.
One highlight was the recognition of Adrian Maclin, a Memphis-Shelby County Schools fine arts educator named Grammy Music Educator of the Year. In a video segment, Maclin described the joy of watching students experience “a-ha moments” and build confidence. His Cordova High School students, who recently performed “I Dream a World,” were applauded as examples of Memphis’ artistic potential.
Keeping it Memphis, Central High School’s award-winning Jazz Band, led by Country Music Hall of Famer Ollie Lidell, also shared a few musical numbers during the luncheon.
Townsend used his keynote remarks to outline the chamber’s economic development strategy, positioning Memphis as “America’s Digital Delta.” With a regional footprint spanning nine counties and three states, he emphasized the growing importance of information movement alongside traditional logistics.
Major technology investments are reshaping the tri-state area, including Google’s newest data center projects in West Memphis and new industrial opportunities in Rossville, Tennessee. Laurel Brown, Google’s head of data center public affairs, highlighted the company’s $4 billion investment, climate-conscious design and commitment to local workforce development, including free AI training for 10,000 residents. “We maintain a healthy disregard for the impossible,” Brown said. “This investment will spark and sustain economic growth.”
Townsend acknowledged regional mayors in attendance, including Memphis Mayor Paul Young,West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon and Rossville Mayor Judy Watters.
With Smith joining him back on stage, Townsend announced that Legacy Power Capital intends to establish a “Neural Nexus” innovation hub downtown, spanning two blocks near FedExForum and Beale Street. The project will pursue sovereign cloud computing initiatives and attract top researchers in collaboration with the city’s two Carnegie R1 classified research institutions, University of Memphis and University of Tennessee Health Science Center.
Memphis’ economic performance, Townsend noted, validates the chamber’s strategic direction. The region surpassed $100 billion in gross regional product, logged 111 ribbon cuttings, welcomed 10 major corporate projects in 2025, and attracted $23.7 billion in capital investment.
“We used to chase companies; now companies are chasing Memphis,” said Townsend. “The underdog has become the overachiever. We are no longer the backup option; we are the first call.”
Looking ahead, the chamber forecasts 50 active projects for 2026, totaling 11,100 new jobs and $8.6 billion in additional investment. Thirty percent of those projects originate outside Memphis, signaling rising national interest.
The luncheon concluded with a big reveal for Memphis in May: The festival will salute Ireland in 2026.
Williams followed up with his priorities for the year ahead to renew civic engagement, which include workforce and economic development, a revitalized downtown and a coordinated strategy to “share the good news” about Memphis’ progress.
The event closed with a spirited performance of “Happy” by the Tennessee Mass Choir, featuring soul singer Marcus Scott, underscoring the afternoon’s message: Memphis’ momentum is real, growing and increasingly united. The streamers and pyro were a nice touch, too.
