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Fellow Downtowners,
Memphis in May is officially over and soon many of you will be able to resume your normal walking, biking, and driving routines along Riverside Drive. More than 200,000 people attended this year's festival and our local police officers did a great job of having a heavy presence to ensure a safe environment.
However the topic of safety has become more prevalent amongst downtowners lately due to some unfortunate recent occurrences in our city, and the DNA wants to make sure everyone is aware of some upcoming safety meetings. On June 16th there will be a safety meeting for all downtown residents and business owners at the Central Station Boardroom at 6pm. In addition we will begin getting safety updates from our local officers at our monthly DNA meetings starting this month.
We want to make sure that everyone is aware of what our officers are doing to deter crime as well as what downtown residents can do to support our police to ensure our zip code continues to be one of the safest in the city! I look forward to seeing you all at the safety meeting on June 16th and our next membership meeting on June 28th!
Mickell Lowery
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We hear from a BBQ finalist, a Best Booth winner, and two volunteers
This year marked the 39th anniversary of Memphis' World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. 235 barbecue teams from 22 states and five countries came to compete for $115K in prize money and global recognition as the world's best barbecue. It took 900 volunteers, including 200 barbecue judges, to pull the event off. But the numbers only tell part of the story. This year, the DNA recaps barbecue fest through the stories of a barbecue finalist, a booth champion, and two volunteers.
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A conversation with a 20-year trolley driver
The vintage trolleys of Downtown Memphis have held a special place in the hearts of locals and tourists alike since they began operation in 1993. Unfortunately, for the last two years MATA's trolley rail system has been offline, with the trolley division working to restore trolley cars and bring service back. This month we hear from a 20-year veteran Trolley driver on what it's like being in the driver's seat of Memphis' famous mode of transport, whether that be on tracks or tires.
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David Lenoir is our May speaker
This month the DNA heard from Shelby County Trustee, David Lenoir. As Trustee, Lenoir is essentially the County's banker and tax collector.
Lenoir is a lifelong Memphian. After a 20-year career in financial services, he was elected to Shelby County Trustee in 2010. Recently he was named Tennessee Trustee of the Year. Check out his thoughts on making Memphis financially literate, providing banking access to the "unbanked," and addressing blight in our city.
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Duncan-Willams hosts the 5th annual race and raises money for St. Jude
The Duncan-Williams Dragon Boat Races, in which hundreds of Memphians take to the river to row their hearts out and represent their organizations, are becoming an annual tradition at Mud Island River Park. Every year for the last five years, Duncan-Williams has partnered with a different non-profit organization to put on the event, helping fundraise and bring greater awareness to their cause. This year's event raised $65K for St. Jude, and the race winner was a local South Main business - CrossFit Hit & Run.
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Upcoming DNA Events
Our speaker and location details are still being finalized. Check facebook or our events page for updates.
Snacks and beverages will be available.
Attendance is Free for Members - $10 for Guests
June Happy Hour
Thursday, June 30, 6PM
Mark you calendars for our June happy hour, and check out our facebook page for location details sooner to the event
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DNA has a new website!
For the last few months your Communications team has been hard at work designing a new and modern website. You'll find the new site has a cleaner layout and is better integrated with our other communication vehicles like twitter and instagram. Check it out! We're still working out the kinks, so if you notice any issues, email us.
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DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD SAFETY MEETING: JUNE 16, 6PM
We know crime and safety are at the top of residents' minds right now. In response, a Downtown Neighborhood Safety Meeting has been planned for the South Main Association, Downtown Neighborhood Association as well as Downtown community residents with a mix of business owners.
The meeting will be held in the Boardroom of Central Station on June 16 at 6pm. The Boardroom and entrance is located downstairs on the GE Patterson side of Central Station 545 South Main Street.
In addition, the MPD has joined
Next Door, a neighborhood-based social network, to enhance communication with residents.
Sergeant Karen Rudolph is the main point of contact through the site.
If you missed the April Safety meeting at the Five Spot, check out the
recap here courtesy of Sharon Leicham.
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Downtown Security & Safety Numbers to know
North Main Police Station:
901-636-4099
DMC Downtown Security (including panhandling):
901-281-9146
Memphis Police Non-emergency:
901-454-COPS
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NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT: STREETDOG FOUNDATION
A nati
ve of downtown Memphis for 13
years, Melanie
Pafford discovered her mission in life to keep dogs away from
the pound. She helped found the Streetdog Foundation, which has rescued over 7
50 dogs off the streets and
helped influence volunteers from all parts of Memphis.
Read more about Melanie and her South Main non profit, the Streetdog Foundation, and mark your calendars!
June 12th from 1-6pm, High Cotton Brewery
will be supporting Streetdog by allowing you to meet adoptable pups who
get to
roam around the brewery
while you sip on $3 beer
!
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Mark your calendars: Other events for Downtowners this month
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Want to get more involved? Join a committee!
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COMMUNICATIONS
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EVENTS
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MEMBERSHIP
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The Communications Committee makes sure DNA members are kept aware of upcoming events and important downtown issues. Have a story idea or want to join the team?
Email Lauren Walker |
The Events Committee plans monthly membership meetings and social events. Know a great happy hour spot or event speaker? Want to be part of the planning team?
Email Felicia Miller |
The Membership Committee manages and grows our DNA member base. Have ideas for getting more people involved in DNA?
Email Terre Gorham or Peggy Williams |
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Know someone else who should be "Up on Downtown"?
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