IFTI Co-Hosts Mid-South Aerotropolis Conference with the Greater Memphis Chamber

On Tuesday, April 10th, IFTI welcomed 300 people to the U of M campus for the Mid-South Aerotropolis Conference. Participants included local and national elected officials and business professionals from the Memphis area. Dr. Shirley Raines, president of the University of Memphis, opened up the conference by greeting this exceptional group. The speakers for this event were outstanding and included Secretary Shaun Donovan – the Secretary of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, TN Senator Lamar Alexander, TN Representative Steve Cohen, TN Representative Jimmy Duncan, Jr., AR Representative Rick Crawford, Memphis City Mayor AC Wharton, Jr, Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell, Jr., CEO of FedEx Fred Smith, and Airport Authority Director Larry Cox – to name a few. The conference explored the Aerotropolis Economic Development Strategy and how it has been applied in airport cities around the world. It reviewed the Memphis Model for Aerotropolis, its leadership and results to date. Finally, there was a discussion on how Memphis can capitalize on its transportation infrastructure to move the needle forward for jobs, capital investment and neighborhood revitalization.