Meanwhile in Memphis with New Memphis

Memphis is THE place for collaboration, and our friends at The Daily Memphian recently invited New Memphis President & CEO Anna Mullins Ellis to their studio for an episode of their podcast, The Sidebar, which is hosted by The Daily Memphian CEO, Eric Barnes. We are thrilled to have such collaborative partners on the airwaves, and we’ll be airing their conversation today!

Host: Eric Barnes

Guest: Anna Mullins Ellis

This conversation originally aired here as an Episode of The Sidebar with Eric Barnes on May 18, 2026.

One Memphis-based company has embedded itself in the city and the community through a legacy of leadership and a model for talent attraction and retention. Joe Lyons (Barr Brands) and Scott Beal (Barr Brands) share the impact of two major milestones in today's conversation.

Resources mentioned in this podcast include:

Barr Brands

Memphis-Based Barr Brands Marks 80 Years in Business and 30 Years of Employee Ownership

Meet the Chairman’s Circle: Joe Lyons of Barr Brands

2023 CFO of the Year finalist Joe Lyons with Barr Brands International

This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

Memphis' economic advantage is its young people. New Memphis always says that our city's greatest resource is its people. Today, we will be focusing on one subset of the population and how they are poised to make the most impact. Join us as we take a look back to take a step forward. Longtime journalist Tom Jones and economics professor Dr. David Ciscel join us to share insights on the economic structure of Memphis, provide context for why specific decisions were made, and a platform where Memphis has the economic advantage — its young people!

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

The Advantage of Age in Memphis Magazine by Tom Jones

David Ciscel LinkedIn

David Ciscel ResearchGate

Memphis Poverty Fact Sheet 2024

Tom Lee Park

Learn more about the 1979 Memphis Jobs Conference, convened by then-Gov. Lamar Alexander, here and here

Tom Jones shares insights on urban sprawl

Smart City Consulting

The Sidebar conversation with Anna Mullins Ellis

This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

Shelby County students can earn and learn through a collaborative model for student success. Talking about this innovative partnership from both the logistical side and the employer perspective are Cortney Richardson (Peer Power) and Roxy Nunnally (4D Marketing and Business Solutions Firm Corporation).

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Peer Power

Peer Power's Earn and Learn program

4D Marketing and Business Solutions Firm Corporation

Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development

Previous conversations on workforce development can be found

New Memphis Summer Experience

Memphis Shelby County Schools

This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

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Shelby County government provides free community-based resources to help youth and their families overcome obstacles. From therapy sessions to early intervention and alternatives to arrest and detention, the Shelby County Youth and Family Resource Center exists to meet the needs of youth and families in Shelby County. This conversation — led by Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris — illuminates innovation at work and showcases real impact. Tune in to learn how Shelby County is collaborating to build brighter futures for youth in Memphis and Shelby County with Amy Kalb (Shelby County Youth and Family Resource Center) and Mollie Barker Cook (National Assessment Center Association).

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Shelby County Youth and Family Resource Center

Youth Connect

National Assessment Center Association

https://www.nacassociation.org/ Shelby County Youth & Family Resource Center on Instagram

This episode is made possible in partnership with Shelby County Government.

Find out more at https://meanwhile-in-memphis.pinecast.co