cityCURRENT

cityCURRENT We connect businesses with community to power the GOOD through events, media, and philanthropy.

cityCURRENT is a privately-funded catalyst focused on creating and sharing moments and media to inspire and . A team of partner businesses, comprised of some of the largest employers in the world to mid-size and smaller firms in the Mid-South, have partnered together to become a force for good to give back, host more than 150 free community events each year, and produce an array of po

sitive-oriented media. The name cityCURRENT pays homage to three important aspects of our efforts. It plays off our media and television shows, like The SPARK and The SPARK Awards, inviting you to join with us in being the electric current powering GOOD in our community, to be the current of our city, the cityCURRENT. It also ties to our championing the Mid-South and the current of the Mighty Mississippi River. And, it refers to the here and now, the current impact of our events and efforts. Since our founding in 2005, cityCURRENT has served the community by hosting seminars and workshops, weekly getCONNECTED lunches and panel discussions, bringing in national guest speakers with our Signature Speaker Series, and coordinating a variety of other events to enrich and engage the community. These events are underwritten by our corporate partners, so they are FREE to attend. We provide easy, turnkey opportunities for organizations and individuals to become more engaged in the community and strategically leverage our charitable giving and collective resources to make an even greater impact. We host a variety of volunteer days, action projects, nonprofit and school tours, and other experiential opportunities to see the GOOD. Recent examples include tutoring after school, mentoring, scrubbing graffiti off of buildings and bridges, washing the feet of over 3,000 kids and providing them with new shoes and socks, providing a wounded Veteran Hero a mortgage free home, picking up over 90,000 pounds of trash from McKellar Lake and the Mississippi River, spearheading the Fallen Officer Memorial, creating and promoting the Power of the Dollar Campaign ("buy local"), launching a civic pride effort called "Memphis Rocks," and hosting a Film Festival screening and telethon. One the media side, we produce and host television and radio shows, along with a podcast. We have a weekly newspaper column and two books that focus on achieving success in life and business while helping others in the process; and both books give back to support youth literacy programs. We hire freelance journalists to cover positive stories under the banners of GOODworks and River City Rising. And, we also contribute to national media outlets, like PBS and Forbes. All of our efforts are focused on spotlighting positive news and efforts, lessons learned, tips and ways you can join in the effort and become an even greater force for good. Overall, cityCURRENT interacts with over 50,000 leaders on a weekly basis and has received international recognition for our innovative approach to corporate philanthropy. We're working hard every day to create a new model and way for organizations and citizens to come together and make a difference; where engagement is free, volunteerism is easy, the good is celebrated, and giving back is woven into every event and effort.

Finding Your Imperfect Happy: A Powerful Morning with Kristel Bauer - Live GreatlyHappiness isn’t just a feel-good conce...
01/24/2025

Finding Your Imperfect Happy: A Powerful Morning with Kristel Bauer - Live Greatly

Happiness isn’t just a feel-good concept—it’s a business strategy. At our cityCURRENT Signature Speaker Series event, keynote speaker and TEDx thought leader Kristel Bauer shared powerful insights on how embracing happiness can drive productivity, innovation, and resilience in the workplace.

With lessons from her book, Work-Life Tango, Kristel provided actionable strategies for fostering a growth mindset, enhancing leadership, and creating a culture of excellence—all essential for personal and professional success.

Thank you to AutoZone for hosting this impactful conversation and Creation Studios for capturing these moments.

Check out the photos and let’s continue to prioritize well-being and performance in our work and lives.

Watch the presentation online via our GROWTHcurrent platform here: https://growthcurrent.com/find-your-imperfect-happy-with-kristel-bauer/

🗣: Kristel Bauer, Live Greatly
🤝: Charter Partner Host - AutoZone
⛪️: Invocation - Marlon Foster, Knowledge Quest
🎨: Charity Spotlight - ARTSmemphis

Join us NOW for our virtual cityCURRENT Memphis Signature Event Series featuring Kristel Bauer, a renowned corporate wel...
01/24/2025

Join us NOW for our virtual cityCURRENT Memphis Signature Event Series featuring Kristel Bauer, a renowned corporate wellness and performance expert.

Kristel will share insights from her book, Work-Life Tango: Finding Happiness, Harmony, and Peak Performance Wherever You Work, offering actionable strategies to enhance well-being and success in both personal and professional spheres.

This event is hosted by AutoZone and promises to be an inspiring session you won’t want to miss. Tune in live to gain valuable knowledge on fostering growth mindsets, peak performance, and a culture of excellence. 

Join us Friday, January 24, for our cityCURRENT signature speaker series event featuring Kristel Bauer, a corporate wellness and performance expert, keynote speaker, and TEDx speaker supporting org…

"Everybody can be great because anybody can serve...You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”
01/20/2025

"Everybody can be great because anybody can serve...You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”

01/18/2025

The theme of this month's episode The SPARK January 2025 is “A Platform to Change Lives”. Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Tina Tatum, Founder of Tina Tatum Ministries and GatHER, and owner of Coffee Central and Ethnos Coffee Roasters, a woman-owned coffee roaster with coffee shops bringing people together to gatHER for a greater good.

Learn more: https://citycurrent.com/2025/01/18/the-spark-a-platform-to-change-lives/

01/18/2025

The theme of this month's episode The SPARK January 2025 is “A Platform to Change Lives”. Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Andy Mears, West Tennessee Regional Director for Tennessee Golf Foundation and First Tee Tennessee – Memphis, a youth development organization introducing the game of golf and its inherent values to young people.

Learn more: https://citycurrent.com/2025/01/18/the-spark-a-platform-to-change-lives/

01/17/2025

TONIGHT The theme of The SPARK is “A Platform to Change Lives”

Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Andy Mears, West Tennessee Regional Director for Tennessee Golf Foundation and First Tee, a youth development organization introducing the game of golf and its inherent values to young people; Jason Baker, Executive Director of Champions for Literacy, a nonprofit using the power of sports to impact childhood reading; and Tina Tatum, Founder of GatHER - Women, and owner of Coffee Central and Ethnos Coffee, a woman-owned coffee roaster with coffee shops bringing people together to gatHER for a greater good.

Watch TONIGHT at 7:30PM or Sunday at 12PM on WKNO or stream LIVE at wkno.org or with the App.

After an incredible 45+year career, our longtime Mike Pohlman is retiring from Pickering Firm, Inc.! Mike has been a d...
01/16/2025

After an incredible 45+year career, our longtime Mike Pohlman is retiring from Pickering Firm, Inc.! Mike has been a driving force in engineering and community development, leaving a lasting impact on both his colleagues and the communities he has served.

Mike's leadership, dedication, and commitment to excellence and mentorship have helped shape the industry and inspire future generations of engineers. His contributions to Pickering Firm and the Memphis business community will be felt for years to come.

From all of us at cityCURRENT, we want to express our deepest gratitude for his partnership, passion, and unwavering support of our mission to . Mike, we wish you all the best in this next chapter—may it be filled with relaxation, adventure, and well-deserved time with family and friends!

What a beautiful produced legacy piece, Creation Studios!

After more than 45 years with Pickering, CEO Mike Pohlman will retire in June 2025, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, collaboration, and a commitment to Service and Good Work . From his start as a young engineer to guiding the firm through transformative milestones, Mike has been a driving f

We’re diving into Work-Life Tango by as we gear up for her keynote on January 24 at the hosted cityCURRENT Signature S...
01/16/2025

We’re diving into Work-Life Tango by as we gear up for her keynote on January 24 at the hosted cityCURRENT Signature Speaker Series event in Memphis and streaming globally!

This book unpacks the secret to balancing happiness, harmony, and peak performance—wherever you work. If you’re looking for a fresh perspective on work-life integration, this is one to add to your reading list.

Who’s excited to hear from Kristel next Friday?

🚨 Nonprofit leaders, this is for YOU!Join us on Friday, February 7th, from 8:30–10:00 AM CT, for our next GET ON BOARD V...
01/14/2025

🚨 Nonprofit leaders, this is for YOU!
Join us on Friday, February 7th, from 8:30–10:00 AM CT, for our next GET ON BOARD Virtual Nonprofit Workshop! Facilitated by Katie Spencer, an expert from Zipline Consulting, this session— Board Engagement is No Longer a Nice-to-Do— will give you the tools to inspire, energize, and engage your board for maximum impact.

💻 RSVP now to make 2025 the year your board transforms your organization: https://citycurrent.com/2025/01/14/02-07-get-on-board-virtual-nonprofit-workshop-board-engagement-is-no-longer-a-nice-to-do/

In today’s fast-paced and complex nonprofit world, board engagement is no longer optional—it’s essential. Join us on Friday, February 7 from 8:30 – 10:00 AM Central for our Assisi Foundation …

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Katie Spencer, Founder of Zipline Consulting, who highlights how her company partners wi...
01/14/2025

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Katie Spencer, Founder of Zipline Consulting, who highlights how her company partners with nonprofits to clarify their vision, and align their teams, empowering all players to operate with confidence and achieve their greatest impact.

Following 15 years working in the nonprofit sector, Katie has been consulting with nonprofits for more than a decade.

Zipline Consulting specializes in helping leaders build more resilient, sustainable organizations that are built to thrive and do more good for the long haul. Katie and her team focus on organizational health, strategy, leadership continuity, and board development.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Katie Spencer, Founder of Zipline Consulting, who highlights how her company partners with nonprofits to clarify their vision, and align their teams, empowering all p…

01/13/2025
The FBLA National Center Chapter at Collierville High School is empowering students to become tomorrow's business leader...
01/13/2025

The FBLA National Center Chapter at Collierville High School is empowering students to become tomorrow's business leaders through academic competitions, leadership development, and educational programs.

Co-Presidents Jeon George and Tyler Neilson share how their involvement in FBLA has enhanced their confidence, business acumen, and leadership skills. Their journey includes notable achievements, such as placing 5th at nationals this year.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Jeon George and Tyler Neilson, Co-Presidents of Future Business Leaders of America at Collierville High School, who highlight the organization that brings business an…

01/13/2025

2025 will be the year of Artificial Intelligence saturating through every industry. Are you prepared?

Tom Koulopoulos, Author of 14 books on technology and innovation, Chairman and founder of Delphi Group, and founding partner of Acrovantage Ventures will join cityCURRENT at the Higginbotham hosted Nashville Signature Speaker Series Breakfast on Friday, January 24 from 7:30 - 9:45 AM.

Register here: https://citycurrent.com/event/citycurrent-signature-breakfast-with-tom-koulopoulos-jan-24/

Address

2670 Union Avenue Ext. Suite 100
Memphis, TN
38112

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 5:30pm

Telephone

(901) 321-1000

Website

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Videos

The SPARK: A Platform to Change Lives - Coffee Central and Ethnos Coffee Roasters
The SPARK: A Platform to Change Lives - Coffee Central and Ethnos Coffee Roasters

The theme of this month's episode The SPARK January 2025 is “A Platform to Change Lives”. Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Tina Tatum, Founder of Tina Tatum Ministries and GatHER, and owner of Coffee Central and Ethnos Coffee Roasters, a woman-owned coffee roaster with coffee shops bringing people together to gatHER for a greater good. Learn more: https://citycurrent.com/2025/01/18/the-spark-a-platform-to-change-lives/

The SPARK: A Platform to Change Lives - Champions For Literacy
The SPARK: A Platform to Change Lives - Champions For Literacy

The theme of this month's episode The SPARK January 2025 is “A Platform to Change Lives”. Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Jason Baker, Executive Director of Champions for Literacy, a nonprofit using the power of sports to impact childhood reading. Learn more: https://citycurrent.com/2025/01/18/the-spark-a-platform-to-change-lives/

The SPARK: A Platform to Change Lives - First Tee Tennessee – Memphis
The SPARK: A Platform to Change Lives - First Tee Tennessee – Memphis

The theme of this month's episode The SPARK January 2025 is “A Platform to Change Lives”. Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Andy Mears, West Tennessee Regional Director for Tennessee Golf Foundation and First Tee Tennessee – Memphis, a youth development organization introducing the game of golf and its inherent values to young people. Learn more: https://citycurrent.com/2025/01/18/the-spark-a-platform-to-change-lives/

The SPARK - Airing TONIGHT on WKNO/PBS Channel 10
The SPARK - Airing TONIGHT on WKNO/PBS Channel 10

TONIGHT The theme of The SPARK is “A Platform to Change Lives” Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Andy Mears, West Tennessee Regional Director for Tennessee Golf Foundation and First Tee, a youth development organization introducing the game of golf and its inherent values to young people; Jason Baker, Executive Director of Champions for Literacy, a nonprofit using the power of sports to impact childhood reading; and Tina Tatum, Founder of GatHER - Women, and owner of Coffee Central and Ethnos Coffee, a woman-owned coffee roaster with coffee shops bringing people together to gatHER for a greater good. Watch TONIGHT at 7:30PM or Sunday at 12PM on WKNO or stream LIVE at wkno.org or with the #PBS App. #DeSotoCounty #Memphis #MidSouth #powertheGOOD

Prepare for the AI Revolution: Insights from Tech Visionary Tom Koulopoulos in Nashville
Prepare for the AI Revolution: Insights from Tech Visionary Tom Koulopoulos in Nashville

2025 will be the year of Artificial Intelligence saturating through every industry. Are you prepared? Tom Koulopoulos, Author of 14 books on technology and innovation, Chairman and founder of Delphi Group, and founding partner of Acrovantage Ventures will join cityCURRENT at the Higginbotham hosted Nashville Signature Speaker Series Breakfast on Friday, January 24 from 7:30 - 9:45 AM. Register here: https://citycurrent.com/event/citycurrent-signature-breakfast-with-tom-koulopoulos-jan-24/

The SPARK: A Network for Support - KUDZUKIAN
The SPARK: A Network for Support - KUDZUKIAN

The theme of The SPARK this month on WKNO/PBS is “A Network for Support”. Host Jeremy C. Park sat down with Larry T. Robinson, Executive Director KUDZUKIAN Media Group, a nonprofit media production company supporting other nonprofits and launching Grow Tennessee Network. Learn more: https://citycurrent.com/2024/12/23/the-spark-a-network-for-support/

The SPARK: A Network for Support - The Filter Project
The SPARK: A Network for Support - The Filter Project

The theme of The SPARK this month on WKNO/PBS is “A Network for Support”. Host Jeremy C. Park sat down with Elliott Stovall, Founder and CEO of The Filter Project; an organization pouring God’s love into under-resourced communities through the gift of safe, filtered drinking water. Learn more: https://citycurrent.com/2024/12/23/the-spark-a-network-for-support/

The SPARK: A Network for Support - Foster Village Memphis
The SPARK: A Network for Support - Foster Village Memphis

The theme of The SPARK this month on WKNO/PBS is “A Network for Support”. Host Jeremy C. Park sat down with Joshua Conley, Executive Director of Foster Village Memphis, a nonprofit providing a village of support for children and families experiencing foster care. Learn more: https://citycurrent.com/2024/12/23/the-spark-a-network-for-support/

SPARK Awards 2024 - Individual: Adult - Susan Ewing
SPARK Awards 2024 - Individual: Adult - Susan Ewing

The SPARK is proof that even the smallest flame can start a fire. Our honorees are the kindling, igniting change and inspiring us all. Our Individual Award honorees prove that one person, one idea, can make a world of difference. Our honorees inspire us to dream big and strive for a better future. Adult – Susan Ewing has a long standing commitment to charitable activities and community involvement. The founder of her own marketing business, she has also been a mentor and leader for other professional women. She’s been a leader in the Collierville community, helped establish the Collierville Balloon Festival, and is currently on the board of the Collierville Education Foundation. Learn more: https://citycurrent.com/thesparkawards/

SPARK Awards 2024 - Nonprofit: Budget Between $1-5 Million - Overton Park Conservancy
SPARK Awards 2024 - Nonprofit: Budget Between $1-5 Million - Overton Park Conservancy

Nonprofits are driven by passion, fueled by purpose. They provide essential services, advocate for the voiceless, and shape a better future. Behind every nonprofit is a team of individuals, working tirelessly to make a difference. These organizations are the heartbeat of our communities, addressing critical needs and inspiring change. Budget $1-5 Million – Overton Park is an outstanding example of public-private partnership – a conservancy that manages one of the city’s most visited and most loved public spaces, where Memphians from all walks of life come to enjoy nature, outdoor recreation, and much more. Learn more: https://citycurrent.com/thesparkawards/

SPARK Awards 2024 - Education: School - Music Box
SPARK Awards 2024 - Education: School - Music Box

Great educators are the architects of our future. By investing in their success, we invest in the potential of every student. And education is not just a matter of reading books and passing tests. It’s about sparking curiosity, igniting passions, and building bright futures. Let’s celebrate the educators who make it all possible. School – Music Box is a school that teaches music as a language, for aspiring musicians from preschool age to adult. This commitment to music education extends to its scholarship program, which ensures that talented, hardworking students from underserved backgrounds receive a full year of music education at no cost. Learn more: https://citycurrent.com/thesparkawards/

SPARK Awards 2024 - Corporate: 51-150 Employees - Mr. Handyman of Memphis
SPARK Awards 2024 - Corporate: 51-150 Employees - Mr. Handyman of Memphis

Businesses are the lifeblood of our community, driving economic growth and enhancing our quality of life – an essential part of our daily lives, for those who work there, and for those whose needs these businesses meet. We’re grateful to those businesses that go the extra mile, giving back to make Memphis and the Mid-South even stronger. 51-150 Employees – Mr. Handyman of Memphis is a company that provides home repair and home maintenance services in the Memphis area. Annually, it hosts local students for a week of hands-on experience in jobs that are essential, practical, and inspiring, to help set them on a path of productive citizenship. Learn more: https://citycurrent.com/thesparkawards/

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13 Honorees Celebrated During The SPARK Awards 2018

Thirteen organizations and individuals were honored Monday, December 10, during The SPARK Awards 2018 special broadcast on WKNO/Channel 10. The fifth annual televised awards show honors and celebrates the efforts of individuals, nonprofits, corporations, and schools, in 13 different categories, who are igniting change and making a positive impact in the Greater Memphis community. The SPARK Awards is produced in partnership by WKNO-TV and cityCURRENT.

WATCH THE 2018 SPARK AWARDS HERE

Back in August, the public was invited to freely cast nominations in each of the 13 categories, as an opportunity to recognize and help publicly thank the organizations and individuals who are leading by example and making a difference in the Mid-South. The categories cover individuals of different ages (youth, college student and adult), nonprofits and corporations of various sizes, then education with a school, teacher, and education leader award. There is also a Legacy Award to honor someone’s efforts and impact over the course of many years or a lifetime. Nominations were accepted from 8:00 a.m. on August 1, 2018 to 5:00 p.m. on August 31, 2018.

Once the nomination phase ended, all nominations were provided to the Midtown Memphis Rotary Club, who served as the independent judges for the awards show. No preference or weighting was given to multiple nominations for the same individual or organization. The criteria for judging was based on taking a leadership role in initiatives or efforts that better the Greater Memphis community, volunteerism, and impact.