NOW MORE THAN EVER

Memphis Brand stands at the frontline. Every day, we work to make sure that Memphis’ story is told in contemporary positive ways that attract talent, drive investment and boost civic pride. We have made tremendous progress. Now our work is more important than ever.  

It takes soul to find a rhythm all your own

…to give more than you take, and to change the world around you. It takes soul to be a Memphian. We are a city of doers, dreamers and believers. That’s what drives this unstoppable city. For those who change the world – welcome home.

We are Memphis.
Welcome to our city of soul. Don’t forget to bring yours.

#BRINGYOURSOUL

WE ARE MEMPHIS

Memphis Brand believes in the power of catalytic positive change that exists at the intersection of mission and marketing. Through our efforts, we are generating massive visibility, energy, and investment into our community, positively impacting issues and ecosystems at scale. 

1. FUTURE FOCUSED

Memphis Brand is focused on the future with the uncompromising belief that our greatest strength is diversity of people and ideas, creating the next great epicenter of inclusivity, innovation, culture and creativity.

2. OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL

Memphis Brand is driving inclusivity and belonging by creating direct pipelines for opportunities centered on jobs, entrepreneurship, community and culture.

3. POWERING A MOVEMENT

Memphis Brand is accelerating change by breaking down barriers, shining the spotlight on success, and putting the power with the people to build a community that works better together.

My City My Soul Billboard in Memphis

MAKING THE DIFFERENCE

  • In 2023, we generated massive positive visibility to Memphis – 236 million impressions from our content marketing efforts – and an astonishing 932 million impressions worth $9million from our PR efforts including stories in Rolling Stone, NPR and BET, among others. Since 2017, we’ve garnered 5.79 billion PR impressions and $90.4 million in ad value.
  • Our website, www.WeAreMemphis.com recorded one million sessions last year – doubling from 2022. Forty percent of the traffic is going to our news section, showcasing the very latest in positive Memphis media coverage.
  • Memphis Brand continues to cultivate the largest pro-Memphis social community, boasting half a million followers locally and globally, and an email list totaling over 150,000 people interested in elevating, visiting, moving to and investing in Memphis.  
  • As talented and diverse individuals leave large cities, we have created targeted campaigns through WhyMemphis.com showcasing the unique opportunities of living and working in Memphis. Over 10,000 leads are generated each quarter from target markets including New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas and others. 
  • We are powering ecosystems vital to Memphis’ growth, including our contemporary music scene. The launch of WeAreMemphis Music LIVE introduced a new and needed resource to our city, highlighting the diversity and vibrancy of today’s Memphis music.
A Memphis resident wearing the "My City My Soul" yellow hooded sweater

PROVE IT

We believe in wise investments that drive action and achieve dramatic returns that elevate our changemakers, celebrate our city, and attract others to join our multicultural community. Our job every day is to make sure Memphis wins and leverage data to prove it!

Data as of December 2023.

National audience:

  • 74% perceive Memphis favorably, up 30 percentage points since 2020, with 20% reporting neutral sentiment. Only 6% perceive Memphis negatively.
  • 83% agree Memphis is a “City with Soul” up from 65% in 2020.
  • 72% believe Memphis is appealing to young entrepreneurs and creatives, up from 44% in 2020.

Memphis residents:

  • 80% agree Memphis is a city that has “soul” – up 15 percentage points since 2018– indicating most Memphians (80%) believe “soul” is our unique identity.
  • A majority believe Memphis is, or is becoming, a great place to live and work – up 12 percentage points since 2018.
  • Three in five (58%) City of Memphis Residents find Memphis “Extremely” or “Very Appealing” for young entrepreneurs and creatives, up from 39% in 2020.

A NEW NARRATIVE

Memphis Brand positions the city as a contemporary epicenter of originality, soul and change by amplifying a new era of talent growth, diversity, economic development and civic pride.

Cool Hunting
Edition
Rolling Stone
National Public Radio
BET
GlobalGrind
Shondaland
Country & Town House

JOIN US

Like Memphis, we are just getting started! Our movement to create positive change doesn’t happen without you.  We invite you to join us as we grow a powerful engine for talent recruitment and retention, economic development, community investment and civic pride. Together, #WeAreMemphis.

Sincerely,
David French
President and Chief Marketing Officer 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  • Chair: Emily Callahan, Former CMO, ALSAC/ St. Jude
  • Co-Chair: Ekundayo Bandele, Founder and CEO, Hattiloo Theater
  • Treasurer: Spence Wilson Jr., Principal, Kemmons Wilson Companies
  • Secretary: Blair Taylor, President, Memphis Tomorrow
  • Advisor: Mauricio Calvo, President, Latino Memphis
  • President: David French, CMO, Memphis Brand
  • Chandell Ryan, President, Downtown Memphis Commission
  • Erin Pryor, Chief Marketing Officer, First Horizon
  • Jason Wexler, Team President, Memphis Grizzlies
  • Jenny Robertson, SVP Integrated Marketing & Communications, FedEx
  • John Carroll, President, City Leadership / Choose901
  • Kevin Kane, President, Memphis Tourism
  • Lee Harris, Mayor, Shelby County Mayor (nonvoting)
  • Michele Ehrhart, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, University of Memphis
  • Paul Young, Mayor, City of Memphis (nonvoting)
  • Ted Townsend, President, Greater Memphis Chamber
  • Teresa Sloyan, President, Hyde Family Foundation