On Friday & Saturday, Sept 24-25 more than 300 people from communities of faith along the Mississippi will come together in Memphis at the BRIDGES Center to learn about how we can all protect and preserve our River.
Gather at the River: A Conference for People of Faith is the creation of a group of caring people of faith who cherish the Mississippi River as a sacred trust and want to equip each of us to address issues facing the river. God lent us this treasure and it is time to unify the communities of faith for common cause - protecting water as a potent symbol.
Speakers will include:
John M. Barry, author of best seller Rising Tide, will share some of the Mississippi River’s history and importance to our region, country & the world.
Ellen Bernstein, author of The Splendor of Creation: A Biblical Ecology will ground us in an appreciation of the biblical concern for the care of the Earth.
Michael Reuter of The Nature Conservancy and Rosanna Cappellato, Ph.D. Rhodes College Environmental Science Professor, will educate us on the health of the Mississippi River watershed globally and locally.
The Rev. Fletcher Harper Executive Director Green Faith Alliance, will lead us in discussions of how communities of faith can be leaders in the environmental movement and how we can all play a part in the preservation of the Mississippi River and our other natural resources.
Over 15 breakout sessions covering a range of topics such as: youth based environmental curriculum, Mississippi Watershed & Its Implications for the Gulf of Mexico, Spirituality of Photography & the River, Role of the Corps of Engineers, and others.
Participants will leave inspired, spiritually fed and equipped with:
People and Ideas for partnership
10 Things You Can do At Home to Protect the Mississippi and how to organize your green efforts within your faith based organization
Sunday School Curriculum that incorporates this work as a work of God and fosters an understanding of how to “plug in” to the stewardship that God asks of us
Fellowship with Colleagues who think likewise as well as a general understanding of the “green” efforts taking place in our region.
Tools and Information on how to protect the river specifically in the context of our faith.
Registration starts at 3 pm on Friday, Sept. 24. Conference events run from 6 to 9:30 pm on Friday, Sept. 24 and from 8 am to 6 pm on Saturday, Sept. 25.
The BRIDGES Center is located at 477 North Fifth St. in Uptown Memphis.
You can learn more, register or donate at: www.GatherAtTheRiver.org
The Story of Fort Pillow - Picnic Reception - 05.13.10
The Story of Fort Pillow - Picnic Reception
Fort Pillow Museum and State Historic Park 3122 Park Road – Henning, TN 38041 Saturday, June 5, 2010
Two Screenings with Norman Hill and Willy Bearden
The Story of Fort Pillow - A Documentary Film produced for the Fort Pillow Museum and State Historic Park by The William Bearden Company, the MRCT Lauderdale County Task Force Committee and the Mississippi River Corridor – Tennessee
April 12, 1864 ~ Come learn about and experience one of the most controversial battles in the Civil War as we showcase a new documentary film, The Story of Fort Pillow.
Saturday – June 5th
Mississippi River Corridor – Tennessee in Partnership with the Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation and AT&T
11:00 am – Picnic Reception
Fort Pillow Museum and State Historic Park
3122 Park Road – Henning, TN 38041
Please RSVP to: dianathreadgill@comcast.net
MISSISSIPPI RIVER CORRIDOR TENNESSEE MAGAZINE - 03.08.10
Produced by Contemporary Media, Publishers of Memphis magazine and Memphis Business Quarterly, this special magazine will be distributed as follows:
18000 copies will be sent to each paid subscriber of Memphis magazine, on orbefore June 1, 2010, poly-wrapped with the June 2010 issue.
10000 free standing copies are to be utilized by the Mississippi River Corridor – TN
Total Distribution: 28,000 copies
Advertising Space Costs:
FP 4c: $5000
½ 4c: $2500
¼ 4c: $1250
Advertising Specifications:
FP4c: 8.375” x 10.875”
½ 4c: 7.375” x 4.875”
¼ 4c: 3.68” x 3.68”
Please send to cmyers@memphismagazine.
Advertising Space Reservation Deadline: March 26th
Advertising Material Deadline: April 2nd
For further information regarding advertising please contact:
Jeffrey A. Goldberg
Vice President
Contemporary Media
901-606-7542
goldberg@contemporary-media.com
Mississippi River Corridor - Tennessee Selected for $2 Million Dollar EPA Emerging Technology Grant for Application of the XtrmCat™ Diesel Oxidation Catalysts On High Horsepower Marine Diesel Engines - MS River TN 11.20.09
Obtaining Significant Reductions in Air Emissions ~November 17, 2009 - MEMPHIS (TN)
The Mississippi River Corridor - Tennessee is a non-profit organization and is dedicated to the economic development, land and wildlife preservation of the six counties that border the Mississippi River along the entire western border of Tennessee. This Tennessee Corporation works in the promotion and coordination of seven Project Categories: Economic Development, Transportation, Conservation, Environment, Recreation, Heritage Development, Health & Wellness and Education. Project partners include ESW Canada, a retrofit technology provider, Ingram Barge, a Tennessee based company with one of the nation’s largest fleets of inland river towboats and barges, Emisstar LLC, a portable emissions testing company and the MRCT.
This collaboration of highly qualified companies dedicated to the reduction of diesel emissions is expected to result in the elimination of 94.3 tons of Particulate Matter (PM) as well as achieve reductions in emissions of other air pollutants. This project will maximize public health benefits by achieving significant, long-lasting reductions in diesel emissions on the Mississippi River and will improve air quality in the Lower Basin area. Locomotive and marine diesel engines contribute significantly to air pollution in many of our nation’s cities and towns. EPA anticipates that over the next few decades, these engines may account for an even greater share of overall emissions as other emission control programs take effect for cars and trucks and other nonroad emissions sources. The reduction of 94.3 tons of PM is equivalent to removing over 200 diesel highway trucks from local highways.
“On behalf of our Board of Directors and dedicated staff, the Mississippi River Corridor – Tennessee is honored to accept the EPA grant award for their Clean Diesel Emerging Technologies program which we proudly share with an elite group of partners”, said Diana Threadgill, MRCT Executive Director. “The award is especially rewarding as it will advance our mission to improve the quality of life and prosperity for our citizens in west Tennessee and eventually, all of the communities that populate our great rivers. We believe this innovative emerging technology will have a positive and significant impact on air quality throughout numerous river regions, particularly the ten states that border the Mississippi River.”
David Sehrt, Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer, Ingram Barge Company: “We are excited about this opportunity to help develop cutting-edge technologies to reduce air pollution. Recent studies have shown that barge transportation generates fewer air emissions than either rail or long-haul trucking. Deploying technologies like the catalysts involved in this project is one way Ingram has decided to do even more to improve air quality in the areas where we operate.”
Emisstar’s Principal Glenn P. Goldstein said, “The maritime industry represents the next frontier in emission and energy savings technology advancements. Emisstar welcomes the opportunity this innovative project partnership presents in leading the technical management and technology performance assessment with such a distinguished group of industry and community partners.”
David J. Johnson, ESW's President and CEO: “We are proud to be working with a group of partners dedicated to taking on the challenge of implementing emissions reductions in marine vessels ahead of legislated requirements. The XtrmCat™ emerging technology is designed to meet the demanding environment of high horsepower marine engines with no impact on vessel performance. This project will serve as a model for long term diesel emissions reductions for the entire marine sector.”
Safe Harbor: This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (The “Act”). In particular, when used in the preceding discussion, the words “pleased” “plan,” “confident that,” “believe,” “expect,” or “intend to,” and similar conditional expressions are intended to identify forward looking statements within the meaning of the Act and are subject to the safe harbor created by the Act. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and actual results could differ materially from those expressed in any of the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, market conditions, general acceptance of the Company’s products and technologies, competitive factors, the ability to successfully complete additional financings and other risks described in the Company’s SEC reports and filings.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mississippi River Corridor Tennessee
at (901) 278-8459
www.msrivertn.org
Great River Road gets Byways Boost - Richard Locker - Commercial Appeal 10.29.09
NASHVILLE -- West Tennessee’s 185-mile stretch of the Great River Road has been added to the federal government’s
America’s Byways program, raising hopes for more tourism dollars in communities along the route from Memphis to the Kentucky border.
The U.S. Department of Transportation designated three Tennessee roadways into the America’s Byways network last week -- raising Tennessee’s total to five.
The other two byways listed last week are the East Tennessee
Crossing, from Cumberland Gap to the North Carolina border, and Woodlands Trace, which bisects Land Between the Lakes in Tennessee and Kentucky.
Included with the Great River Road’s designation is an $80,000 grant to develop a unified branding campaign and mark the various roads that make up the route through five West Tennessee counties.
“This puts us on the map in more ways than one,” said state Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville, whose district includes four of the five counties. “It acknowledges the significance
of the recreational, historic, educational, cultural and economic benefits of our region and enhances our ability
to market the best of West Tennessee and all its communities
have to offer.”
The Great River Road traverses roads on both sides of the Mississippi through 10 states. Tennessee has lagged behind the other states in promoting the corridor over the years and its former designated route, U.S. 51, has been altered significantly with the new designation.
The route new follows U.S. 51 north from Memphis, cuts west toward the river at Halls on Tenn. 181, then Tenn. 79 and Tenn. 78 to the Kentucky border. It also features several
spur routes over to the river itself.
America’s Byways was created by Congress in 1991 with the National Scenic Byways Act to help recognize, preserve and enhance selected U.S. roads. The program also seeks to promote tourism and economic development.
Tipton County Mayor Jeff Huffman, chairman of the Mississippi River Corridor Tennessee, a Memphis-based nonprofit that led the push for the Byways designation, said the listing gives counties along the corridor opportunities to apply for far more federal grants to help improve access and promote resources.
“It’s the first time in 11 years that Tennessee has had a new National Scenic Highway designation, so that’s big,” he said Monday.
Invites your Participation in a River Celebration!
The 2nd Annual
Date: Thursday, October 2, 2008 Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Location: Memphis Queen III
Riverside Drive at Monroe - Cobblestone Landing
Come down to the great Mississippi River and enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise on the beautiful Memphis Queen III.
Featured Blues Artist
Eden Brent
Blues Foundation Award Winner 2007
We'll rock the night away with the best blues pianist in the Delta!
Enjoy cocktails and a wonderful dinner as we travel on the mighty Mississippi.
Please mark your calendar today and show your support for the only regional organization in west Tennessee dedicated to "connecting people to the great river."
Cruise and Dinner Ticket Price $75.00 per person
For More Information contact: Diana Threadgill - Executive Director at (901) 278-8459 or e-mail: dianathreadgill@comcast.net for event
details.
We have placed three (3) caches out for your geocaching enjoyment, and as a side bonus, there is a 10-state wide contest opportunity which is detailed below. In our watertight boxes you will find a log book and pencil, so be sure to sign your name if you find it. You will also find a variety of trinkets from keychains to stickers and buttons, please take one when you find it, and if you have something you'd like to leave in it's place for the next finder of the cache, we would appreciate ya!
Listings with GPS coordinates may be found at the below geocaching.com links.
If you don't know what this geocaching is all about, please read what it is here. We warn you, you may get hooked!
What is not noted in the listings on geocaching.com is that these caches are also part of a Mississippi River Parkway Commission ten state-wide contest to get people out along the Mississippi River.
As part of the National Great River Road’s 70th Anniversary in 2008, the Mississippi River Parkway Commission is creating a special geocaching event (the contest rules are here).
The "National Great River Road 70th Anniversary Geocaching Event" will feature a series of geocaches created specifically for the 70th Anniversary celebration. Caches will be located throughout each of the ten Mississippi River States. Each of the caches will be historically themed.
Contests, prizes and other fun activities will appeal to geocachers of all ages and levels of geocaching experience.
For more information about the contest, please visit the FAQ.
Important note: In order to enter the contest you must make note of the symbols/icons in the lower right-hand corner of the white info card inside the cache lid.
Spring 2008 Quarterly Newsletter - 03.21.08
Our first quarterly newsletter has been published!
Please feel free to download the PDF version (< 2 MB) and find out more about what’s happening in West Tennessee along our Mississippi River.
PUBLIC LECTURE AND FORUM “DESIGN FOR SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS” - Amie Vanderford 11.27.07
The Mississippi River Corridor – Tennessee and Shelby County Government, Mayor AC Wharton are pleased to present a public forum and lecture "Design for Sustainable Systems" at the Brooks Museum of Art. The meeting will be held on Saturday, December 1, 2007 from 10:30 a.m. to noon with speakers David Yocca, RLA, AICP, LEED AP and Gerould Wilhelm, Ph.D from the Conservation Design Forum.
Conservation Design Forum (CDF) is a national award winning multidisciplinary consulting firm that specializes in the creative integration of environmentally and culturally sustainable land planning, design and development techniques. They believe that the essential partnership of environmental stewardship and economic growth can be accomplished through "green" development by integrating human activities and built structures into a sustainable landscape.
The mission of the Mississippi River Corridor in Tennessee is to identify, conserve and interpret the region's natural, cultural and scenic resources to improve the quality of life and prosperity in West Tennessee.
This free public meeting is the first in a series of upcoming programs to showcase other successful environmental projects in the country that have made a positive economic and community development impact in their communities through sustainable design.
On Saturday, October 6, 2007 the Mississippi River Corridor – Tennessee, Inc. organization held our first annual Paddle & Float event to raise awareness about what an incredible asset we have with the Mississippi River and to kickoff the Friends of the Mississippi River Corridor – Tennessee volunteer arm of our organization.
We met at the Mud Island Marina at 10:30 a.m. where our Friends divided into Floaters (those who rode in boats) and Paddlers (those who canoed). Our Floaters rode up the river to Hickman Bar in boats provided by the Memphis Yacht Club, while our Paddlers took a shuttle to Meeman-Shelby Forest where John Ruskey of the Quapaw Canoe Company had canoes waiting to paddle down the river to Hickman Bar. The water route from Meeman-Shelby Forest to Hickman Bar and on to Mud Island is a proposed Blueway (designated system of access points from publicly-accessible lands on bodies of water) our organization is testing for further development. Both groups met at Hickman Bar after enjoying their respective paddle or float trip on the great Mississippi River for exquisite natural beauty, good food provided by Crave Catering, bluegrass music provided by River Road and ponderings by Mark Twain!
Event Sponsors:
Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau
Memphis Yacht Club
Riverfront Development Corporation
Tennessee Valley Authority
John Ruskey - Quapaw Canoe Company
Estie and John Sheahan
The Friends of the Mississippi River Corridor - Tennessee will provide visionary leadership and support in our quest to coordinate and promote educational and fun activities in the six counties that make up the Mississippi River Valley in West Tennessee. Additional events and activities scheduled for 2007/2008 include:
Public meetings, seminars and guest “river” speakers
Educational workshops about wetlands, rivers and wildlife habitats
Recreational outings by boat, feet and bicycles
River tours and excursions throughout West Tennessee
Historical and cultural tours/conferences
Annual Membership Categories include:
Navigators - $1,000 and up
River Dreamers - $500 – 999
Paddlewheelers - $250 – 499
Mentor - $100 – 249
Family Fun - $50
Individual Supporter - $30
Mystery Mississippi: The River You Don't Know - Various Contributors to The Commercial Appeal 01.15.07
Be sure to read this Commercial Appeal piece with a series of articles about the Mississippi River, including rhythms, songs and boats of the river, water quality testing, treasures and environmental issues.
A corridor of extraordinary natural, cultural and economic bounty exists in our very own front yard in Tennessee, and a significant group of citizens in six western counties has organized to embrace and promote the unique resources that flow from our legendary Mississippi River.
The idea of a river corridor is not a new concept. An initial plan for its development dates back to the 1930s, but largely due to economic conditions, the project was never realized. In 2001, while developing a regional plan spearheaded by several agencies and the governors alliance, our awesome river was brought back to the forefront as an untapped treasure.
Mississippi River Corridor - Strategic Plan - Diana Threadgill 12.06.06
Strategic Plan
11 November 2006
Vision Statement
To offer the world a unique experience in the Mississippi River Valley of Tennessee.
Mission Statement
To identify, conserve, and interpret the region’s natural, cultural, and scenic resources to improve the quality of life and prosperity in West Tennessee.
Shared Values
Creating a model that is environmentally and economically sustainable.
Providing a forum for public and private collaborative partnerships and endeavors.
Improving the quality of life in West Tennessee.
Conserving the natural and scenic resources of the region including critical fish and wildlife habitats.
Preserving the region’s cultural and historical assets.
Respecting the traditions and rights of the people who live in the region.
Providing access to sites within the corridor.
Please view the PDF for the entire Strategic Plan, including all strategic goals.
Major Mapping Charette Meeting - Diana Threadgill 09.13.06
The Mississippi River Natural and Recreational Corridor is pleased to announce the award of a significant Federal Scenic Byways grant which will be administered by the State of Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT).
This grant will enable the project to produce a series of consensus building and informational meetings for West Tennessee.
The first event scheduled will be a major Mapping Charette Meeting involving the six counties of Shelby, Tipton, Dyer, Lauderdale, Lake and Obion. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 17th, 2006 in Dyersburg at the Lannom Center located at 2000 Commerce Avenue (38024). The Charette will begin at 11:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. and lunch boxes will be available for attendees.
The Meeting will feature our keynote speaker, Michael Gallis, who is widely considered the country’s leading expert in large-scale metropolitan and regional development strategies. Mr. Gallis will speak on "New Approaches for Achieving Environmental Success in a Global Age." His company was also the creator of the 2001 Sourcebook for the metropolitan area of Memphis and was produced by the Governor’s Alliance. This major study was one of the inspirations that led to the development the Mississippi River Corridor project. His presentation will begin at noon.
This professional Charette will provide an opportunity for citizens throughout West Tennessee to meet with planners, engineers, architects, landscape designers and committee member experts as we plan the best route for the Mississippi River Corridor in West Tennessee. Focus groups will allow for active participation.
Registration is requested for the lunch meeting and keynote speaker.
Mississippi River Corridor Project Update - Diana Threadgill 06.12.06
The County Task Force Committees are requested to meet again in June to discuss their individual county assets as identified by the Project Surveys. They will be asked to prioritize these assets for their inclusion into a Master Mississippi River Corridor map. Each asset selected will be assigned to one of our Focus Area Categories: Economic Development, Historical, Cultural, Conservation, Education, Recreation, Health and Wellness, and Transportation/Infrastructure.
A major Mapping Charette and Educational Meeting will be planned with the six County Task Force Committees (mid-corridor location) to highlight what each Committee has selected as their best assets and to include more information about cultural and natural resources within each county. The meeting will also be another opportunity to bring in additional professionals, stakeholders, donor prospects, politicians, and press to help keep the Corridor momentum progressing in West Tennessee and to further refine priorities. Meeting date to be announced in August, 2006.
After the Mapping Charette Meeting is completed, a Conceptual Master Plan will be compiled from existing and new information gathered at the meeting. This will provide the framework for our Conceptual Master Plan which is scheduled for completion on December 1st, 2006.
Another meeting will then be held which will be our "Roll Out Summit" to the entire State. In this meeting, we will show the maps, graphics, assets selected for potential enhancements, recommended interpretive and educational centers, major anchors within the Corridor, new route and trails and general plans for the future. This meeting is scheduled for a February, 2007, release date.
Public Town Hall Meetings - Diana Threadgill 03.01.06
Announcing Public Town Hall Meetings to increase public awareness of the Mississippi River Corridor project and to identify the assets and any obstacles which may negatively affect the project within the six counties of West Tennessee.
Phase I
County Task Force Committee members were selected and invited to join their respective county committee by each Mayor or Chamber Executive Director.
Task Force Committee members are local experts in each of the project categories and will serve as regional ambassadors in securing public support. They will also help direct the project in each county.
Orientation Meetings were held with each County Task Force Committee in all six counties.
Each Committee member was given an extensive Survey to complete for consolidation into the County report.
The Report Summaries from each County will be sent to the Chairman of their County Task Force Committee for approval and/or additional amendments by their members. The County Survey Report will then be submitted to each Mayor for approval.
These Survey Reports will serve as the “content foundation” for the Public Town Hall meetings in April. Recommendations will be divided into our Project Categories and presented by the local expert from each county at their public Town Hall meeting.
Margie McMillan, a Memphis consultant specializing in marketing analysis reports for the past 20 years, has been hired to create the County databases and final Survey Summary Reports. She will also help create the public Surveys to be distributed at the Town Hall meetings.
After the public Town Hall meetings are completed in April, the Surveys from all six counties will be consolidated as a major category component for the preliminary Master Plan.
PHASE II
Format, schedules and venues for public Town Hall Meetings will be determined by March 10th. Please check the website for dates and locations.
Locations:
Tiptonville – Lake & Obion Counties
Dyersburg – Dyer County
Ripley – Lauderdale County
Covington – Tipton County
Memphis – Shelby County
Dates:
Mid-April - 2006
Participants:
Project facilitators, Mayors, Chairman from County Task Force Committee and members, Steering Committee members, focus area experts, TVA and other government agencies, other non-profit conservation or recreational agencies, and interested members of the public.
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