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A erotropolis needs more lift if it is to really take off.
We have had our questions about it, but it's hard to have any questions about the facts: Memphis International Airport is our largest economic engine, FedEx is our largest employer, and logistics-related companies are the industry sector that sets us apart when compared to other major metros.
So, why is the Memphis International Airport experience so lacking?
Welcome Mat
If you're welcoming someone to Memphis for the first time, a big decision for us is to decide how to drive them downtown to their hotel without making them write our city off in the first 15 minutes here.
If you're someone who's recruiting a company to Memphis because of the easy access to the overnight air delivery company that invented modern world commerce, the airport environs do nothing to convince you that this is the FedEx of cities.
If you're someone who's entertaining an international visitor attracted by the resonance of Memphis, the reality of the airport area undercuts the message about our authenticity, our distinctiveness, and our pride.
If you're someone who's looking to invest in a logistics company, the dismal condition of Lámar Avenue sends the message that we are adept at talking the talk but walking the walk is something else altogether.
Racing Ahead
We wrote when Memphis International Airport rushed to brand itself as aerotropolis that there were risks. If we're going to invest our city's most important economic asset into a buzzword brand, we have to be committed to making the aerotropolis happen.
The Greater Memphis Chamber has done as much as it can to move the project ahead, but implementation of a development project with equal parts economic development and community development really isn't in its wheelhouse. With no implied criticism of the Chamber intended, perhaps it's time to move decisively out of the incubation and foundational stages and for aerotropolis to have its own nonprofit organization like...