Economic Club of Memphis

The Economic Club of Memphis is a nonprofit organization established in 1973. Its mission is to promote the study and discussion of economic, political, and social issues in the Memphis area.

History

The club was founded by a group of Memphis leaders who met at Justine's Restaurant. Key figures in its establishment include P. K. Seidman, a prominent accountant, and Dr. Kurt F. Flexner, then Chair of the Department of Economics at Memphis State University. The founders included notable figures such as Kemmons Wilson, founder of Holiday Inns, and Abe Plough, known for St. Joseph Aspirin.

Ned Cook was chosen as the first president of the club, with Seidman chairing the executive committee and Flexner acting as the Executive Director. The initial charter membership was set at 47 but was quickly exceeded, with 88 members joining in the first year. A core principle of the club is non-discrimination by race, religion, or sex for membership, focusing instead on individuals who play influential roles in the community[2].

Mission and Activities

The Economic Club of Memphis contributes to the community by organizing events that facilitate discussions on current economic, political, and social issues. It hosts six to eight meetings annually, featuring nationally and internationally recognized speakers. Past speakers have included members of the Federal Open Market Committee, U.S. Senators, and Fortune 500 executives[1][3].

Structure and Leadership

As of recent updates, the club's leadership includes members such as John T. (Tripp) Crews III, who was appointed to the Board of Directors for a three-year term. Crews is a vice president at Mercer Capital, bringing experience in valuation and transaction advisory services[1]. The club continues to evolve its leadership to maintain its relevance and impact on the community.

The Economic Club of Memphis stands as one of the first economic clubs in the United States, fostering a platform for Mid-South business leaders to engage with influential figures from around the world[2].