Conference Features Session on City Budgeting Process

MLGW will host its annual Neighborhood Leaders Conference on Friday, August 1, 2014 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at MLGW’s Joyce M. Blackmon Training Center at 4949 Raleigh-LaGrange Road. This year’s conference will feature a plenary workshop session entitled “Memphis Government 101” led by City of Memphis Chief Administrative Officer George Little and Finance Director Brian Collins.

This year’s conference theme is “Transforming Neighborhoods through the Arts” which will provide an opportunity for concerned citizens and established leaders alike to expand their knowledge on communal artistic expression. Community leaders, arts advocates, and artists will be in attendance, and this event will serve as a networking platform for these individuals to connect. “Art can be essential to helping a community shape an identity and create beauty in urban landscapes,” says Jerry Collins Jr., MLGW President and CEO. “We hope this will spark an important dialogue that supports the growth of Memphis neighborhoods through the arts.”

The “Memphis Government 101” session will offer all attendees insight into multiple facets of the City government, the services they provide, and the City’s budgeting process. Other workshop classes will include “Transforming Vacant Buildings,” “Murals Making,” Funding Your Project,” “Bringing Ideas to Life—Create Memphis,” and “Connect with MLGW.” Participants can choose one workshop during each of two session times.

The day will commence with a continental breakfast and include a buffet lunch for all attendees. Registration for the Neighborhood Leaders Conference is online at www.mlgw.com/neighborhoodleader and open until July 25. Cost to attend is $10.

MLGW is the largest three-service public power utility in the nation, serving more than 420,000 customers in Memphis and Shelby County.