A Conversation with Thomas Brown Thomas Brown serves as the Chief Executive Officer for Eye Specialty Group, in Memphis, TN.  [Provident Practice Management Services, LLC and Provident ASC Holdings, LLC in Memphis, Tennessee.] He oversees a management team and staff of approximately 250 serving six ophthalmology and optometry practices with eleven locations and four ambulatory surgery centers, spanning over multiple cities and states in the Mid-South area. Thomas moved to Memphis in 2006 to serve as Administrator for Eye Specialty Group and Ridge Lake Ambulatory Surgery Center. In 2015, he helped form Provident Practice Management [...]

A Conversation with Richard Cooper Richard Cooper, a lifelong Memphian with more than 25 years of building industry experience has taken over as the owner of Maximus Building Supply after Mark Evans retired in 2021. Richard is full of energy and passion. Early in his career, Richard worked in the automotive industry, where he became the youngest manager in the nation for Firestone. In 1997, looking for a change, Richard got into the building business. He understands the construction process and the importance of timely and accurate supply delivery. He is a visionary in [...]

Inspiring Stories with Erin Gruwell Renowned Educator and inspiration behind movie Freedom Writers addressed Chamber members Chamber members were in for a treat at the May Monthly Meeting, generously sponsored by Pickler Wealth Advisors. The financial firm played a special role in this event.  Not only did Pickler Wealth Advisors sponsor the meeting, but the company’s CEO and President, David Pickler, also helped bring in the special speaker from California to address the Chamber. Before the teacher took to the stage, official business took place. Sam Nichols of Collierville First Baptist Church and John Stamps of Stamps Real Estate [...]

A Conversation with Abigail Warren Abigail Warren is an award-winning journalist for The Daily Memphian. She joined the nonprofit news publication in 2018. Growing up in the Memphis suburbs, it is fitting that Abigail covers the Greater Memphis Area, specifically Collierville and Germantown. She occasionally writes stories outside those limits. Abigail attended Westminster Academy before earning her journalism degree from the University of Memphis. You can often find her out in the community at various events or serving at Harvest Church. Fun fact, Abigail skipped Kindergarten because she already knew how to read. [...]

Baking up Success with Kat Gordon The Muddy's Bake Shop owner shared some sweet tips The Collierville Chamber resumed their Women’s Network Luncheon (WLN) program on Wednesday with their April meeting, featuring Kat Gordon of Muddy’s Bake Shop. Taylor Scott, the Chamber’s Special Program and Events Coordinator kicked things off by recognizing new members and premier partners. She also highlighted a Chamber ribbon cutting that occurred earlier that week at Oh Grate! Amy Bingham, co-owner of the meal prep company, was in the crowd for her first WLN meeting. Taylor then turned the microphone over to Pansy Hall of [...]

Lessons Learned with Dr. Gary Lilly The Collierville Schools Superintendent provided information on Career Ready programs to business and community leaders After a break hosting the sold-out Excellence in Business Awards in March, the Collierville Chamber resumed its monthly meetings on Wednesday with Dr. Gary Lilly, Superintendent of Collierville Schools. His talk was heard by over 150 Chamber members and Collierville community members. Before his informative speech on Collierville Schools, Chamber business took place. First, Dr. Deborah Suddarth of Collierville United Methodist Church and Mayor Stan Joyner delivered the innovation and Pledge of Allegiance, respectively. Afterward, Jimmy Turner, Chairman [...]

A Conversation with Chad Lindsay Chad Lindsay is Vice President and General Manager of Alston Construction in Collierville, TN. A Tennessee native and graduate of the University of Memphis, Chad acquired a degree in architectural engineering to build the foundation for his career in construction. Recognizing the close connection between construction and the global economy, Chad was drawn to construction to contribute to the growth of his own community. He has assembled a strong team of experts he considers to be family, bound together to deliver exceptional results to each and every client. To him, [...]

Night of Glamour and Fun for Collierville Chamber's Business Awards Event celebrated a year of progress and much success for Chamber and its members; Keynote speaker Ermal Faulkner of Ford Motor Company spoke praises to the area Full Photo Gallery Here The Chamber celebrated last year’s achievements at the 2022 Excellence in Business Awards. Sponsored for the second year in a row by Simmons Bank, the prestigious event returned to the Hilton Memphis. With a record number of Gold Sponsors (The Bank of Collierville, Campbell Clinic, IMC Companies, MLGW, Orgill, OrthoSouth, Southern Security Federal Credit Union), premium sponsors (TN [...]

A Conversation with Dr. Gary Lilly Gary Lilly has been an educator for 29 years.  He has held a variety of roles, including teacher, curriculum specialist, technology coordinator, attendance and transportation director, and principal.  He has served as a superintendent for the past 14 years.  This is his fourth year serving as superintendent of the Collierville School System.