Business View Magazine May 2023

146 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 10, ISSUE 5 Renasant’s corporate business appeal is extensive as well, with long-time clients including Memphis-based AutoZone and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and its fundraising and awareness organization ALSAC. Another long- time client is independent hardware distributor Orgill, which claims to be the oldest continuous business in Memphis having been founded in 1847. Renasant also hosts many concerts, trade shows, and festivals throughout the year, with new businesses coming in since the renovation. The Mid-South Farm and Gin Show is the largest convention in its industry while auto shows, sports competitions ranging from cheer to gymnastics, and even a Michelangelo exhibit are on the docket for 2023. Musical acts and events like the annual Blues Music Awards managed by the Blues Foundation are a given considering the city’s musical reputation. Dennis says that these and other clients are impressed by all the new facility improvements at Renasant, adding that clients from far and near are all welcome. “Sometimes you can find a large number of your best clients right in your backyard,” Dennis says. “That’s true here because our (neighbors) are proud of what has been done here and what our convention center has become.” Community and economic impact can’t be measured That reputation within the local community is important to Dennis and his entire team at Renasant. Not only is it a representative community gathering place but it offers a significant economic impact that is felt around the region. It drives tourism dollars to the city, which benefits restaurants, hotels, museums, sporting facilities, and more. The reputation of Memphis as a destination place helps as well. Memphis Travel works with the State of Tennessee to attract leisure travel; highlighted by the city’s many