Written By JR Robinson

The name cityCURRENT evokes powerful imagery of flowing energy and continuous movement—like an electric current sparking life, connection, and transformation throughout Memphis. It implies a vibrant force that charges the city’s business community and civic leaders with purpose and action to drive positive change. cityCURRENT fulfills this promise daily by bridging businesses with community through events, media, and philanthropy, creating a pulse that powers the good in Memphis.

Good Works by cityCURRENT and Its Partners

cityCURRENT serves as the vital connective tissue of Memphis’s social impact ecosystem. It organizes hundreds of events yearly—from the Signature Speaker Series featuring nationally recognized voices to executive lunches, workshops, and social mixers—that foster collaboration among business and community leaders and create opportunities for growth and partnership. Beyond events, cityCURRENT champions positive media through television, radio shows, podcasts like the ChangeMakers Podcast, newsletters, and social channels, spotlighting nonprofits and corporations that lead by example. It also supports nonprofits financially and organizes turnkey volunteer initiatives, opening hearts and creating purpose-driven ties within the region.

The Power of Breakfast Events and Signature Speakers

One of cityCURRENT’s standout features is its highly anticipated Breakfast Events, where guest speakers represent a who's who of inspiring individuals committed to shining their light on everyone they meet. These events bring education, motivation, and networking into a single, energizing experience that boosts morale and unites business and civic leaders around shared goals. Speakers share stories of resilience, leadership, and civic responsibility that ripple through attendees and their organizations, fueling a culture of positivity and impact.

What Memphis Can Learn from cityCURRENT

cityCURRENT is more than an organization; it’s a movement that embodies habits and qualities every Memphis business and nonprofit should adapt to thrive, especially amid the city’s challenges. Here are five qualities cityCURRENT exemplifies and actionable ways organizations can embrace them:

1. Purpose-Driven Connectivity
cityCURRENT’s core strength is connecting businesses with community to power the GOOD. Memphis businesses and nonprofits can build on this by prioritizing relationships that align with their values and mission, creating a network of partners that amplify their impact. Actively seek collaborations, participate in community events, and foster meaningful partnerships that yield mutual growth and social benefit.

2. Commitment to Consistent Engagement
With hundreds of events annually and regular media content, cityCURRENT demonstrates the power of consistent engagement. Organizations can adopt this by building regular touchpoints with stakeholders—clients, employees, community members—through newsletters, social gatherings, and educational programming. Consistent interaction keeps organizations top of mind and strengthens their community presence.

3. Celebrating and Sharing Impact Stories
cityCURRENT’s media platforms highlight stories of giving back and leadership. Memphis organizations can emulate this by regularly sharing authentic stories about their impact, whether through social media, blogs, or newsletters. Storytelling builds emotional connections, inspires others, and attracts like-minded partners and customers.

4. Cultivating a Culture of Giving and Volunteerism
The turnkey volunteer initiatives cityCURRENT organizes make it easy to engage in service. Both businesses and nonprofits in Memphis can develop structured volunteer programs that align with their employees’ passions and community needs. Giving back as a team fosters camaraderie, enhances morale, and strengthens community ties.

5. Investing in Leadership and Learning
cityCURRENT offers access to training modules and events designed to help individuals grow personally and professionally. Businesses and nonprofits should similarly invest in ongoing leadership development, encouraging teams to pursue learning opportunities that improve skills, build confidence, and prepare them to meet evolving challenges.

The Ripple Effect: Memphis as a Spark of Change

Memphis faces many hurdles, yet cityCURRENT reminds us that thriving is a conscious choice. Like an electric current, each individual and organization can be a spark that ignites positive transformation in families, workplaces, places of worship, and communities. By uniting with zeal and embracing practices that fuel connection, service, storytelling, engagement, and learning, Memphis can change its narrative—and show the nation the power of hope and unity.