Coffee Break / Housing agency touts big impact

A nonprofit group that has promoted affordable home ownership in Memphis for 16 years has generated a $78 million direct impact on the local economy through its building and loan programs, the agency says.
United Housing also has helped generate more than $196 million in mortgage activity by leveraging its loan programs with bank mortgages, according to a study conducted for the agency by the University of Memphis.
United Housing also has helped generate $245,455 a year in real estate and sales tax, the agency says.
A reception was held Wednesday to celebrate United Housing's successes; the organization also honored Vince and Irma Henderson, who were the 2,010th homebuyers to use its services.
Inflight Wi-Fi offered
Google Chrome will offer free Gogo Inflight Wi-Fi on all domestic AirTran, Delta and Virgin America flights Nov. 20 to Jan. 2.
A single-flight Gogo pass for wireless Internet is valued from $4.95 to $12.95 depending on length of flight and whether it's accessed by laptop or other mobile device.
Delta has more than 540 Wi-Fi-enabled aircraft and expects more than 11 million passengers to benefit from the promotion.
Property of the year
Lexington Asset Managment LLC, Memphis-based manager of 16 apartment communities across the country, has recognized its Crestwood Whittier (Calif.) Apartments as Property of the Year.
The award was given during Lexington's managers' retreat Oct. 6- 8 at Whispering Woods Conference Center in Olive Branch.
Lexington, started in 2007, supervises and asset manages more than 3,000 units across six states.
More on health reform
The Sales and Marketing Society of the Mid-South will host "How Marketing and Sales will be Affected by Healthcare Reform and the Mid-term Elections" from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 17 at the Holiday Inn Select, 5795 Poplar.
The forum will feature keynote speaker Edward M. Rafalski, vice president of strategic planning and marketing for Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare.
Admission, which includes lunch, is free for members, $20 for students and $25 for guests.
Reservations are required and the deadline is Nov. 15. For more details, call (866) 290-4241 or go to sms-midsouth.org.
Done Deals
An 8,450-square-foot flex building at 8657 Macon Road has been sold to P. Ardis by Regions Bank. The space is half office, half warehouse. Elliot Embry and Hank Martin with NAI Saig Co. represented the bank.
Mediterranean Bakery & Grill, owned by Mohamed Malaje, has signed a new lease for 2,800 square feet at the Market at Summer Oaks, 4514 Summer. Frank Dyer III and Allen Israel of Loeb Realty Group represented the landlord.
Compact Vending has renewed its lease for 4,106 square feet in warehouse space at 3615 S. Goodlett. Elliot Embry and Hank Martin of NAI Saig Co. represented the landlord, Park National Bank.
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Well said
George S. Patton:
"We herd sheep, we drive cattle, we lead people. Lead me, follow me, or get out of my way."