By Quincey Jones, Klondike Smokey City CDC Executive Director:
As we reflect on the year 2024, the Klondike Smokey City Community Development Corporation (KSCCDC) stands proud of the milestones achieved, particularly as we celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Klondike Golden Celebration. This year has been a significant one, marked by our deep connection to history, our ongoing commitment to community development, and our excitement about what lies ahead.
The Klondike Golden Celebration is not just a commemoration of the community’s legacy; it is a reminder of the perseverance, innovation, and community spirit that have shaped Memphis for over a century. We have had the privilege of seeing this rich history come to life through celebrations, events, and community engagement. The 125th anniversary allowed us to honor the heritage of Klondike and reflect on the deep-rooted ties that bind our past, present, and future.
This year has also been one of growth and renewal for KSCCDC. We have worked tirelessly to support sustainable development in our region, ensuring that the prosperity of the past is echoed in the future. Through key partnerships, innovative projects, and a focus on fostering local entrepreneurship, we are building a more resilient, vibrant community for all who call Klondike home.
Looking forward, KSCCDC is poised for continued success. We are committed to preserving the uniqueness of our community, while fostering growth that benefits all residents. We are dedicated to ensuring that the values that have made Klondike a special place for 125 years remain at the heart of everything we do.
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By Sarah Jemison, Chief Strategy Officer, Alco Management
In 2024, Alco Management celebrated our 50th anniversary, and with it, celebrated the legacy of our founder, my dad, Frank Jemison Jr., in creating a company dedicated to providing quality affordable homes and quality jobs for the long term.
As we spent time reflecting on the past and planning for the future, we are proud and grateful that that mission continues in the work our 200 employees do day in day out to provide more than 5,000 families in the Mid-South and across the southeast with high quality homes.
Our team focused in 2024 on ensuring we are providing the highest quality homes we can. From investing in multi-million-dollar renovations to adding security gates to increase safety in local communities, we have remained steadfast in this commitment. In 2025, we will continue that investment in raising the bar for quality affordable homes, while introducing a new team focus on talent development and growth. Our employees are the center of our work and our mission, and resourcing them with training, coaching, and supportive services will allow each team member to thrive, in turn strengthening our company and our broader community. We are committed to growth and developing our team, focusing not just on what is required but on the very best that is possible, for our team, our company, and our city. We couldn’t be more excited for Alco or for Memphis in 2025.