The Memphis Medical District Collaborative (MMDC) has been named the recipient of the 2026 Robert R. Church Achievement Award for Economic Engagement, presented by The Mid-South Business Continuum. The honor recognizes MMDC’s flagship Buy Local program, an initiative designed to channel major institutional spending back into the local economy.
The Buy Local program bridges the gap between Memphis small business owners and the procurement teams of the district’s largest medical and educational institutions, known as "anchor institutions." By creating direct pipelines for local vendors, the initiative helps neighborhood businesses build operational capacity, secure major contracts, and keep regional dollars circulating within the community.
The award highlights years of strategic groundwork within the Medical District. MMDC’s Economic Development team—led by Rhonda Brown, Senior Director of Real Estate and Economic Development, and Nicole Doan, Economic Development Specialist—has driven the program’s recent growth. The initiative’s foundation was originally launched by Latasha Harris, Senior Director of Workforce Strategies, who is now leveraging that model to expand MMDC’s Hire Local effort.
Leadership across the Medical District was also celebrated at the event. Dr. Reginald Coopwood, President & CEO of Regional One Health and an MMDC Board Member, was honored with the Chairman’s Award for his executive leadership and commitment to community health and economic equity.
The recognition underscores the collective strength of MMDC’s anchor partners and local business network, whose ongoing collaboration continues to power economic mobility across Memphis.
