Universal Sponsors Holiday Season Performance at Hattiloo Theatre

Universal sponsored Hattiloo Theatre's performance of "If Scrooge was a Brother", an urban spin on Charles Dickens' holiday classic "A Christmas Carol". The performances ran during the entire month of December. Written by Hattiloo's Founder/Artistic Director, Ekundayo Bandele, this annual show has fast become a Memphis Holiday Tradition. Universal was proud to lend its support during this season of giving.

Universal Hosts 7th "Regional Power Breakfast"-December 2011

Universal Commercial hosted its 7th consecutive monthly "Regional Power Breakfast", honoring Memphis entrepreneurs V. Lynn Evans, Frank Banks, Melvin Jones, Juan Self, & Jimmie Tucker. These individuals serve as exemplary models of business leadership, service, and corporate citizenship. They were awarded the inaugural Dr. J.E. Walker/A. Maceo Walker "Entrepreneurial Medal of Honor", in dedication to this business pioneering family that founded both Universal Life Insurance Company and Tri-State Bank of Memphis. Both entities serve and continue to serve generations of Memphians for numerous decades, providing jobs and services that for so long were not afforded or available.

Started in June 2011, the Regional Power Breakfast has become a monthly staple for business owners, government decision makers, and economic development professionals, boasting insightful information and broad relationship-building opportunities for attendees.

2012 promises to be even more exciting.

Photos from the event can be found here: http://isaacsingleton.smugmug.com/Events/MBE-Power-Breakfast-December/20669172_2sSrhX#1639090908_SssxVD3

Universal Leader Recognized as "Agent of Change"

MULYP Announces 2011 Agents of Change Award Honorees

Memphis,TN - The Memphis Urban League Young Professionals 2011 Agents of Change were awarded Sat., Dec. 3, during a sold out banquet at Opera Memphis. The awards ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of 11 professional and civic leaders for their commitment to their respective professions and the City of Memphis.

The 2011 Agents of Change Awards Honorees

Agent of Change Award Darrell Cobbins, Owner, Universal Commercial Real Estate, LLC

The MULYP Legends Award Jeffrey Higgs, President/CEO, LeMoyne-Owen College Community Development Corporation

MULYP Member of the Year [YP to Watch] Cynthia Daniels, HR Recruiter

Innovator of the Year Demarcus Love, CEO, ChooMoGo

Community/Civic Activist [The Committed Doer Award] Derwin Sisnett, CEO, Gestalt Community Schools

Health Advocate of the Year [A Healthier You Award] Dr. Anthony Price, Owner, Creative Smiles Dental

Arts Enthusiast of the Year [Change Artist Award] Marcellus Harper, Managing Director, Collage Dance Collective

Educator of the Year [Schooling Our Future Award] Harry Cash, Manager of Youth Services and Community Affairs, City of Memphis

Non-Profit/Faith Based Organization of the Year [Helping Hand Award] Give 365

Greek Organization of the Year Award [Talented Tenth Award] Delta Sigma Theta, Memphis Alumnae Chapter

People’s Choice Award Audria Arnold, Publisher, Love Nu Art Magazine

Darrell Cobbins ends Two-Year Term as MLGW Board Chairman

Darrell Cobbins, President of Universal Commercial Real Estate, ended his two-year term as Chairman of the Memphis Light Gas & Water's Board of Commissioners and Pension Board. His tenure officially ends on December 31, 2011. He chaired his final meeting on December 15th, 2011, receiving appreciation and congratulations from MLGW Board/Staff including President, Jerry Collins and Board Members V. Lynn Evans, Rick Masson, Dedrick Brittenum (Incoming Chairman), and Steve Wishnia (Incoming Vice Chairman).

Assuming the helm of the Board of Commissioners and Pension Board at age 37, Cobbins was noted as the youngest Chairman in the history of MLGW, the nation's largest three-power, municipally-owned utility company.