The first phase of a large-scale cosmetic revamp to the main road to and from Memphis International Airport is moving forward, with improvements scheduled to literally take root within weeks.

For fun, ask residents of Midtown Memphis where they last saw A C Wharton Jr. “On the news,” some might say. “At a meeting,” others might answer. But the most common replies would go something like this: “He was in line behind me at Starbucks.” Or “I saw him getting his groceries yesterday at Schnuck’s.” 

 The city could add thousands of new jobs, but must do better at connecting job seekers with opportunities, panelists said.