Popping Potential: Mickey’s Popcorn Is Shaping the Future of Memphis Youth

Rhea-AI Summary

Mickey's Popcorn, a Memphis-based gourmet popcorn business, is making waves in youth development through its nonprofit arm, The Gradus Project. The company, founded by Kenny and Dr. Penny Mickey in 2020, recently hosted the 'On and Poppin Teen Camp' in collaboration with FedEx Cares. The camp provided high school students from Youth Villages with hands-on entrepreneurial experience, including product development, packaging, and shipping processes.

Participants created unique popcorn flavors and pitched their creations to judges, competing for a $1,000 prize. The camp also featured sessions on networking and career development led by FedEx professionals. Mickey's Popcorn aims to expand this initiative, potentially allowing future winners to brand and sell their creations, further empowering Memphis youth through entrepreneurship.

Positive

• FedEx's involvement in supporting small businesses and youth entrepreneurship through the FedEx E-Commerce Learning Lab and FedEx Cares program
• Potential for positive brand image and community goodwill through corporate social responsibility initiatives

Negative

• None.

News Market Reaction

-1.77%

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-1.77% News Effect

On the day this news was published, FDX declined 1.77%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / September 3, 2024 / Mickey's Popcorn, a Memphis-local business established in 2020 by Kenny and Dr. Penny Mickey, stands out not only for its gourmet popcorn but also for its significant impact on the community. Kenny, known as the "master crafter," brings a wealth of experience in food manufacturing and logistics from his tenure with companies like Cargill and FedEx. Meanwhile, Dr. Penny, with her background in executive leadership in education and government, leads Mickey's Popcorn with strategic vision. FedEx became acquainted with Dr. Penny through her participation in the Accion Opportunity Fund (AOF) FedEx E-Commerce Learning Lab, an initiative to help small businesses expand in E-commerce.

Functioning as a social enterprise, The Gradus Project, Mickey's nonprofit that functions alongside the business, plays a critical role in providing transitional employment opportunities for various underserved communities, including domestic violence survivors, autistic individuals, and opportunity youth. Dr. Penny recently spearheaded the inaugural 'On and Poppin Teen Camp' in collaboration with food scientist Ali Manning, supported by FedEx Cares. This initiative welcomed high school students from Youth Villages in Memphis for an immersive entrepreneurial experience.

Throughout the camp, students engaged in hands-on activities, learning about everything from the ins and outs of corn harvesting to the processes of product packaging and shipping at FedEx facilities. Under Ali Manning's guidance, known from her role on Netflix's "Snack vs. Chef," participants explored potential career paths in agriculture and culinary arts. They then were given the opportunity to craft their own unique popcorn flavors, from "hot bacon and cheese" to "sour strawberry" and "birthday cake surprise" (I am still not sure what the ‘surprise' was; the flavors were interesting to say the least), each packaged with creative labels designed by the kids themselves.

A highlight of the week was a session led by Brock Carlson, an HR manager from FedEx Logistics, who shared insights on networking and career development. The culmination of the camp saw teams pitching their popcorn creations to a panel of esteemed judges (one of them being myself, a FedEx intern) competing for a $1,000 prize. The winning team, ‘hot bacon and cheese', captured the win in a tight race against ‘lemon cake surprise'(a mixture of sour cream & chives and lemon pound cake: it somehow worked).

The success of this inaugural camp went beyond entrepreneurial skills; it fostered confidence and professional exposure among the teen participants. Engaging directly with professionals like Ali, Dr. Penny, Kenny, and Brock Carlson, the students gained invaluable insights and mentorship. Looking ahead, Mickey's Popcorn aims to expand this initiative, potentially enabling future winners to brand and sell their creations, further empowering Memphis youth to shape their futures through entrepreneurship.

In essence, Mickey's Popcorn exemplifies how a small business can profoundly influence young lives in its community, equipping them with both practical skills and inspirational role models. As they continue to grow and innovate, Mickey's Popcorn remains a beacon of hope and opportunity for the next generation of Memphis leaders.

Click here to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from FedEx Corporation on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:
Spokesperson: FedEx Corporation
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/fedex-corporation
Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: FedEx Corporation

View the original press release on accesswire.com

FAQ

What is the 'On and Poppin Teen Camp' organized by Mickey's Popcorn and FedEx (FDX)?

The 'On and Poppin Teen Camp' is an entrepreneurial program organized by Mickey's Popcorn in collaboration with FedEx Cares. It provides high school students from Youth Villages in Memphis with hands-on experience in product development, packaging, and shipping processes, culminating in a pitch competition for a $1,000 prize.

How is FedEx (FDX) involved in supporting small businesses like Mickey's Popcorn?

FedEx supports small businesses through initiatives like the Accion Opportunity Fund (AOF) FedEx E-Commerce Learning Lab, which helps small businesses expand in e-commerce. Additionally, FedEx Cares program supports community engagement projects like the 'On and Poppin Teen Camp' organized by Mickey's Popcorn.

What skills did participants learn at the 'On and Poppin Teen Camp' supported by FedEx (FDX)?

Participants at the 'On and Poppin Teen Camp' learned about corn harvesting, product packaging, shipping processes at FedEx facilities, and career paths in agriculture and culinary arts. They also gained experience in creating unique popcorn flavors, designing product labels, and pitching their creations to judges.

How does Mickey's Popcorn's collaboration with FedEx (FDX) benefit Memphis youth?

The collaboration provides Memphis youth with entrepreneurial experience, professional exposure, and mentorship opportunities. Participants learn practical skills in product development and business operations, while also gaining insights from professionals at FedEx and other industry experts.