The Town of Collierville and the Collierville Chamber of Commerce welcomed business and community leaders to the Chamber’s March Monthly Membership Meeting on March 11 at Ridgeway Country Club, where the Town highlighted plans for the upcoming America 250 celebration and encouraged community participation in commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary. 

Hosted by Collierville Mayor Maureen Fraser, the special program centered on the theme “America 250: Past, Present, and Future,” showcasing Collierville as a true “Land of Opportunity,” where historic charm meets a vibrant future. 

Mayor Maureen Fraser, opening with her signature phrase "There is no place better than Collierville!"

The “Past” portion of the program was presented through a video by Morton Museum of Collierville History Director Neecole Gregory, featuring photographs and memorabilia from the Town’s spirited 1976 Bicentennial celebrations. The video highlighted events such as the Centennial Banquet, parades, pageantry, and community gatherings that brought neighbors together in honor of America’s 200th birthday. Many of these items are now featured in the Morton Museum’s current exhibition, “From 200 to 250,” which revisits Collierville’s role in America’s Bicentennial while connecting the pride of 1976 to the upcoming 250th anniversary. 

The “Present” portion of the program was shared by Tourism Director Ashley Carver, who highlighted the strong sense of community and opportunity that continues to shape Collierville today. Carver presented videos featuring local business owners Maggie Emerson, Alex Piña, and Scott Lemmons, who spoke about their experiences and appreciation for owning businesses in Collierville. Carver also announced that the Town is inviting schools, civic clubs, churches, organizations, and community members to help plan events and activities to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary locally. Community-led events could include performances, historical presentations, themed gatherings, or patriotic projects, all designed to bring residents together in celebration. 

Tourism Director Ashley Carver shared ways the Town was planning events bigger and better to celebrate our country's milestone.

The “Future” portion of the presentation was delivered by Community and Economic Development Director Michael Clark, who shared updates on Collierville’s continued growth and long-term planning. Clark introduced the Town’s recently updated Development Activity Map, an interactive tool updated monthly that highlights private-sector development applications currently under review or under construction, including new commercial buildings, residential lots, and multi-family housing. He also discussed Collierville 2050, the Town’s comprehensive plan that will guide land use, development, and budgeting decisions through the year 2050 while preserving Collierville’s character and enhancing quality of life. Community input will play a central role in the planning process through meetings, surveys, and engagement opportunities. 

Community and Economic Development Director Michael Clark shared ways the crowd could engage with the Comprehensive Plan today.

Attendees also had the opportunity to learn more about the future of another important community asset. The Friends of the Lucius E & Elsie C Burch Jr Library hosted a table providing a first look at renderings for the Collierville Library Expansion and Renovation project. The renderings highlighted several of the key features proposed as part of the project, giving attendees an early glimpse of how the Library will evolve to better serve the community. 

On July 4, 2026, the United States will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. As the milestone approaches, the Town of Collierville is inviting residents, businesses, and organizations to help shape how the community celebrates this historic moment. 

The Town encourages the community to Get Involved and Join the America 250 Celebration by planning events, programs, and activities throughout 2026. A community event guide is available at colliervilletn.gov/America250, which includes information on community programs, opportunities at the Collierville Burch Library, ways local businesses can participate, neighborhood celebration ideas, bicentennial flashbacks, and logo guidelines. 

The Town will share community events on the America 250 webpage alongside Town-sponsored programming, creating a central hub for local celebration details. Community members who would like to submit an event can send information to colliervillepio@colliervilletn.gov.

Let’s make 2026 a year to remember, together!