I know one negative: residents who would rather whine/bit ch about problems than do something constructive to resolve them, lol.
Positives: Many have been mentioned before. We have a solid corporate base. People mention FedEx, IP, AZO, ServiceMaster, First Horizon, the ones that are based here, and where the execs are based. That's great. But there are other companies with major operations here (I'm going to actual use something I normally see as a negative as a positive): Hilton, Sofamor-Danek, etc. I HATE sellouts such as what occurred with UP, NCBC, ConcordEFS, etc. Those corporate leaders are as bad as whiny residents, and perhaps help create the atmosphere of malaise that you don't see as much in cities like Denver (where FirstData is based, purchaser of ConcordEFS, who then siphoned that company and its revenue from the Memphis economy).
I've always felt that Memphis is too nice. Too hospitable. The atmosphere here is almost to the extent of doing whatever it takes to help other cities' economies and self-esteem than our own. We must become more boosterish, more cut-throat in competition. More defensive. More militant in demanding improvement, and demanding attitudes that support improvement: whini/bit chiness without constructive suggestions and an energy to help (little ways to help do make a difference, see Residents for a Safer Downtown Memphis) is as much of a blight on any community as poverty, crime, and lack of education -- it helps to siphon hope from the next generation by imposing artificial ceilings. Think about the attitudes that you spread like a virus -- they can either be positive or negative. If I'm going to be a virus, I want to be a virus of optimism.
Other positives: St. Jude, Baker Donelson (one of the largest law firms in the nation).
Positives to look for in the future: Univ. of Memphis law school's move downtown should help it in academic standings and help re-energize a somewhat plateauing downtown (we already have Rhodes and CBU, but we really need either or preferably both U of M and Ole Miss to rise in reputation because we need a top-50 research university -- most major cities have at least one, unfortunately, most of those cities they are private; unless Rhodes or CBU expands its mission, that would be an unlikely scenario); LeBonheur's expansion and world-class aspirations; the creation of something of a theater district near Playhouse on the Square. Memphis is neither immune from nor alone in sharing in the pain of the global recession, and that hinders some immediate positives, but hopefully when the economy comes back many of the projects designed to reflect optimism in and energy of Memphis will resurface (such as some of the high-rises).
Also, the region is acknowledging the importance of walkable neighborhoods and steering away from vehicular-centered developments that gave birth to Winchester and G'town Parkway sprawl. Examples of this gradual shift include Germantown's master plan to create dense developments and a walkable center and the U of M/Highland's exploration of a similar nature development. We need more of the latter (wide sidewalks with cafes, buildings that aren't fronted by acres of asphalt, people walking everywhere) and less of the latter (the oceans of asphalt and scurrying of cars that predominate suburbia not just here but elsewhere that prevent pedestrians from having any sense of confidence that they can use their legs and lungs as transportation devices and concomitantly improve their health). I am along the same vein heartened by a gradual trend toward creating more running and walking trails that connect neighborhoods. If Memphis can do one thing (besides a boost in defensiveness and self-esteem), I would like to see a concerted focus across party and racial lines on encouraging exercise -- increase bike lanes, increase miles of park trails and sidewalks, have a demonstrable rise in walkable developments, increase penalties for hitting bikes and pedestrians. Many things can help that objective that do not require government involvement, but most require government action. None of us will acknowledge that we are bad drivers, or that we are neglectful, dismissive, or even hostile to bikers or pedestrians who inconvenience our driving patterns, but we all know someone who is and we are too lazy, cowardly, or cruel to speak up. Including me. That changes for me this year. And hopefully next year, the change you see is me returning home.
It's also good to note that SFX (owner of Graceland) is not backing down in its plans to rehab that area. That's great news and in line with the creation of the aerotropolis that would assist the corporations down there like Pinnacle, Buckman Labs, Swift (which bought MS Carriers -- a Memphis company), and Medtronic.
Haven't even touched on the music. The unique atmosphere. The literature. The food. The fact that as logistically blessed as Memphis has been, the next 10-15 years will increase those blessings many times over. Memphis is really a blank book ready for a masterpiece to be written upon. Are we going to be contributing writers? Or are we part of the consumptive audience that demands immediate gratification from others?
I'd love to get into where the areas of improvement for Memphis can be, what those improvements could be, and how it can get done (what must require government assistance/guidance, what can be done on a grassroots level). That goal must wait as, alas, I must work. To make money. To return to Memphis.
There are tens of thousands in Memphis that love it, that want it to improve because of that love, that want it to achieve its world-class potential even if they can't see it. There are thousands that I am convinced can see a world-class potential, but have difficulty realizing how to get it there. I know there are hundreds who have not just the love, not just the vision, but the plan to help us get it done. And there are probably dozens among them with the leadership to mobilize others. And then there are some of the folks on this forum. Who want attention from others as they claim they are seeking to leave. Like the runaway 5 year old son, apparently. If you're serious about running away, then go. And if you don't want to contribute anything constructive in the process, but leave destructive comments in your wake, fine, that's your legacy, and that is not a reflection on anyone else.
Even in my current city, though, I am seeking to improve it even though it's not a long-term home. Even though I miss Memphis and it still dominates my civic-mindedness, criticizing my current town without constructive input is a deleterious reflection of one's impact on their community. And, heck, if I do things right, I can learn lessons I can apply when I come to Memphis.
Sorry for the stream of consciousness approach to this. Don't have too much time to reflect, plan, and organize a more well-thought-out post.
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When considering Memphis as a whole, Twilson174 (the OP) is part of our better educated and open-minded populace. Twilson174 is earning college credits and possesses the necessary skills to communicate within this forum. With that said, it's safe to assume he's already in the upper 50 percentile range for a Memphian! 
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