Murphy, Texas (Oct 2, 2009) -
The economy may have rocked consumer spending and closed thousands of stores nationwide, but the citizens and economic development team of Murphy, Texas have a decidedly different take on the business climate. They've mounted an online petition to encourage that more of the nation's retail chains open stores in their community.

Murphy, perfectly centered in fast-growing Collin County, certainly has the buying power to back up its demands. With an average household income exceeding $112,000 and home value of $305,000, it's surprising that more national retailers haven't already staked claims there. Over 150,000 people live in more than 50,000 households within a 10 minute drive of Murphy's crossroads intersection at Murphy Road and the FM 544 continuation of Plano Parkway. Average daily traffic counts exceed 21,000 on the latter.

"When it comes to retail merchandise and services, Murphy and its surrounding communities remain underserved," said James Fisher, Murphy's City Manager. "Lowe's, Starbucks, Blockbuster, and Bank of America are among the national brands that figured it out early, but Murphy residents still have to drive too far for stores that others find just around the corner." The nearest malls, Collin Creek and Firewheel, are at the Murphy trade area's outermost reaches.

Ironically, Murphy's spectacular growth may be the reason that many retailers are just now giving it a hard look. With a growth rate that outstrips Collin County, it's loomed very suddenly on retailers' radar. With only about 600 residential lots still undeveloped, there's little doubt that Murphy has achieved critical mass.

Murphy residents agree, and have taken their case to the business marketplace with an online petition that also gives participants an opportunity to voice their retail preferences. To see and take the poll, visit www.murphywantsyou.com. Petition tallies will be posted online at the end of October and will be highlighted at retail trade shows, on the MEDC's web site, and in its other marketing communications.

Gunter Watson, President of Murphy's Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), says that its Board couldn't be more pleased. "We'll give strongest consideration and devote our best efforts to retailers that our residents want most." The MEDC leads a tight alliance of Murphy's citizens, municipal government, its Community Development Corporation, and Chamber of Commerce in promoting new business openings.

Murphy's online petition was conceived and executed by Ariamedia, a leader in interactive communications, branding, and strategy for the public sector. The firm also markets the annual Murphy Maize Days festival and is redesigning the city's website. More information is available at www.ariamedia.com.

For more information about Murphy, Texas contact Kristen Roberts, Assistant to the City Manager, Economic Development, at (972) 468-4006 or kroberts@murphytx.org

For more information about Ariamedia contact Ryan Thompson, CEO, at (214)382-2650 ext. 108 or rthompson@ariamedia.com

Chick-fil-A Continues Expansion with Murphy's First Stand-Alone Chick-Fil-A Restaurant. Opening  October 15, 2009, Bringing nearly 65 new jobs to the area.

The Murphy Chick-fil-A restaurant chain and it's Eat mor Chikin Cows will do their part to "boost" and support the local economy with the opening of Murphy's first stand-alone Chick-fil-a restaurant on October 15, 2009, with the celebration to include the giving away of more than $26,000 in free food and creating more than 65 new jobs. 
 
October 14:  Chick-fil-A 100 Day:  Chick-fil-A will award a one-year supply of free Chick-fil-a  Meals to each of the first 100 adults in line at the Murphy location (117 E. FM 544) starting Wednesday morning, October 14, 2009. 
 
October 15: Murphy Chick-fil-a opens for business.  6 AM- 10 PM.  Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Fabulous play scape that the kids will love!!  117 E. FM 544, Murphy, TX 75094

The Murphy Messenger currently has an opening for a contract sales person (straight commission) to manage existing accounts and develop new accounts in a specific territory. 

This is the perfect job for someone wanting a flexible work week with flexible hours. If you decide to work from home in your jammies until noon – you may do that!  You may office out of your home and/or from your vehicle. There are no cubicles or time clocks as a contract sales representative.  YOU determine the work schedule that is needed to bring the greatest results and ultimately you the greatest commissions. 

Candidates should possess the following attributes:
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Self-motivated and able to work independently with little supervision
• Superior organizational skills with attention to detail
• Exceptional people skills and communication skills
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications including Excel.

Prior experience in sales not a requirement –
being results-driven is.  

As a sales representative for the Murphy Messenger you will be responsible for selling long-term print and on-line advertising programs to a variety of large and small businesses as well as franchise and major businesses. Candidates should feel comfortable making in-person visits to prospective new advertisers as well as communicating via email and other social networks. Providing superior customer service to new and existing accounts is a priority.   

The complete sales cycle, for which the sales representative will be responsible, begins with:

1- selling the order that will most benefit the advertiser
2- ensuring accurate ad copy
3-working with the creative design department to convey your advertisers’ vision for their order
4- gaining final approval for each client’s advertisement prior to publishing
5- reviewing completed print product prior to printing
…all completed within the strict deadlines required to meet the first and third Thursday publishing dates.

Additionally, you will have input  in developing and executing sales programs, marketing plans, campaigns, and promotions to build revenue for print and online products.

Contract sales representatives are paid a percentage of their total sales as revenue is received from their clients. Keeping the aging of accounts current will ensure you are paid in a timely manner. Collection calls are not always fun to make, but necessary.  

Being active in the local Chamber and other professional organizations is encouraged.

The Murphy Messenger is the only free community newspaper in Murphy, direct-mailed to 100% of the homes, business and schools in the 75094 zip code. The Messenger is solely owned and operated and is not affiliated with any other newspaper or newspaper group.  

If this immediate opening is of interest to you, please forward your resume to:

Marcia Jowers at:  marcia@murphymessenger.com or mail your resume to:
Marcia Jowers
Murphy Messenger
120 E. FM 544 Suite 72 PMB 136
Murphy, TX 75094
                                                                                                   EOE 

Murphy
Vendor Fair
Saturday, May 23rd
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Murphy Messenger will again be hosting a

 Vendor Fair

 on
Saturday, May 23rd 
at the Murphy Middle School
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Vendor Fair will be held in the two side-by-side gymnasiums and in the back parking lot of the school.  

We currently have outside booths available as all 79 indoor booths have been rented.  If you are interested in participating as a Vendor, you should immediately contact Marcia Jowers for a registration form. Email: marcia@murphymessenger.com  or call 214-289-2641.

Dickey's Barbeque will be on hand for delicious lunches, snacks and drinks, as well as Flavors Shave Ice to keep shoppers cool!

Shoppers THIS IS A FREE EVENT! Come out and see what Murphy's home-based businesses have to offer as well as our area shops, stores and service providers.