Mark Beutelschies helps to solve problems and find the best resources to work toward resolution. An economic development and dealmaking lawyer, Mark is tenacious in his work with medium to large entities to secure third-party resources to fund economic stability and growth. He works closely with general counsels, quarterbacking incentives to maximize the benefit. He assists governmental agencies in implementing effective programs that drive growth and connect resources to clients’ needs. Mark’s experience as outside general counsel trained him to not only spot and articulate risks but to also solve problems. He is skilled at navigating situations as an effective negotiator, who is always keeping in mind the client’s strategy to meet their goals and objectives.
As lead counsel to the Economic Growth Engine Industrial Development Board for City of Memphis and County of Shelby, Tennessee (EDGE), Mark oversees all legal work for the agency, including such development programs as the payment in lieu of tax (PILOT) program, the tax increment financing (TIF) program, all loan programs, tax credit programs, loan fund projects and revenue bonds. He also counsels EDGE for Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) No. 77., which is administered by the agency. Mark is also the lead counsel for the Port of Memphis development projects. He analyzes and addresses all environmental issues related to EDGE and the Port of Memphis. Additionally, he helped develop the first C-PACER loan program in the state of Tennessee for EDGE on behalf of the City of Memphis.
Mark learned how to work with Shelby County government staff across areas to devise creative solutions during his 15 years as a part-time Assistant Shelby County Attorney. He represented Agricenter International Inc. and the Shelby County Air Pollution Control Board. He also helped both the Memphis Housing Authority and the Memphis City Schools upgrade their construction bidding and contracting processes. Mark has also worked with multiple nonprofit agencies to provide holistic support services to Memphis and Shelby County residents.
As a business lawyer, Mark works with many smaller and mid-sized businesses that do not have in-house legal counsel. In this role, he regularly assists business clients with their commercial agreements, commercial financing, employment matters, real estate and environmental matters, as well as any federal, state or local government issues. Specifically, Mark has deep experience in the hospitality industry related to the acquisition, development, stabilization and sale or refinancing of more than 20 projects across the United States.
Mark also serves on the firm's Innovation and Associate Development committees.
Experience
- Guided global agriculture company's Memphis expansion through acquisition of 49.4-acre property with 1 million square feet of warehouse space.
- Provided general counsel services for a dementia day center serving approximately 40 clients/participants on a daily basis, including providing human resources, real estate, regulatory, general corporate and 501(c)(3) compliance services for over 15 years.
- Organized and assisted with 501(c)(3) designation, commercial agreements and corporate work for service that collects out-of-date produce and perishables from area grocery stores and redelivers to nonprofit agencies for distribution or use before spoilage, redistributing around 900,000 pounds of food, or 720,000 meals, each year.
- Assisted with closing and enforcement of multiple loans and sales of REO Property in Tennessee for a Mississippi-based bank.
- Coordinated purchase and corporate restructure of an industrial and commercial electric construction and service company in Memphis, Tennessee, including providing commercial, human resources, environmental, regulatory, real estate acquisition and financing as well as litigation support services.