In a few weeks, the administration of new Mayor A C Wharton Jr. will move forward with its plan to transform the One Memphis campaign that got him elected into an organization with a mission to form “cohesive and collaborative partnerships.”

A C Wharton Jr. (left) paused for a moment of prayer with his family before he was sworn in as mayor on Monday. From left: Wharton’s wife, attorney Ruby Wharton, a partner in The Wharton Law Firm; and their son and daughter-in-law, attorneys André  and Monica Wharton and their son, Andrew. (Photo by Wiley Henry)

“We’re working through some ideas for One Memphis,” said Bobby White, who moved from the county to the city as Wharton’s chief of staff.

“It’s going to be more than a campaign theme. One Memphis will run parallel to the Wharton administration,” he said.

The logo design is the brainchild of Fred Spikner, a graphic designer who owns Spikner Embroidery and Screen Printing at 1210 Madison Ave. near Bellevue.

White said Spikner created the logo design pro bono because he wanted to get involved in Wharton’s campaign. “He printed towels and T’shirts as his contribution to the campaign.”

According to White, Spikner will print the logo and his artsy signature on a variety of paraphernalia and sell them at his store to benefit the organization    

Plans are still incomplete, however, as to how the Wharton administration will structure and man the organization and who will oversee it.

“We’ve been interested in promoting business owners such as Fred (Spikner),” said White. “We’re interested in seeing organizations and businesses working together, not just Memphis and Shelby County governments.”

Spikner said Wharton tossed out the idea of One Memphis at a meeting he attended at the onset of the campaign. “I was the only one in the room who brought in concerts to town and other acts and had the experience. And he (Wharton) said he needed a logo.”

After a few designs were conceived and presented to candidate Wharton, One Memphis was born.

“That has spawn off into merchandising,” said Spikner, 38. “Now we’re in the process of trademarking the logo, and a percentage of the money goes back into One Memphis.”

Spikner said orders are now being taken for hats, hand towels, T’shirts, pens, coffee mugs, pencils, Polo shirts and more. The next step is to market One Memphis online, he said.