Jim Rout Named President of the 2005 AutoZone Liberty Bowl

Jim Rout, a long time business, community and civic leader in Memphis, was elected President of the 2005 AutoZone Liberty Bowl today. He has been a key member of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl Festival Association’s Board of Directors for many years. Rout is a long-time supporter and ambassador for the AutoZone Liberty Bowl both locally and nationally.

“I have been an enthusiastic supporter of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl for many years. It’s one of the great community events that makes Memphis unique,” said Rout. “I’m honored to serve as President of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl due to its patriotic theme that means so much to our country. In addition, I fully support the Bowl’s mission of showcasing the Memphis community and the tremendous work at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“Jim has been and continues to be, an outstanding civic and community leader in Memphis and Shelby County,” said Steve Ehrhart, executive director of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl. “He has been a strong advocate of the Bowl and all our activities for many years. We’re excited about the energy, enthusiasm and vision Jim brings to the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.”

Rout is a native of Brownsville, Tennessee and grew up in Memphis. He attended the University of Tennessee and the University of Memphis. After a career in private business, he served four terms as a member of the Shelby County Board of Commissioners and two terms as Shelby County Mayor. In September 2002, Rout returned to the private sector and he now serves as President of Jack Morris Auto Glass in Memphis.

Rout has served on numerous community and civic boards including Bank Tennessee, Memphis Redbirds Foundation, Boy Scouts of America Chickasaw Council, Memphis Rotary Club, Mid-South Fair, National Association of Counties, University of Memphis Board of Visitors and United Way of Greater Memphis.

He has been honored and recognized by many community and civic organizations including Memphis Junior Chamber of Commerce “Outstanding Young Man” (1973), Shelby County Republican Party “Distinguished Service Award” (1982), University of Memphis “Alumni of the Year” (1995), Arthritis Foundation “Man of the Year” (1995) and Memphis Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame “Contribution to Amateur Football Award” (2001).

Rout and his wife, Sandy, have two sons and a daughter – James L. Rout, III, Rick Rout and Sherry Lynn Rout.

In addition to Rout, the AutoZone Liberty Bowl Festival Association also elected these officers for 2005:

· John Moore Chairman of the Board
· Calvin Anderson Vice President
· Bill Ray Secretary
· Mike Longo Treasurer

The 2005 AutoZone Liberty Bowl will be played Saturday, December 31 at 12:00 pm – Noon CST. The game will be televised live on ESPN.

For ticket information, call (901) 795-7700 or go on-line at www.libertybowl.org.