Growth in comparable store sales rose 0.4 percent this October, but that is down from a 1.3 percent increase last year.

Year-to-date sales are down 1 percent for the first nine months to $1.31 billion, compared with $1.32 billion for the same period last year.

Fred's opened one store, four express pharmacies and eight general pharmacies. It closed nine stores. The company now operates 665 stores.

Seed fund branches out

Innova Fund II LP is one of six venture capital firms to participate in the TNInvestco program, state officials announced Thursday .

The initiative is aimed at bolstering entrepreneurial communities and helping create new businesses.

Innova was the only West Tennessee finalist. The other recipients are located in Nashville and Chattanooga.

Innova will receive $20 million in gross premiums tax credits, which will be marketed to insurance companies to establish venture capital funds for investment in early- and mid-stage companies statewide.

Innova is a pre-seed, seed and early-stage investor focused on starting and funding high-growth companies in the biosciences, technology and agbio.

'Where's My Refund?'

The Internal Revenue Service is looking for Tennesseans, including 479 in Shelby County, who are due to receive a combined $1.77 million in the form of 1,849 refund checks.

The checks were returned to the IRS by the Postal Service because of mailing address errors.

Taxpayers can update their addresses with the "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov.

Taxpayers can access a telephone version of "Where's My Refund?" by calling (800) 829-1954.

Party in session tonight

Now here's a party for a cause.

A coalition of local attorneys, promoting equal justice for all, will host a benefit concert for Memphis Area Legal Services tonight at Newby's , 539 S. Highland.

The benefit is open to the public and will feature the local band Walrus. Tickets cost $10 and doors open at 6 p.m. The concert begins at 8 p.m.

MALS, founded nearly 40 years ago, is a nonprofit law firm with 20 attorneys, representing clients in Shelby, Fayette, Tipton and Lauderdale counties.

Easing pain of mishaps

Mason Wilson, an attorney with Baker Donelson, will speak on "Accidents Happen: How to Prepare, React and Protect," at the Traffic Club of Memphis luncheon, 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Racquet Club.

The club also will elect board members for 2010.

Reservation deadline is noon today online at trafficclubofmemphis.com .

Cost is $25 for members and guests with reservations, $30 without reservations or for nonmembers.

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Well said

William Shakespeare:

"Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon 'em."

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Originally published by The Commercial Appeal .

(c) 2009 Commercial Appeal, The. Provided by ProQuest LLC. All rights Reserved.

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