One of seven economic development success stories featured in The Wall Street Journal online was a story that appeared in print on July 28th, titled Faster and Stronger about ConnectKentucky’s success in helping that state’s economic development by increasing broadband and technology usage and availability.
ConnectedTennessee is a similar initiative that Hickman County has partnered with. Aware of Kentucky’s success with ConnectKentucky, our technology committee was in ConnectedTennessee’s office before they could unpack. As a result of our enthusiasm, we became the first eCommunity Leadership Team organized. With the able assistance of ConnectedTennessee, Hickman County is working to improve technology utilization and broadband availability to benefit existing business and to provide the skills and tools new business will need.
About Daryl Phillips, CEcD
I am a professional economic developer. I presently work for communities and companies in developing and implementing workforce and economic development solutions as CEO of Phillips Economic Development Solutions (Phi EDS).
Prior to September 2017, I was the economic development professional who served a community team of elected officials, business people, community leaders and dedicated stakeholders for economic development in Cheatham County, Tennessee (pop. 39,880) and its four towns. During my five-year tenure, I served the team as Cheatham County grew over 1,700 jobs, turned around population declines at the start of this decade into healthy population growth, increased tourism expenditures 20.3% and local tax revenue from tourism 25.4%, grew sales tax revenue 36%, focused on developing the local workforce and was recognized by SmartAsset as having the 9th highest Incoming Investment Index of all the 95 counties in Tennessee.
I am a member of International Economic Development Council, Southern Economic Development Council, Tennessee Economic Development Council and International Council of Shopping Centers.
I have earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) from International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) certification from National Development Council and hold a Master of Business Administration from Tennessee Technological University.
