In my job, I have the opportunity to meet a lot of different people. One of the most enjoyable opportunities that I have had lately was participating in panel discussions with Ms. Teresa Purcell’s classes at East Hickman High School on Tuesday. A group of local business and community leaders participated in an interactive discussion of our experiences and how these relate to young adults in Hickman County. Not only was it an opportunity for them to learn from us (and for us to learn from them), but also it provided a format for the students to practice their communication and networking skills.
Some say there are issues about the quality of new entrants into the workforce in some areas, but what I saw on Tuesday was a group of young adults eager to learn and become productive members of their community.
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.
