I was reading the Connected Tennessee: Ahead of the Curve 2009-2010 Progress Report today. Of particular interest to me was the business section. According to the report, broadband adoption by Tennessee business increased 22% from July 2007 to January 2009. “Small rural businesses realized a 33% increase in their median annual revenues, while rural businesses without broadband experienced a 33% decrease during the same time period.” The report from Connected Tennessee goes on to state, “Businesses that use broadband service reported having median annual revenues more than double those of businesses that do not use broadband.”
This is why some in Hickman County have participated in this initiative and is trying to make some noise to get more broadband availability and to increase technology adoption rates.
Is connecting to broadband the magic elixir for rolling in the dough? No, of course not. However, technology adoption can be an incredible tool to learn how to start and operate a business, increase efficiency, and connect with customers.
invest Tennessee time in technology
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.
