At least once a week, I hike a trail in a park near our home. A tree along the last mile bears the evidence of where people over the years have left their mark. When I pass, I wonder if “L.H.” kept loving “S.W.” in the many years since he carved their initials on the tree. Maybe that was the tipping point where “S.W.” knew she would become “S.H.” forever… or maybe not.
Sometimes we make a lasting mark that is remembered for decades. More commonly, we make our mark, move on, and our efforts fade into the light of our orphaned accomplishments.
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.
At least once a week, I hike a trail in a park near our home. A tree along the last mile bears the evidence of where people over the years have left their mark. When I pass, I wonder if “L.H.” kept loving “S.W.” in the many years since he carved their initials on the tree. Maybe that was the tipping point where “S.W.” knew she would become “S.H.” forever… or maybe not.