Hickman County Economic & Community Development Association will hold its next meeting on May 17th at 7:00p.m. at the Hickman County Career Center. The board voted to try convening at night to allow more people to participate in its business meetings. All board meetings are open to the public, but the board is sending out a special invitation to everyone to join them to learn or contribute.
“I have been trying to encourage the board to be more active as the trend toward smaller budgets will necessitate more volunteer participation,” stated Daryl Phillips, Executive Director of HCECDA. “So, when the board began discussing having meetings at night and taking on a more participatory rather than oversight role, I definitely encouraged it.” Phillips added, “Serving as the Joint Economic & Community Development Board, board members represent various economic and community development stakeholders within the county. For example, I expect HCECDA board member Tom Isbell with the Hickman County IDB to share what that board has accomplished recently and their plans for the future. Five members of the Hickman County Commission sit on the board and I’m sure they will describe what they are doing to support job creation and retention. The full commission adopted the county’s updated strategic plan at its last meeting and I am confident there will be more participation in implementing this plan.”
“I have tried to provide a framework for success as the only employee of the board. A wise man said, ‘Make hay when the sun shines and when it ain’t shining, sharpen your tools instead of watching it rain.’ Hickman County is ready as the economy shows signs of shining again and a more active board comes at an opportune time.” Phillips said. “Governor Haslam and his administration’s focus on rural areas will benefit a prepared community like Hickman County.”
