Author Archives: Daryl Phillips, CEcD

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.

Dandy PB&J sandwich

We had a board meeting last night and I was late getting home. ‘Fast food’ isn’t so fast on the late shift, so I took my chances with dinner at home. I whipped up a peanut butter and jelly, out of desperation comes inspiration sometimes. … Continue reading

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Another article encouraging retailers to adopt technology

Okay, this isn’t a new notion here, but using technology, the Internet and social media is a great tool for retailers to become more competitive and profitable. “Even smallest retailers must make digital plunge” in The Tennessean, discusses how customers … Continue reading

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Improving the Quality of Education in Tennessee

Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam releases his latest YouTube update. In the update, he introduces Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman and improving the quality of Tennessee’s education system is discussed.  

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Rainy days and Mondays and using WordPress

Rainy days and Mondays… they are good for something. It has been cool and rainy for the past several days, which has expedited my blog upgrade and immersion into WordPress. I have edited code, modified a 404 page, changed permalinks, … Continue reading

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Latest from Michael Porter

Michael Porter speaks on economic development in inner cities with Fortune magazine. Training and business development are important in cities just as they are in rural areas.

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Feedback for Internet Marketing Workshop

I posted about attending an Internet Marketing Workshop conducted by Joanne Steele of Rural Tourism Marketing Group on Monday. Sort of like there is no greater praise for a cook than a cleaned plate, I was informed and inspired by … Continue reading

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More good news for broadband availability and technology utilization

AT&T Invests in Tennessee Network to Deliver Most-Advanced Mobile Broadband Experience

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Training to help existing rural business

We had a great workshop today on internet marketing for small tourism-related businesses. Part of a regional economic development initiative by the Buffalo/Duck River RC&D Council, Joanne Steele of Rural Tourism Marketing Group facilitated the workshop in Centerville, TN.

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Wherever they are, I can find them with my Kindle

Amazon decreases the likelihood of establishing nexus in Tennessee with its announcement of three more distribution centers: “Amazon raises stakes with 3 more centers” – Chattanooga Times Free Press

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Local company, All-American

Bon Aqua, Tennessee’s Diamond Gusset Jeans is featured in this story on the RT America channel about Mark Will’s Looking for America song:

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In this survey / We’re number four / But your look may pay / As Tennessee has more!

Chief Executive magazine surveyed more than 500 CEOs and they concluded that Tennessee was the fourth best state for business. Criteria included taxation and regulation, workforce quality and living environment in the magazines annual ranking of states. For more information, … Continue reading

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excited about INCITE!

Governor Bill Haslam announced today a $50 million initiative that will support innovation across Tennessee. Named INCITE (INnovation, Commercialization, Investment, Technology and Entrepreneurship), the goal of the initiative will be “to raise Tennessee’s profile in innovation-based economic development and drive … Continue reading

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Building rural leadership capacity?

I read this morning an article about a rural school system dropping vocational agricultural classes due to budget cuts. Agriculture continues to be a major industry for rural areas. However, the first thing that I thought about was how much … Continue reading

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HCECDA moves May meeting to 19:00 on 17th

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 … Continue reading

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Targeting Regional Economic Development – no, it’s probably not everyone’s ‘fun, summer read’

I am reading a book, Targeting Regional Economic Development. It includes historical background on economic development programs and policies such as Mississippi’s Balance Agriculture With Industry initiative, which helped birth Southern industrial development efforts after World War II. One interesting … Continue reading

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Durable goods orders looking stronger

“New orders for durable goods—manufactured items designed to last more than three years—increased 2.5% in March, the Commerce Dept. said Wednesday. February’s tally was revised to a 0.7% rise from a 0.6% drop previously reported.” — Wall Street Journal

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Some counties thirst for opportunities

“Law change could bring new era for Tennessee whiskey” — Tennessean.com

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Data Centers

Arik Hesseldahl writes about data center security in “A Glimpse Inside One of Google’s Data Fortresses” on his New Enterprise technology blog.

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"But screw your courage to the sticking place, And we’ll not fail." (To Celebrate the Bard’s B’day)

Happy Birthday, William Shakespeare!! “There is a tide in the affairs of men.Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;Omitted, all the voyage of their lifeIs bound in shallows and in miseries.On such a full sea are we now … Continue reading

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Broadband Adoption Surges Among Connected Tennessee’s Target Groups

Broadband Adoption Surges Among Connected Tennessee’s Target Groups

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Jobs4TN Sounds GR8!!

Governor Haslam and Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development Commissioner Hagerty announce the Jobs4TN Plan and the results of the first departmental Top-To-Bottom Review. For more information, check out the press release.

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Food for thought: Domestic Kitchen Certification

The University of Tennessee offers the Domestic Kitchen Tennessee Food Safety Certification training necessary for many home-based food businesses. The training will be held May 12, 2011 at the Ellington Agricultural Center in Nashville. For more information, check out the … Continue reading

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IRS Webinar for Small Business

Internal Revenue Service Webinar for Small BusinessesSmall Business Advantage: Put Our Knowledge to Work for YouPresented by the Internal Revenue ServiceDate: May 18, 2011 1:00p.m. This FREE webinar is for:• Small business owners• Self-employed persons• Independent contractors• Tax practitioners – … Continue reading

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Local leaders bring home fresh ideas for economic growth from Rural Development Conference

COOKEVILLE, Tenn., April 15, 2011—Daryl Phillips, Executive Director of Hickman County Economic & Community Development Association, in Centerville, TN, joined leaders from across the state April 13-14, 2011 as a participant in the Sixteenth Annual Rural Development Conference: Promoting Economic … Continue reading

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Rural Tourism Workshop

Joanne Steele with Rural Tourism Marketing Group will be facilitating “Making the Internet Work for You, Your Business and Your Town”, a workshop about rural tourism and how the internet creates the opportunity to attract visitors who will appreciate your … Continue reading

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Great Leaders, Businessmen and Transformers

Here are more introductions from the new cabinet:

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I would have suggested a Career Guide Electra Glide

The Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development unveiled their Career Coaches today. For those job seekers that need access to the latest technology, check out the Career Coaches’ Facebook page or the Career Coach Get on the Coach website.

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Experience the Experience

Well, I started down this road and I don’t want to leave out any commissioners. It is a great way to get a brief introduction to those who will be leading and administering Tennessee state government. Check out Governor Bill … Continue reading

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Minnie now a Racer?

Well, I’m nearly eligible for AARP and I think my greatest connection to Minnie Pearl is through The Dead Milkmen’s hit Punk Rock Girl. So, I’m not too torn up at the fact that Murray State University’s Wrather West Kentucky … Continue reading

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See the Vision

Governor Haslam’s latest update introduces some of the Haslam administration cabinet members.

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