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.

Centerville and Hickman County Flood Recovery Information

Flood Recovery and Clean-up Tips from UT Extension…and the national network of land grant universities, e-extension, including the Louisiana State University Ag Center. FEMA said residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for … Continue reading

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Flood Disaster Information from Congressman Marsha Blackburn

Flood Disaster Information from Congressman Marsha Blackburn’s office. http://blackburn.house.gov/DisasterRecovery2010/

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Hickman County Flood and Storm Information

The radio station in Centerville is out due to the storms and information is difficult to communicate. Hickman County’s website is a great place to find information on road conditions, drinking water and water systems, and other flood and storm … Continue reading

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President Authorizes Major Disaster Declaration for Hickman County

President Obama authorizes major disaster declaration for Hickman, Davidson, Cheatham and Williamson Counties based on the damages from the floods and storms that struck Middle Tennessee and the Nashville area. Other counties in Middle and West Tennessee expected to be … Continue reading

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Hickman County Flood and Storm Information

Lots of damage in Hickman County, Tennessee from the same floods that hit Nashville. Even though it hasn’t received much news coverage, people are dealing with the same destructive flooding as well as the high winds and a tornado over … Continue reading

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I’ll drink to that

Though in its infancy in Tennessee, the micro distillery industry is poised for tremendous growth. For the communities that are receptive, new businesses and the tourism benefit can be quite attractive. For more on craft distillers, check out “Make Room … Continue reading

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Local Food, Found Fresh

Twin Forks Farms Artisan Breads in Primm Springs, Beaverdam Creek Farm in Centerville, Bountiful Blessings near Shady Grove and Turnbull Creek Organics and Drury Family Farm in Bon Aqua receive praise in “As locavores clamor for fresh food, it’s a … Continue reading

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Strengthening the Rural Economy

The Obama Administration just released a report on efforts toward rural development. An excerpt from “STRENGTHENING THE RURAL ECONOMY”: Rural areas are home to about 50 million Americans and are an essentialpart of the overall economy. This report surveys the … Continue reading

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Campaign Season 2.010

This election year is beginning to take life, filling up the rural roadsides with campaign signs. I have also noticed rural candidates utilizing Facebook in abundance this year. Whether you were a ‘fan’ or you now ‘like’ them, what does … Continue reading

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Local company, nice pants

Diamond Gusset Jeans on WKRN news.

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Counting on good results

As the 2010 Census is working hard collecting its information, it is not too early to think about the decennial census’ impact. Since Hickman County is home to Turney Center Industrial Complex, a Tennessee Department of Corrections facility with a … Continue reading

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Working to maintain trend

The unemployment rate for Hickman County decreased from 13.5% in February to 13.1% in March even with an increase in the number of people in the labor force. Hickman County had the lowest unemployment rate in the Local Workforce Investment … Continue reading

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Why would anyone come here?

Nancy Roland, Executive Director of the Hickman County Chamber of Commerce, played the role of a tourist and told the audience at today’s session of the chamber’s Customer Service Training Series about some of the things, places and people that … Continue reading

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Country Music Marathon, then run for the hills

If you you are running, watching, or avoiding the Country Music Marathon in Nashville, Tennessee on April 24th, you could complete your day with a trip down the road to Hickman County, Tennessee – about an hour southwest of downtown … Continue reading

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Social Media in business

An outstanding post from David S. Finch’s Social Media and Entreprenuership blog: “Weekly Reader: April 18 Edition“

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Shop Local!! What about economic self-interest?

There was a presentation at our last meeting of the Hickman County Chamber of Commerce where the speaker encouraged people to spend $20 or so more at local businesses. From the article about this presentation in the local newspaper, there … Continue reading

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Battle of Centerville Reenactment

The 3rd annual reenactment of the 7th Tennessee Co. B Skirmish of Centerville on the Duck River Presented by Sons of Confederate Veterans – Col. Jack Moore camp 559 and The Confederate Belles of Tennessee – Cordelia W. Moore 300 … Continue reading

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Chamber of Commerce Training

Hickman County Chamber of Commerce is conducting a 5 part customer service training seminar. This is designed to help your business grow by training your employees with techniques for great customer service. Outstanding customer service in a small town can … Continue reading

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East Hickman Community Center

Hickman County Economic & Community Development Association became a business/organization member this week to join and support the East Hickman Community Center as it refocuses on its mission “To Make the East Hickman Community a Better Place to Live, Work … Continue reading

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March good month for Tennessee job gains.

The Nashville Business Journal reports “March was best month for Tennessee job gains since October 2005” Hickman County also reported an increase in the labor force and an increase in employment that netted a decrease in the unemployment rate.

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There’s better news and the baddest news isn’t about us…

The February Unemployment rates are out and Hickman County has the lowest rate in its LWIA (Local Workforce Investment Area 10). Still too high at 13.5% (down from 14.1%), Hickman County employers and its workforce continue to work hard toward … Continue reading

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Lack of literacy is lunacy

April is Financial Literacy Month. Whether you are managing a business, an education or a home, financial literacy can keep you afloat. SBA has webinars to help and to help celebrate the month. “Webinar Series for National Financial Literacy Month … Continue reading

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SCORE’s blog for women business owners

Check out SCORE’s Women’s Blog.

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Great, just great

Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon ’em. — William Shakespeare To quell that last little fear of greatness, it won’t hurt to learn a bit to do the … Continue reading

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Nation adds 162,000 jobs, Unemployment Rate remains Unchanged

Nation added 162k jobs in March — Nashville Business Journal

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Run for fun

If you you are running, watching, or avoiding the Country Music Marathon in Nashville, Tennessee on April 24th, you could complete your day with a trip down the road to Hickman County, Tennessee – about an hour southwest of downtown … Continue reading

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Tennessee Race to the Top in Education

Tennessee was one of two states awarded a federal Race to the Top grant to carry out a bold plan to overhaul public school systems. Recognizing that our education system needs to improve in order for the state to remain … Continue reading

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Leadership 3

I suppose leadership at one time meant muscles; but today it means getting along with people. Mohandas Gandhi Leadership Hickman 2010 begins April 17th.

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Leadership 2

I have a different vision of leadership. A leadership is someone who brings people together. George W. Bush Leadership Hickman 2010 begins April 17th.

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A short drive

If you were like me, you wanted to go but missed South by Southwest (SXSW). However, check out Hickman County, Tennessee – about an hour south and southwest of downtown Nashville – for music every weekend. For more info on … Continue reading

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