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.

IEDC Leadership Summit

After a slow drive to the airport and a delay of a couple of hours, I finally made it to Houston yesterday for the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) 2010 Leadership Summit. I’ll miss spending the weekend enjoying the rare … Continue reading

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Travel

There was a time when all travel was an adventure… and a good thing. On snowy mornings like today, I’d rather spend Saturday at home.

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Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Last Quarter Growth Reported

“U.S. Economy Grew at Fastest Pace in 6 Years Last Quarter” in the New York Times Business section reports on last quarter’s GDP growth.

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Incubators ‘In’ Again

In today’s Wall Street Journal, it was reported that business incubators are showing signs of revival (“Start-Up Incubators Reborn“). Incubators provide entrepreneurs with support that makes starting and growing a business easier. A successful business incubator isn’t automatic, however. It … Continue reading

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Nattering Nabob of Positivity

Especially for counties with extremely tight marketing budgets, any kind of mention in the media has a big impact on our image, relatively speaking. Getting positive mentions like these in BusinessWeek and in yesterday’s press release by ERSI, the geographic … Continue reading

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ESRI to Demonstrate Broadband Mapping Application on Capitol Hill — REDLANDS, Calif., Jan. 25 /PRNewswire/ —

ESRI to Demonstrate Broadband Mapping Application on Capitol Hill — REDLANDS, Calif., Jan. 25 /PRNewswire/ — I was able to see a sneak peek of this broadband mapping application several weeks ago. This a great asset for communities planning to … Continue reading

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Just the facts, ma’am! (to keep from paying tax)

Hickman County Economic & Community Development Association has filed its IRS Form 990 on time, but I wanted to remind all those tax-exempt non-profit organizations out there the importance of timely filing with the IRS. It is our duty under … Continue reading

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Hickman County’s Duck River Featured by National Geographic

A quality of place item: a featured article and photos on National Geographic.com show the abundance of life in one cubic foot of the Duck River, one of the most biodiverse waterways in the United States. As beautiful as it … Continue reading

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Officials find thousands of small firms haven’t paid state’s business tax – Nashville Business Journal:

Officials find thousands of small firms haven’t paid state’s business tax – Nashville Business Journal: Another article in this week’s Nashville Business Journal reports on a business issue that I have been aware of, but should on the minds of … Continue reading

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What licenses and permits do I need for my business?

Business.gov tweeted me on Twitter a reminder this morning that anyone can check what licenses and permits a business needs in their specific zip code by typing in the zip code and selecting the type of business on this page, … Continue reading

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‘Local’ movement brews up business for area spirits makers – Nashville Business Journal:

‘Local’ movement brews up business for area spirits makers – Nashville Business Journal: “The local food movement is fast becoming the local booze movement. In an annual survey of more than 1,800 professional chefs who are members of the American … Continue reading

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Confluence Solar

Congratulations to Clinton and Anderson County, TN on the announcement of the Confluence Solar facility! The competition was tough and their preparation paid off.

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Dark and stormy tonight, clear skies tomorrow

It is a dark and rainy night and I am waiting for the Entrepreneur Workshop to begin in about 30 minutes. I hope that the rain doesn’t prevent people from attending. But if so, what of it? If a little … Continue reading

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Hickman County Starting a Business Workshop — TONIGHT!!

Learn more about business! TONIGHT!! Considering starting a business? Do you have a business that you are ready to grow to the next step? You may want to check this out. There will be an Entrepreneurship class informational session at … Continue reading

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This Thursday night at 6 – learn about business

Learn more about business! Thursday Night! Considering starting a business? Do you have a business that you are ready to grow to the next step? You may want to check this out. There will be an Entrepreneurship class informational session … Continue reading

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Free small business tax workshop

Confused about business taxes? How about personal tax advice? For a free, interactive virtual small business tax workshop, check out the IRS Virtual Tax Workshop.

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Motivation in Business

I began reading the book, Drive: the Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us. Not too surprising so far for me – having the tools to work toward a clear personally appealing goal is more motivating long-term than a big salary. … Continue reading

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Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Whether you have the day off or are working today, take time to remember the ideal that the founding fathers documented in the Declaration of Independence and that Dr. King reiterated in his “I Have a Dream” speech: “We hold … Continue reading

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Them nosy guv’ment folks, why should I answer their questions?

It is time for the decennial census mandated by the United States Constitution. In 2010, U.S. Census workers will be mailing, calling, and visiting to count the population of the United States and to learn a little about our people. … Continue reading

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What’s up for 2010?

Becky McCray has another great article, “2010 Rural Small Business Trends“, on smallbiztrends.com. Read how these 10 trends will affect rural small business this year: (1) Census 2010 (2) Health care reform (3) “Shop local” campaigns grow up and out … Continue reading

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Mid-South Economic Development Course

I wanted to pass on a great opportunity for economic development training near Tennessee that is coming up soon. The Mid-South Basic Economic Development Course conducted by the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Institute for Economic Advancement will be … Continue reading

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Domestic Kitchen – Tennessee Food Safety Certification course to be held near Hickman County

Individuals who use a domestic kitchen to prepare, manufacture and sell food to the public can ensure their facilities meet Tennessee Department of Agriculture regulations through an upcoming course presented by University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture Food Science Technology … Continue reading

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New business starts dropped (duh) – Maybe quality will compensate for quantity

The Wall Street Journal reported yesterday in ‘Business Formation Tumbles 10% in Wealthiest Countries‘ that “(t)he number of entrepreneurs starting new businesses dropped 10% in the wealthiest nations last year and fell 24% in the U.S., according to a report … Continue reading

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Most County Offices Up For Election in 2010

Every four years, most Tennessee county officials face election. Having good qualified candidates and a high involvement by knowledgeable voters is an essential part of economic and community development. Here are some of the job descriptions for county elected officials, … Continue reading

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Elvis visited, why not you?

Happy belated birthday wishes go out to the late, great Elvis Presley. Elvis visited Hickman County and stayed at the H&W Motel (now the Grinders Switch Inn) in Centerville back in March 1961. Check it out, Elvis’ headline didn’t even … Continue reading

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Stay tuned

Not many more Monday mornings here at BNA….

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Leadership Hickman – community leadership skills development

Community leadership development programs contribute greatly to economic and community development. Having an annual class is a requirement to become certified in the Governor’s Tennessee Three-Star (3-Star) Award for Preparedness for Economic & Community Development. Like a lot of small … Continue reading

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State of The Year for Tennessee

The Tennessean reports on Tennessee’s recognition for success in economic development in the article “Developments earn TN ‘State of the Year’ title“. Even in a tough environment, success in job creation and capital investment are possible when communities work together … Continue reading

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Starting a business… is it right for me?

“How to Decide if Entrepreneurship is Right for You” from The Wall Street Journal offers another tool for someone who wants to start a business. For other tools, check out other entries on this blog or the www.business.hickmantn.org site.

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Want to start a business? Check it out in the new year.

Considering starting a business? Do you have a business that you are ready to grow to the next step? You may want to check this out. There will be an Entrepreneurship class informational session at the Hickman County Career Center … Continue reading

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