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.

Good news for road warriors

I was impressed when my American-made 4-door family sedan got 31.5 miles-per-gallon, but this report, “81.5 mpg” on Waller Lansden Sustainability Blog leaves me green with fuel economy envy.

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Hickman County WEOC (Workforce Employer Outreach Committee) Meeting

The WEOC is an ongoing effort by the TN Department of Labor and Workforce Development to reach out to Tennessee employers and provide valuable information to foster economic development and promote our services. Thursday, April 30, 200911:30 A.M.Tennessee Career Center130 … Continue reading

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Find a Tasty "Tweet" for Your Small Business

To be honest, I haven’t drunk the Kool-aid on the Twitter craze…. I just take a sip occasionally. However, Twitter can be another tool in your business-related social media toolbox. The following blog post contains some great information on Twittering … Continue reading

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Hickman County Retail Sales

Hickman County March 2009 local sales tax collections, an indicator of retail sales, returned to postitive growth compared to March 2008 collections — rebounding from declines during the previous three months. Compared to the corresponding month of the previous year, … Continue reading

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Quality of Place and a Community’s Creative Class

Sometimes I feel like my career would be a lot more enjoyable if I didn’t have my 9 to 5 job, which may happen one of these days as those frustrating moments become more common. One source of frustration is … Continue reading

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Impressive High School Students

In my job, I have the opportunity to meet a lot of different people. One of the most enjoyable opportunities that I have had lately was participating in panel discussions with Ms. Teresa Purcell’s classes at East Hickman High School … Continue reading

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"Consumer confidence climbs"

In an article in yesterday’s Nashville Business Journal, “Consumer confidence climbs in Middle Tennessee“, the results of a Middle Tennessee State University Office of Consumer Research poll shows that consumer confidence has increased from a negative sixty-six (-66) in February … Continue reading

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A Taste of Hickman County at A Toast to Tennessee Wine Festival

Grinders Switch Winery, located in Hickman County, will be participating in the A Toast to Tennessee Wine Festival at Nashville Shores on May 16th. Many of the wineries located in Tennessee will participate in the wine tastings and there will … Continue reading

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Business Beware!!

Those who are interested in starting a business or need help in their existing business should use caution in these times. If a company contacts you and claims they can help get you a grant for a fee, this is … Continue reading

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Marketing 101 for Rural Small Business

I just read a blog post that gives a quick review of marketing — with a rural small business flavor. If you’ve ever had a marketing class, you’ve probably heard of the 4 Ps (or for more recent grads, 5 … Continue reading

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Agriculture Related Tourism Workshop May 4th

All agritourism entrepreneurs and farmers considering agritourism enterprises are encouraged to attend a special multi-county workshop on Monday, May 4, in Hohenwald. The meeting will be held at the community building in Memorial Park on Court Street in downtown Hohenwald. … Continue reading

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Entrepreneurship post

Is now a good time to start a business or implement innovatation in your existing business? Could very well be….. check out this post from the Kauffman Foundation blog, “In Good Times and Bad, Innovation Can’t Wait“.

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Another look at technology utilization

With broadband penetration slowly increasing in Hickman County and other rural areas, it might be time to explore an increase in technology utilization. In a recent New York Times article, “The PC Doesn’t Have to Be and Anchor“, the decrease … Continue reading

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Broadband article nominated for award

A series of articles on BusinessWeek.com, “Unconnected America“, written by Arik Hesseldahl that included a feature on Hickman County is up for a Deadline Award from the New York City chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. The article included … Continue reading

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Hard Fought Gains in Tax Base and Tourism

The Hickman County Times reported in today’s edition a couple of positive statistics related to basic economic development in Hickman County Tennessee. First, the total tax base is 21% more than last year. Second, the latest reported tourism spending has … Continue reading

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Minnie will be just so proud to return here….

I am still not sure if the Minnie Pearl statue that was spirited away to a hotel in Linden (USA Today article) will be returning to the downtown Centerville public square, but she would and you definitely will be pleasantly … Continue reading

Posted in Green Economy, Minnie Pearl statue, Plätze für Fabriken mit Qualitätsarbeitskräften, Quality of place | Comments Off on Minnie will be just so proud to return here….

Educational Attainment on the rise in Hickman County

Last night, we had some friends over for dinner and stimulating conversation. All of us have graduate degrees so obviously we (and our parents) saw a value in education. As an economic development professional, I see every day the value … Continue reading

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What if we marketed our rural community like Starbucks?

What if Starbucks marketed like a Rural Community? This was a post on reimaginerural.com that I read a while back that came mind as we were made to feel welcome at a church we visited last Sunday. However, do you … Continue reading

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Green business

Starting and operating your own business is as individual as you are. There are many ways to go about it and many businesses that can be successful. If you are focused on being green, maybe it would be worth checking … Continue reading

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Tennessee, nation’s 5th best economy in competiveness ranking

In a recent study by the American Legislative Exchange Council, Tennessee scored as the 5th best economy in the country in a state economic competitiveness ranking. To read more, check out Nashville Business Journal.

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Free Information that can help your business survive and make profit!

Regional Workshop to Focus on Growing Your Tourism-influenced Business with Research Don’t miss the third and final Regional Tourism/Business Workshop that will be held in Linden on Friday, April 17th at the Perry County Community Development Center. Judy Randall of … Continue reading

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A day off and an off post

It is nice when things fall into place. Like today…. it is a holiday for me and it is my birthday. Of course, the weather didn’t get the memo so I can’t do any of that outdoorsy stuff I wanted … Continue reading

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Renewable energy

In a recent articles, there are signs that solar energy will be generating more energy in the future. Our terrain and weather aren’t outstaniding options for wind generation. However, we do have the open space and rooftops that could be … Continue reading

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Happy Birthday, Clark Container, Inc.

Clark Container, Inc. of Lyles, Tennessee recently celebrated their 30th year in business as printers and converters of high quality flexible packaging products. At a company event marking the occasion on April 1st, Daryl Phillips of Hickman County Economic & … Continue reading

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Agritourism Workshop May 4th

All agritourism entrepreneurs and farmers considering agritourism enterprises are encouraged to attend a special multi-county workshop on Monday, May 4, in Hohenwald. The meeting will be held at the community building in Memorial Park on Court Street in downtown Hohenwald. … Continue reading

Posted in agritourism, tourism, UT Extension, value added agriculture | Comments Off on Agritourism Workshop May 4th

Discretion is the better part…

From the sculpture Winged Victory of Samothrace to the quote “Discretion is the better part of valor”, that dude Anonymous is one prolific, creative guy and not one to toot his own horn — why I don’t even know his … Continue reading

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Hickman County Retail sales

Hickman County February 2009 local sales tax collections, an indicator of retail sales, rebounded from the previous two months. Compared to the previous year, December was down 8.2% and January was down 9.4%. February was only down 0.1% ($149,076.18 compared … Continue reading

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Startups in Smaller Cities

In a recent article on BusinessWeek.com, titled “The Pros of Planting Startups in Smaller Cities“, the case is made for smaller communities such as those in Hickman County, Tennessee. With quality of place and a welcome mat for even small … Continue reading

Posted in economic development, Employee Free Choice Act, FECA, Plätze für Fabriken mit Qualitätsarbeitskräften, Quality of place | Comments Off on Startups in Smaller Cities

Clark Container, Inc. Celebrates Thirty Years!

I will be attending a little birthday celebration at their facility this afternoon. Hickman County Economic & Community Development Association appreciates all of our business and industry and are happy to share in this company’s celebration. Clark Container, Inc. of … Continue reading

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Regional Workshop to Focus on Growing Your Tourism Business with Research

Don’t miss the third and final Regional Tourism/Business Workshop that will be held in Linden on Friday, April 17th at the Perry County Community Development Center. Judy Randall of Randall Marketing will teach how you can use simple research to … Continue reading

Posted in Hickman County business assistance, Hickman County Economic Development, tourism | Comments Off on Regional Workshop to Focus on Growing Your Tourism Business with Research