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.

Community Apathy — why should we care?

It just seems that folks don’t seem as prone to become involved in their community these days. In a post titled “Gen X, Gen Y, and Community Involvement” on the Reimagine Rural blog I was reading today, it discusses the … Continue reading

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From Moonshine to Fine Wine in Hickman County

Yes, Hickman County gained the reputation for moonshining and is still sometimes called “Keg County” by some old-timers, but we are a little more refined these days. There are many scenic drives in Hickman County including the Natchez Trace Parkway. … Continue reading

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Rural Trend in Entrepreneurship and Self-employment

In a post on The Rural Blog this week, there is another report that entrepreneurship is on the rise. In thie post, “Self-employment rises in depopulating rural areas “, a sociologist from the University of Nebraska reports that entrepreneurship is … Continue reading

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Looking for a fun experience and great value near Nashville?

Looking for a fun experience at a great value?Hickman County has about as much fun as can be had under the sun… not to mention the fun while the moon shines! Beautiful scenery, unique shopping and dining experiences, interesting history, … Continue reading

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Durable Goods Orders Increase Unexpected

The U.S. Department of Commerce reported yesterday that orders for durable goods, such as machinery, transportation equipment, computers, and electronics, increased 3.4% in February. Durable goods orders had declined 7.3% in January and were expected by economists to decline 2.5% … Continue reading

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Good Food, Great Value, Quality of Place

In a recent edition of Garden & Gun magazine, two of the 100 foods honored in the article “Good Eats: 100 Southern Foods You Absolutely, Positively Must Try Before You Die” can only be enjoyed in Hickman County. Biscuits from … Continue reading

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Smarts, Guts, and Luck

In an article in Harvard Business Publishing online, titled “Great Entrepreneur’s Secret: Smarts, Guts, and Luck“, the author discusses how a new business needs someone smart — and not just book smarts. Not that an MBA prevents one from being … Continue reading

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"…an idea whose time has come."

The Economist magazine has a section of stories on entrepreneurship in its March 14 – 20th issue. Though the magazine leans toward the wonkier side of economic development, The Ecomomist articles have information that would appeal to the business owner. … Continue reading

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Tennessee named 5th Best for Business

In an article in the Chief Executive magazine Tennessee was named 5th best for job growth and business, up from 6th in 2007 and 7th in 2006. the complete article

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Small Business Assistance

President Obama announced today plans to help loosen credit for small business. (“Obama Acts to Aid Small Business“, New York Times.)

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Economic Development Conference

I am in Alexandria, Virginia participating in the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Federal Forum. The first session today was an informative discussion on the new administration, this term of Congress, and the various measures to improve the economy such … Continue reading

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Business advice… and a TV show review

I was flipping through the channels this morning and ran across a “reality” business makeover show on A&E called “We Mean Business“. Don’t expect a lot of sound, in-depth small business advice, but it did have a certain entertainment value … Continue reading

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Farmers Markets – for Freshmen to Seniors

In an article in the Los Angeles Times, “Farmers markets’ new harvest: campus customers“, I read about how farmers markets much like the one in Centerville and other rural communities are becoming popular with students on college campuses. The markets … Continue reading

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Entrepreneurship Workshops Continue in Hickman County

Our entrepreneurship workshops continue successfully at the Hickman County Economic & Community Development Association office. Funded by South Central Tennessee Workforce Alliance and supported by Columbia State Community College Economic Development, this is an eight week series for current business … Continue reading

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Find Values in Hickman County, whether it’s home or not!

Though ‘Shop Local’ campaigns may smack of protectionism, if local retail business communicate their attractive products and services to the local market, the local consumer will see the value in spending their money close to home. For a more thorough … Continue reading

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Minnie Pearl Statue.. or we have an empty pedestal we could put you on

Not since the Perry County Jayhawkers burned a large portion of Centerville’s residential neighborhoods during the Civil War has there been such an abomination to the spirit of being good neighbors. Our beloved Minnie Pearl statue is being held in … Continue reading

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Second Regional Tourism Workshop to Focus on Generational Marketing

The second of three regional tourism business workshops will be held on March 12, at the Perry County Community Development Center. Over seventy people attended the first workshop and comments by those participating were overwhelmingly positive. These workshops are part … Continue reading

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IEDC Basic Economic Development Course coming soon

For those who are interested in an option near Tennessee to complete the IEDC Basic Economic Development Course, Georgia Tech will host its 42nd annual course March 24-27 in Atlanta at the Georgia Tech Global Learning Center. I have attended … Continue reading

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Rural Development Conference April 1-2

The 14th annual Rural Development Conference will be held April 1-2 in Cookeville, Tennessee on the fabuolous beautiful campus of Tennessee Technological University (yep, I’m a proud alumnus!) Hosted by USDA Rural Development, TTU College of Business, and Tennessee Valley … Continue reading

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Cliche’ Alert!

It’s all about risk. In these times, one may be so concerned by future job prospects that exploring putting his or her skills and ideas on the marketplace doesn’t seem as risky as it once did. Best of all, some … Continue reading

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You don’t get a second chance at a first impression…

I was telling a colleague about Jon Schallert, a retail business expert, and his website this week and was reminded that I had not checked it out in a while. Though he had covered it in a seminar that I … Continue reading

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Open for Business: Saturday Morning Ramblings

It is a cool, damp morning here this morning, so instead of trekking over to the Starbucks, I am enjoying the view, the week’s news, and my home brewed coffee from the quiet of home. One news item of the … Continue reading

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Basic Economic Development Course in May

The Tennessee Basic Economic Development Course (TBEDC) is planned for May 4-8, 2009, in Nashville at the William R. Snodgrass Tennessee Tower state office building. This basic course is five days of fundamental concepts, tools, and practices used in economic … Continue reading

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Lemonade from Lemons

From the Denver Post: “Survivors: For some businesses, an economic downturn can be a boon“

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Energy Efficiency Investment

In today’s New York Times article, “Preparing for a Flood of Energy Efficiency Spending“, increasing energy efficiency and the stimulus package is featured. For some specific Tennessee energy efficiency information, check out http://business.hickmantn.org/energy.htm .

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Business Workshops Continue

Business Workshop Series in Centerville, Tennessee.The basic core of economic development is, of course, the entrepreneur who starts a business and invests in the community. Information to develop those bold business owners is a part of our and our partners … Continue reading

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Basic Economic Development Course in March

For those who are interested in completing the IEDC Basic Economic Development Course, Georgia Tech will host its 42nd annual course on March 24-27 in Atlanta at the Georgia Tech Global Learning Center. I have attended economic development training conducted … Continue reading

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Cost Cutting from Cloud Computing

I was reading a weekly email publication from International Economic Development Council (IEDC) this morning and was reminded of one way non-profits or small business save on information technology. Google Apps allows document, spreadsheet, presentation, and calendar applications that are … Continue reading

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Dear California Business and Industry,

Tennessee has low taxes, fiscally responsible state and local government, and a great labor force. I look forward to meeting you. Sincerely,Daryl Phillips, CEcD

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TVA Economic Developers Forum

I am attending the TVA Valley Economic Developers Forum today. TVA provides a lot of economic development assistance to Hickman County and the rest of the Tennessee Valley and today’s agenda of economic updates and ecd informational sessions is a … Continue reading

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