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.

Entrepreneurship Workshops Underway in Hickman County

The entrepreneurship workshop series is ongoing in Hickman County. Last night, our second session on small business featured Scott Powers who spoke about accounting concerns of small business — from maintaining records to tax issues. Last week, Tennessee Business Resource … Continue reading

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Tourism Business Workshop

Today, I attended a regional tourism workshop called Top Trends in Travel and Tourism conducted by Judy Randall. Ms. Randall president and CEO of Randall Travel Marketing, Inc. This was the first of three business workshops with a focus on … Continue reading

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Rural Broadband and Supporting Entrepreneurship

While reading a post on Daily Yonder: Keeping it Rural, I am reminded of why we have worked not only to increase broadband access, but also to increase broadband utilization. Sure, access to technology improves educational opportunities (check out http://www.highereducation.hickmantn.org/), … Continue reading

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Workshop for Businesses that Benefit from Tourism

The stage is set for tourism in Hickman, Lewis, Perry and Wayne counties beginning February 13 with the first of three regional workshops to develop small business and economic development opportunities in the four county area. Even if you think … Continue reading

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Starting a Business in 2009

I was reading the recent issue of Entrepreneur magazine this morning and noted an article, “Laid off in 2008? Start a Business in 2009“, that reminded me how adversity can often be turned into opportunity. It offers advice relevant to … Continue reading

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Columbia State Community College, Responsive to Employer Needs

Yesterday morning (Friday), I attended the Legislative and Community Leadership Breakfast at Columbia State Community College. Columbia State Community College serves Hickman County as well as eight other counties. There was the expected networking and discussion of Columbia State’s role … Continue reading

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Highlights of Senate American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan

Information on the Senate version of the economic stimulus package:Senate Appropriations Committee Releases Highlights of American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan

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Community Banks Increase Small Business Loans

As big banks struggle, community banks are stepping in to offer loans and lines of credit to small business owners… from BusinessWeek.com

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Entrepreneurship Workshops in Hickman County

There was enough interest in the workshop series on starting a business and becoming an entreprenuer that it is in the works! The first of eight sessions has been tentatively scheduled to begin at 6:00pm on Tuesday, February 10th in … Continue reading

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Regional Tourism Workshops to Begin February 13

The stage is set for tourism in Hickman, Lewis, Perry and Wayne counties beginning February 13 with the first of three regional workshops to develop small business and economic development opportunities in the four county area. Even if you think … Continue reading

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Economic Stimulus has Good Things for Rural Broadband

On BusinessWeek.com, the article “Broadband Bill Disappoints Nearly Everyone” by Spencer E. Ante and Arik Hesseldahl gives some insight into how the broadband component of the economic stimulus package is structured. Fortunately, the rural broadband interests are the ones not … Continue reading

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Green Building Creates Green Jobs

In a press release, the United States Green Building Council, in National Studies Show Green Building as Key Part of America’s Economic Future: Green Building Creates Green Jobs that Save Energy and Money, elaborates on the future value of investing … Continue reading

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Green Building, LEED Certified Construction Growing

Local developers are following the lead of market demand and making buildings more ‘green’ and proving it by participating in the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification process administered by the U.S. Green Building Council. Even the Nashville … Continue reading

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TVA Solicits Green Energy

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) solicits proposals to supply its system with electricity generated from renewable sources. TVA supplies power for Hickman County, most of Tennessee and portions of surrounding states. For more information, check out this article.

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Another Local Asset…

Go Tennessee Titans!

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Rural Home Values More Sustainable?

In an article in The Main Street Economist, “Is Rural America Facing a Home Price Bust?“, home price data trends for non-metro areas are discussed. “This article reviews trends in newly released home price data for non-metro areas of the … Continue reading

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Starting a Business Information

South Central Tennessee Workforce Alliance is holding an informational session (it’s free!) on starting a business and becoming an entrepreneur that we will participate. We will gather in the training/conference room at the Hickman County Economic & Community Development Association … Continue reading

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Insight into USDA in the Obama Administration

In the blog post from The Rural Blog, “Salazar, Vilsack will be Cabinet’s rural voices“, and in an article in The Iowa Independent, “Vilsack the pragmatist: Incoming agriculture chief knows how to make friends on both sides of the aisle“, … Continue reading

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"What Works for Small Business… Proven Practices for Assisting Small Businesses"

In yesterday’s issue of IEDC‘s Economic Development Now, a publication by the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, “What Works for Small Business: A State and Local Government Reference Guide of Proven Practices for Assisting Small Businesses” is … Continue reading

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Economic Stimulus Update

I had to duck in and out of the office early this morning, but I did have a moment to scan the headlines in the morning papers. Today’s edition of The New York Times includes an update, “Obama Seeks Wide … Continue reading

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Another Favorable Forecast for Financial Future

In the Wall Street Journal article, “2009 Could Be Better Than You Think“, Alan Murray writes about a cautious optimism that seems to be expressed more as we enter the new year. The really good business people never thought the … Continue reading

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Happier New Year for Economic Development

As we start our first week of 2009, economic developers and community leaders might want to read a post by Bob Ady of Ady International, Take a Deep Breath and Get Ready for the New Year, that reminds us of … Continue reading

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Focus on Infrastructure for Economic Development

As I am wrapping things up here at the office and preparing to call an end to this long week, I am hopeful that all the work we are doing prepares us to be better prepared when the economy improves. … Continue reading

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"Some Forecasters See a Fast Economic Recovery" NYT

If looking for good news, today’s article in the New York Times business section, “Some Forcasters See a Fast Economic Recovery”, offers some hope that economic conditions will begin to improve soon. With an even larger available labor force with … Continue reading

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Cheat on your Losing Weight Resolution with Something Worthy

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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Ringing in 2009 with Resolutions

Okay, it is now 2009 — time for new starts and New Year’s Resolutions…. If you resolve to make more money, be your own boss, etc., maybe starting a business is something to consider. Check out http://www.business.hickmantn.org/ for this. If … Continue reading

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Happy New Year!!!

December 31, 2008 As I sit at my desk on the last afternoon of work in 2008, I am thinking about that even during the past 12 months of recessionary economic times, we have a lot to be thankful for … Continue reading

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After Christmas Special

For a holiday treat, come visit Bon Aqua, Centerville, Lyles and the rest of Hickman County for a really special shopping or dining experience at a value better than a mall discount.

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It’s a Wonderful Life!

The winter weather in the Midwest had delayed our travel plans and opened up our evening. For something different, my wife and I attended a showing of It’s a Wonderful Life at the Belcourt Theatre, a 1920s era movie theater. … Continue reading

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Craft Businesses Defy Current Trends

In the New York Times business section yesterday, I read an article, “For Craft Sales, the Recession Is a Help“, about how craft related businesses were performing above average during the current recession. Craft supply, finished craft, and handmade product … Continue reading

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