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.

New Economic Development Website

Hickman County Economic & Community Development Assn. is developing a new website. Previously, HCECDA’s site was a part of the Hickman County site. In order to have more space and to be more responsive, I am launching a new site, … Continue reading

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TN Dept. of Revenue Holds Bimonthly Biz Tax Workshops

Tennessee Department of Revenue holds free bimonthly business tax workshops, the next one scheduled for September 23 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at their office at 1321 Murfreesboro Road in Nashville. “This free workshop is designed to assist those … Continue reading

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Help with Energy Costs

With energy costs increasing, more energy efficiency projects may be cost effective. HCECDA economic development partners TVA, our two power distributors, USDA Rural Development, area universities, and Tennessee Economic & Community Development offer programs to help identify and to help … Continue reading

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Leadership Hickman

We are taking applications for the 2009 Leadership Hickman program. Since 1996, a diverse group of people who live or work in Hickman County have assembled into a class and embarked on a nine-month journey of learning about the county, … Continue reading

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Higher Education Options in the Hickman County Area

It is a little like I am burning the midnight (1:00a.m.) oil doing homework again, but I have just updated the higher education information web page that lists some of the higher education providers, information about entrance testing, and financial … Continue reading

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eCommunity Leadership Team Meeting

The Hickman County eCommunity Leadership Team will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 26th at East Hickman High School. The Connected Hickman County Strategic Technology Plan that we have been working on will be presented and discussed. This … Continue reading

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Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)

At the Hickman County Workforce Employer Outreach Committee today, Roger Littlejohn with Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development explained how employers could take advantage of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit on their federal income tax liability. If an employer … Continue reading

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Workshop for Farmers

A little late notice, but a workshop for socially disadvantaged farmers, will be held tomorrow (August 19th) at Ellington Agricultural Center in Nashville. Agriculture, growing and adding value to food and fiber, is still an important industry in Hickman County. … Continue reading

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Who is your city?

I have started reading a book called Who’s Your City by Dr. Richard Florida. I am finding it interesting how one could match the personality of a city with their own personality. My take early on: Dr. Florida’s argument is … Continue reading

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Technorati Profile

Technorati Profile

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Resources for Community & Economic Development

Okay, everyone except the most wonkiest economic development professionals can select another site. However, Tennessee Dept. of Economic & Community Development has a detailed, fact-filled, no nonsense spreadsheet that lists and details Resources for Community & Economic Development. Not only … Continue reading

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Rise of the Chinese Consumer

I found this article in yesterday’s The Wall Street Journal, “Thank God for the Chinese Consumer”, interesting as well as uplifting to my economic development side. That, plus kinda watching the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics last night with … Continue reading

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Hickman County Recertified in Governor’s 3-Star Program

Hickman County participated in a review of its economic and community development efforts today and was recertified as a Tier II community in the revamped Governor’s Three-Star Excellence in Economic and Community Development Program. A formal presentation of the award … Continue reading

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Success Story Featured in Wall Street Journal

One of seven economic development success stories featured in The Wall Street Journal online was a story that appeared in print on July 28th, titled Faster and Stronger about ConnectKentucky’s success in helping that state’s economic development by increasing broadband … Continue reading

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Tennessee Tax Burden – One of the Lowest in the Nation

According to The Tax Foundation, Tennessee has one of the lowest tax burdens in the nation…. another incentive to look at Hickman County, Tennessee. For the full story on the economic benefit of locating in Tennessee, check out the full … Continue reading

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How we got here….

It is Sunday night and am doing what I call my stream-of-conscienceness web surfing. From looking for antique barrister bookcase parts, to reading about what a friend is doing on a mission trip to El Salvador, to shopping for cool … Continue reading

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Industrial Building convenient to Nashville, TN

I attended an open house hosted by NAI Nashville, the real estate broker for the 121,500 sq.ft. YKK Building. This building has been well maintained, has fire sprinklers, and most of the manufacturing area is outfitted with air-conditioning. Details on … Continue reading

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Tennessee, a Nice Place to Visit

Today’s edition of The New York Times had a great article on the beauty of Dover, Tennessee here in Middle Tennessee. Though Hickman County does not have the big lakes that Dover does, we do have the great views, rivers, … Continue reading

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Highest Level of State Incentives in Nashville MSA

Hickman County is only one of two counties in the Nashville Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) that qualifies for the State of Tennessee Rural Opportunity Initiative (ROI) Tier 3 Jobs Tax Credit, the highest incentive level for expansions or relocations. ($4,500 … Continue reading

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Safety in a Storm

I just saw a newspaper advertisement about a business I’ve been hearing good things about with a location in the county. First Walk-In Storm Shelter, http://www.firstwalkinstormshelter.com/ , builds storm shelters that are easy to walk into and easy to walk … Continue reading

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Volkswagen Selects Tennessee

Volkswagen has chosen Tennessee for its United States plant location. It seems that it is common for Tennessee to be on the shortlist for major site selection decisions. Though Hickman County does not have a megasite necessary for a huge … Continue reading

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Shoppers Look Local as Gas Prices Proliferate

As gas prices increase, local residents are driving less and shopping more near their homes. The Rural Blog has an interesting post on the subject. Not only are local shoppers staying home, but most everyone is driving less. Since Hickman … Continue reading

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July 4th / County Bicentennial Event Celebrates our Nation’s Community Spirit

The fireworks show ended just before a summer shower began at the Centerville River Park on the banks of the Duck River. Hundreds of people from Hickman County and visitors from the surrounding area enjoyed a night of community spirit. … Continue reading

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Hickman County Bicentennial

Hickman County is celebrating its bicentennial. Founded by the Tennessee General Assembly on December 3, 1807; Hickman County began the celebration with the Centerville and East Hickman Christmas Parades and is having a big celebratory weekend to celebrate the establishment … Continue reading

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Bon Aqua Woods Scenic Natural Area

Hickman County has an abundance of natural beauty. In order to make one area more accessible, Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation has recently established Bon Aqua Woods Recreational Scenic Natural Area. It is located on Old Highway 46 near … Continue reading

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Building Public/Private Partnerships for Economic Development

I am currently in Charlotte, North Carolina attending a conference conducted by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) in association with the International Conference of Shopping Centers (ICSC). It has been a great opportunity to gain knowledge, network with peers, … Continue reading

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Working to Bring More Broadband Access

The Hickman County eCommunity Leadership Team has been working with Connected Tennessee to increase technology use and to connect more people and businesses to high-speed internet. Building awareness of the importance of the project and planning strategies for increasing technology … Continue reading

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TNECD Offers Retail Business Seminar

Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development (TNECD) offers a free seminar for small business owners, managers, economic development organizations, Main Street organizations, and Chambers of Commerce. Learn marketing strategies and techniques Win more customers Increase customer traffic and sales … Continue reading

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Available Industrial Building 120,000 sq.ft.

The former YKK facility is 120,000 sq. ft. of well-maintained, masonry wall industrial and/or warehouse/distribution space. NAI Global is listing the property and it is officially on the market and available for sale. YKK Snap Fasteners produced products for the … Continue reading

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Online Training for Small Business

Starting a new business or looking to grow your existing small business? The U.S. Small Business Administration has free, online business training. The courses are taken at your speed, but usually take an average of 30 minutes. Topics include “Starting … Continue reading

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