Category Archives: Uncategorized

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 →

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.

“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.

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 →

‘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 →

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

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 →

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 →

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 →

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.

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

Not many more Monday mornings here at BNA….

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 →

In today’s article “Retailers See Holiday Sales Rebound From Grim 2008“, The New York Times reports that retail sales rebounded significantly from the dismal 2008 numbers. In other reports, online sales had even higher gains — another sign that retail … Continue reading →

I just skimmed the highlights, but this report from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, With Their Whole Lives Ahead of Them: Myths and Realities About Why So Many Students Fail to Finish College, looks interesting for those communities that … Continue reading →

“Eight Steps to a Better Year in 2010” in The New York Times business section lists some items for entrepreneurs to think about in this new and hopefully happy new year.

Location decisions for retail and industrial prospects will become more straightforward as communities pull back from incentives and assistance that bring companies and jobs. This article, “Cities, counties take back corporate tax breaks“, informs of communities that hold companies to … Continue reading →

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!

As 2009 winds down, I am taking some time to enjoy some of the post season bowl games. I really enjoy the smaller bowls (such as the Roady’s Humanitarian Bowl yesterday) with their underdog teams on the way toward rebuilding … Continue reading →

Tennessee was recently approved for a grant of $1.8 million in federal funding for broadband mapping and planning in an effort to increase the availability and use of high-speed Internet service in the state. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act … Continue reading →

Reports such as Newschannel5’s “Retailers Make Comeback, Holiday Sales Jump” show a positive trend and another our small business should note. Preliminary data show retail sales jumped 4% during the holiday season. Online shopping was reported to have risen 15 … Continue reading →

Back at work today and it was quiet — I great time to work on end of month, end of quarter, and end of calendar year stuff. Just think, ten years ago, we were all worried about Y2K and that … Continue reading →

The First Farmers & Merchants Bank Christmas Invitational Basketball Tournament begins today at the Hickman County High School gym for games on December 28, 29, and 30. Tennessee high school teams Ensworth, Forrest, Dickson Co., Marshall Co., Shelbyville, CPA, Hickman … Continue reading →

And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled ‘till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch … Continue reading →

From A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens: “This boy is Ignorance. This girl is Want. Beware them both, and all of their degree, but most of all, beware this boy, for on his brow I see that written which is … Continue reading →

It can get hectic during the holiday season as we are dealing with a cornucopia of activities like finishing up projects, planning next year, analyzing and reporting for this year, and doing those special holiday things…. not to mention our … Continue reading →