Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Rural Policy Research Institute released a report titled “A Snapshot of the President’s Budget FY 2010 What’s In It For Rural America?“, which gives a glimpse at what we in rural areas might can expect in the next budget … Continue reading →

During the past few weeks, I have had the inclination and opportunity to look more closely at economic development organizations in other communities. It is tough these days, but it is amazing what a few people in a small community … Continue reading →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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

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 →

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 →

Hickman County Economic & Community Development Association wishes all of our blog readers a …. Happy Thanksgiving!

On this morning after a national election, I would like to thank my father, who after a long, hard day of work, would always take my brother and I to the polls with him to cast his vote. He lived … Continue reading →

Maybe it’s the feel of fall in the air, but I am thinking about change, the inevitable part of economic development — there can’t be ‘development’ without ‘developing’. From time to time, the economic developer must think about what kind … Continue reading →

Like most of us in economic development, our schedules change to respond to the needs of our communities and to the busy schedules of prospective business and industry. Such was the case on Saturday as I had the opportunity to … Continue reading →

While doing some research, I stumbled across the website for the local McDonald’s Restaurant. McDonald’s is appreciated in our community as an employer, as an active member of our business community, and as another restaurant with great food and service.

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 →

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 →

Technorati Profile

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 →

There is a growing interest in establishing a chapter of the Chamber of Commerce for the East Hickman area. The next meeting will be held at the Beacon Light Tearoom on Highway 100 on Tuesday, May 6th at 6:00p.m. Bon … Continue reading →

Value-added Agriculture Products Business WorkshopMay 7th 9:30-12:00 Tennessee Career Center130 Progress Center Plaza Centerville(email vision21@hickmanco.com to register)How to start and how to grow a business that adds value to agriculture products. Canning fruit preserves, processing timber products, making wine, creating … Continue reading →

The Tennessee Basic Economic Development Course will be held on May 12-16 in Nashville. This is accredited by IEDC and substitutes for the IEDC Introduction to Economic Development for those looking for a professional development opportunity. For more information, go … Continue reading →

The Hickman County Chamber of Commerce has a new website. It is still under construction, but looks like it is going to be another benefit for those of us who are chamber of commerce members…. and for those non-business types … Continue reading →

Hickman County Economic & Community Development Association will host a public meeting to solicit input to update Hickman County’s Strategic Plan for Economic & Community Development. Each year, we invite the input of the public and community leaders in determining … Continue reading →

Hickman County has the advantage of having an available labor force with a rural work ethic. The unemployment rate is 7% due in part to the YKK plant closure. Being near Nashville (in the Nashville/Davidson County MSA, but not the … Continue reading →

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 →

The State of Tennessee offers an attractive incentive package for industrial job creation, either from relocation to the state or an expansion. Hickman County is one of the counties that qualify for the highest level of the Jobs Tax Credit … Continue reading →

For anyone looking to sell their arts & crafts products, check out www.etsy.com . The website was recently featured in the Sunday New York Times and looks to be a good way for rural entrepreneurs to reach a large, trendy … Continue reading →

If your company is looking to relocate or expand into an area with a rural work ethic, yet near Nashville and I-40 and I-65, Hickman County, Tennessee could be your home in 2008. There are buildings and greenfield sites available!

The Hickman County Fair is August 14-18. The fair has always been a respite from the hard work of the summer, a time for showing the results of the year’s labor, and a time for entertainment and fellowship. Check out … Continue reading →

Yes, Hickman County gained the reputation for moonshining and is still sometimes called “Keg County” by some old-timers, but we are much more refined these days. Take a scenic ride in the country and visit the new Grinder’s Switch Winery. … Continue reading →

I’m not sure, but it looks like more music will be coming from Hickman County. www.mucklewain.com . If you are looking for something sooner, check out the Grinders Switch Radio Hour, a live radio show every Saturday morning. http://www.grindersswitch.com/kix.html