Category Archives: Uncategorized

Google praises Nashville’s entrepreneurial scene on its blog.  Google can be a big help in making our small businesses look and become big.

It started out as part of another project and evolved into an Economic Development Education webpage that would make it easier for an industrial development board member, elected official or involved citizen to learn a little about economic development.  It … Continue reading →

VERIZON WIRELESS TO BLANKET SMALL TOWNS IN MIDDLE TENNESSEE WITH HIGH SPEED 4G LTE NETWORK STARTING APRIL 19 NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Starting April 19, Verizon Wireless customers in more than 25 small towns in Middle Tennessee can take advantage of … Continue reading →

Farms and arts studios will be open for visitors during the first annual Hickman County Arts and Ag Tour.  Opening day is Friday, May 25th.  Like them on Facebook or check out their blog for more information and to learn … Continue reading →

I am reading When the Boomers Bail: A Community Economic Survival Guide by Mark Lautman. Laith Wardi recommended it as a “must read” for economic development, especially for rural economic development, and the first chapter has not disappointed. Mr. Lautman makes a … Continue reading →

In an effort to continue to increase rural economic development in Tennessee, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture is hosting a series of listening sessions across the state in April and May for farmers, forest landowners and agribusinesses. Agriculture and forestry … Continue reading →

Cash mobs are working in ‘shop local’ initiatives. “‘Cash mobs’ mobilize to boost small businesses — and to socialize” sheds some light on the mobsters.  I have seen sucesses in some rural communities. Will it work in Hickman County?

“Austin, Texas remains the small business champion” for the South according to On Numbers. They base their rankings on a six-part formula that analyzes such diverse factors as population growth, employment gains or losses and local concentrations of small businesses … Continue reading →

Jack Shultz of Agurban writes about the strength of our manufacturing sector.

The 17th annual Rural Development Conference will be held April 11-12 in Cookeville, Tennessee on the brilliantly beautiful campus of Tennessee Technological University (yep, I’m a proud alumnus!)  Hosted by USDA Rural Development, TTU College of Business, and Tennessee Valley Authority … Continue reading →

Here is a couple of great YouTube videos (the illustrations are entertaining) on ‘How REAL economic development happens’ and ‘What is Traded Sector & Its Importance (difference in primary and secondary jobs)’:

If you read this blog very often, you realize that I read a lot.  I find that I learn a little or at least it makes me think. This The Rurban Fringe blog post, “How to Encourage Change“, made me … Continue reading →

Business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders have the opportunity to hear internationally-known Destination Business expert Jon Schallert when he comes to Linden on Thursday, March 29 from 8:00 AM-3:00 PM, at the Perry County Community Development Center located on Factory … Continue reading →

USDA Rural Development provides a great benefit to the economic development of rural America. From technology for marketing to sewer lines and other infrastructure, USDA Rural Development has participated in the funding of many economic development projects over the years … Continue reading →

In economic development in Hickman County, we have limited resources for economic development marketing and attraction.  This is why we work really hard to support our great local industries: “Small Manufacturers Driving Job Creation, Economic Growth”

This article, “Making it in America“, tells how increased productivity, the rising skill levels needed of our ‘unskilled’ workers and higher technology has complicated our pursuit to create a boom in manufacturing employment.

Governor Haslam and his Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development has announced that the 59th Annual Governor’s Conference on Economic & Community Development will be held on Thursday, October 18 and Friday, October 19, 2012 at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel … Continue reading →

Check out the latest rave review of Centerville’s own Papa Kayjoe’s barbeque in the Nashville Scene.  The Garden & Gun article mentioned in the article can be read by clicking here.

Hickman County Economic & Community Development Association, Inc. will hold its next meeting on February 16th at 6:30p.m. at the East Hickman Community Center. The board voted to have one night meeting per quarter to allow more people to participate in its business meetings. All … Continue reading →

I am attending the TVA Economic Developers Forum tomorrow and Friday. Part of tomorrow’s activity will be completing the inaugural class of the TVA Rural Leadership Institute, which includes economic development professionals from Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, Mississippi, Kentucky and Alabama.

Joanne Steele tells the story of “How the Internet Levels the Playing Field for Local Small Businesses.”

StartupTN this week gave a progress update and launched what may be Tennessee’s first startup database for public use.

It is a cold, sunny morning in Hickman County, Tennessee at the office of Hickman County Economic & Community Development Association, Inc.  On February 7th in Hickman County, Tennessee,  Hickman County citizens will be busy discussing the possibility of a new festival … Continue reading →

Governor Bill Haslam recently unveiled his TNForward legislative package.  Most interesting to economic development professionals is more flexibility in the FastTrack program without sacrificing accountablity.  The FastTrack program is an important tool in helping communities help businesses create jobs and increase capital … Continue reading →

Start a new small construction or general contracting business now?  With a contraction of construction firms during the recession, there may be room for some start-ups as construction and remodeling begin to pick up.  If you are considering it now or want … Continue reading →

Watching the movie, It’s a Wonderful Life is a holiday tradition for a lot of us. I just saw a clip of it on Facebook today and was reminded how much George Bailey and the Bailey Bros. Building & Loan … Continue reading →

The 2011 Hickman County Above the Rim Christmas Invitational Basketball Tournament begins tomorrow (the 28th) and continues on December 29th and 30th at Hickman County High School in Centerville, Tennessee. The Girl’s Tournament Brackets are posted on the HCHS Women’s Basketball web … Continue reading →

Wishing everyone a happy holiday season.

Governor Bill Haslam and Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagarty released the nine regional strategic plans that outline how regional field staff will lead new state economic development efforts as part of the JOBS4TN initiative.  The Southern … Continue reading →