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. Birthday cake (to commemorate our county’s and country’s birth) and Purity Dairies ice cream was furnished by donors from the community and served by Leadership Hickman Alumni and Hickman County Chamber of Commerce members.
Apart from the stuff (food & fireworks) that we all enjoy, the night provided evidence that we are still a strong community…. one that comes together to share life. Not a bunch of self-centered individuals that watch a TV special reminiscing about our country’s past, but people who come together to roll up their sleeves to plan events, raise money, bake cakes, park cars, scoop ice cream — in other words, get the job done. And this happens not just for celebrations, but for building parks, helping a sick neighbor, supporting our schools, — all those things that makes a local community and a nation strong.
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.
