Category Archives: rural development

Why Invest in Economic Development

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) has published a resource, Why Invest in Economic Development, for members, elected officials and others interested in supporting economic development in their communities. The federal government has always played a key supporting role in … Continue reading

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2016 Tennessee Rural Development Conference

The 21st annual Tennessee Rural Development Conference will be held in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on March 29th and 30th.  The theme is “Rural Communities: Preparing for a Sustainable Future.” Check out the great lineup of speakers and I hope to see … Continue reading

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Cheatham County Slashes Taxes on New Development

The Cheatham County Commission enhanced the county’s efforts to continue to improve its business environment by reducing their Development Tax from $3,750 to $50 and the Adequate Facilities Tax from $1.00 per square foot to 10 cents. A few years … Continue reading

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Local leaders bring home fresh ideas for economic growth from Rural Development Conference

COOKEVILLE, Tenn., April 15, 2011—Daryl Phillips, Executive Director of Hickman County Economic & Community Development Association, in Centerville, TN, joined leaders from across the state April 13-14, 2011 as a participant in the Sixteenth Annual Rural Development Conference: Promoting Economic … Continue reading

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Small Towns and Rural Economic Development

Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam promises to bring a new focus to the economic development of rural Tennessee. “The Small Towns and Rural Economic Development Director within ECD will work with rural communities across the state to offer support, help develop … Continue reading

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Creating Creative Class Climate Change?

Talent attraction for rural communities and how it’s different than urban areas. Hickman County is quite attractive in it’s rural beauty and proximity to the urban amenities that Nashville offers. We work on trying to get people to visit places … Continue reading

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Sign, Sign, everywhere a sign…

Maybe it is the sign overload from the current local political campaigns, but I am tired of all the bad signs – campaigns and businesses are both offenders. I hate the droopy banner signs, unattractive colors, the tilted/slanted/all askew signs, … Continue reading

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Strengthening the Rural Economy

The Obama Administration just released a report on efforts toward rural development. An excerpt from “STRENGTHENING THE RURAL ECONOMY”: Rural areas are home to about 50 million Americans and are an essentialpart of the overall economy. This report surveys the … Continue reading

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Rural Grocery Store Challenge… Which is the Arugula Aisle?

Though a lot of folks want a big chain supermarket in rural areas like Hickman County, I try to remind people that the answer to their want for better grocery choices may be improved local or regional based grocery stores. … Continue reading

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Let’s make our small towns cooler this summer…

I liked this post “Can small towns be cool“. Of course, the answer is ‘yes’ but it takes some vision and some work to make a small town ‘cool’ or whatever term you use for successful in your town. I’ve … Continue reading

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Rural Development Conference April 1-2

The 14th annual Rural Development Conference will be held April 1-2 in Cookeville, Tennessee on the fabuolous beautiful campus of Tennessee Technological University (yep, I’m a proud alumnus!) Hosted by USDA Rural Development, TTU College of Business, and Tennessee Valley … Continue reading

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