Tennessee Economic Development

Transition: the times, they are a changing...

2011-05-15T13:06:00.001-05:00

I have updated the Tennessee Economic Development blog. If you type www.blog.hickmantn.org or http://blog.hickmantn.org , you should not have any problem. However, there are circumstances that would bring you here. In that case, enjoy looking at the old posts or you should be able to find all posts either at the newly configured blog (www.blog.hickmantn.org) or in its archives by searching from the search box on the right of the page.

I hope that my upgrade will be an improvement to readers of this blog and will be a platform that will allow sustainability in my dynamic economic development environment.

Sign of a great workshop

2011-05-14T21:05:00.000-05:00

I posted about attending an Internet Marketing Workshop conducted by Joanne Steele of Rural Tourism Marketing Group on Monday. Sort of like there is no greater praise for a cook than a cleaned plate, I was informed and inspired by Joanne to the point that I am working today on improving this blog using WordPress completely on my website. So, it may take a few days for me to get this blog like I want it, but that knowledge is empowering my upgrade.

From the feedback I've received, I am not the only one who learned something that will help his organization improve its marketing effort. It is difficult to quantify, but I am certain we will get a nice return on investment. I hope that Buffalo/Duck River RC&D Council and the other economic development organizations in this four-county region can continue to make investments such as this in their businesses and community based organizations.

More good news for broadband availability and technology utilization

2011-05-11T18:11:00.000-05:00

AT&T Invests in Tennessee Network to Deliver Most-Advanced Mobile Broadband Experience

Training to help existing rural business

2011-05-09T21:01:00.003-05:00

We had a great workshop today on internet marketing for small tourism-related businesses. Part of a regional economic development initiative by the Buffalo/Duck River RC&D Council, Joanne Steele of Rural Tourism Marketing Group facilitated the workshop in Centerville, TN.

Wherever they are, I can find them with my Kindle

2011-05-09T04:01:00.000-05:00

Amazon decreases the likelihood of establishing nexus in Tennessee with its announcement of three more distribution centers: "Amazon raises stakes with 3 more centers" - Chattanooga Times Free Press

Local company, All-American

2011-05-08T18:10:00.003-05:00

Bon Aqua, Tennessee's Diamond Gusset Jeans is featured in this story on the RT America channel about Mark Will's Looking for America song:

In this survey / We're number four / But your look may pay / As Tennessee has more!

2011-05-07T04:58:00.002-05:00

Chief Executive magazine surveyed more than 500 CEOs and they concluded that Tennessee was the fourth best state for business. Criteria included taxation and regulation, workforce quality and living environment in the magazines annual ranking of states. For more information, check out the full article, "Best/Worst States for Business".

excited about INCITE!

2011-05-06T05:06:00.001-05:00

Governor Bill Haslam announced today a $50 million initiative that will support innovation across Tennessee. Named INCITE (INnovation, Commercialization, Investment, Technology and Entrepreneurship), the goal of the initiative will be "to raise Tennessee's profile in innovation-based economic development and drive growth in the creation of knowledge-based jobs."

INCITE will be managed by the Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development as it is one of the components of the Jobs4TN strategy that was recently announced.

For more information, check out the press release about INCITE.

Building rural leadership capacity?

2011-05-05T07:55:00.004-05:00

I read this morning an article about a rural school system dropping vocational agricultural classes due to budget cuts. Agriculture continues to be a major industry for rural areas. However, the first thing that I thought about was how much vocational agriculture classes, the FFA and 4-H Clubs have contributed to developing rural leadership capacity. I think a lot of us recognize a shortage of rural leadership capacity and I fear opportunities to develop leadership skills in our youth and young adults are deficient.

HCECDA moves May meeting to 19:00 on 17th

2011-05-04T11:56:00.002-05:00

Hickman County Economic & Community Development Association will hold its next meeting on May 17th at 7:00p.m. at the Hickman County Career Center. The board voted to try convening at night to allow more people to participate in its business meetings. All board meetings are open to the public, but the board is sending out a special invitation to everyone to join them to learn or contribute.

“I have been trying to encourage the board to be more active as the trend toward smaller budgets will necessitate more volunteer participation,” stated Daryl Phillips, Executive Director of HCECDA. “So, when the board began discussing having meetings at night and taking on a more participatory rather than oversight role, I definitely encouraged it.” Phillips added, “Serving as the Joint Economic & Community Development Board, board members represent various economic and community development stakeholders within the county. For example, I expect HCECDA board member Tom Isbell with the Hickman County Industrial Development Board to share what that board has accomplished recently and their plans for the future. Five members of the Hickman County Commission sit on the board and I’m sure they will describe what they are doing to support job creation and retention. The full commission adopted the county’s updated strategic plan at its last meeting and I am confident there will be more participation in implementing this plan.”

“I have tried to provide a framework for success as the only employee of the board. A wise man said, ‘Make hay when the sun shines and when it ain’t shining, sharpen your tools instead of watching it rain.’ Hickman County is ready as the economy shows signs of shining again and a more active board comes at an opportune time.” Phillips said. “Governor Haslam and his administration’s focus on rural areas will benefit a prepared community like Hickman County.”

Targeting Regional Economic Development - no, it's probably not everyone's 'fun, summer read'

2011-04-28T23:51:00.000-05:00

I am reading a book, Targeting Regional Economic Development. It includes historical background on economic development programs and policies such as Mississippi's Balance Agriculture With Industry initiative, which helped birth Southern industrial development efforts after World War II. One interesting new historical fact that I learned in my reading was that in 1791 New Jersey offered tax incentives to Alexander Hamilton to influence the location of a manufacturing facility. Even in the time of our country's Founding Fathers, economic development was deemed a worthy use of public resources.

Durable goods orders looking stronger

2011-04-27T20:41:00.002-05:00

"New orders for durable goods—manufactured items designed to last more than three years—increased 2.5% in March, the Commerce Dept. said Wednesday. February's tally was revised to a 0.7% rise from a 0.6% drop previously reported." -- Wall Street Journal

Some counties thirst for opportunities

2011-04-25T17:24:00.003-05:00

"Law change could bring new era for Tennessee whiskey" -- Tennessean.com

Data Centers

2011-04-24T02:49:00.000-05:00

Arik Hesseldahl writes about data center security in "A Glimpse Inside One of Google’s Data Fortresses" on his New Enterprise technology blog.

"But screw your courage to the sticking place, And we’ll not fail." (To Celebrate the Bard's B'day)

2011-04-23T00:01:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday, William Shakespeare!!

"There is a tide in the affairs of men.
Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;
Omitted, all the voyage of their life
Is bound in shallows and in miseries.
On such a full sea are we now afloat,
And we must take the current when it serves,
Or lose our ventures."
–Julius Caesar

Broadband Adoption Surges Among Connected Tennessee’s Target Groups

2011-04-21T21:15:00.001-05:00

Broadband Adoption Surges Among Connected Tennessee’s Target Groups

Jobs4TN Sounds GR8!!

2011-04-20T19:19:00.004-05:00

Governor Haslam and Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development Commissioner Hagerty announce the Jobs4TN Plan and the results of the first departmental Top-To-Bottom Review. For more information, check out the press release.

Food for thought: Domestic Kitchen Certification

2011-04-19T05:18:00.000-05:00

The University of Tennessee offers the Domestic Kitchen Tennessee Food Safety Certification training necessary for many home-based food businesses. The training will be held May 12, 2011 at the Ellington Agricultural Center in Nashville. For more information, check out the flyer and registration form.

IRS Webinar for Small Business

2011-04-17T04:54:00.000-05:00

Internal Revenue Service Webinar for Small Businesses
Small Business Advantage: Put Our Knowledge to Work for You
Presented by the Internal Revenue Service
Date: May 18, 2011 1:00p.m.

This FREE webinar is for:
• Small business owners
• Self-employed persons
• Independent contractors
• Tax practitioners – Please note: CPE credit is not available for attending this webinar.

Learn about:
• The new IRS brand for small business resources
• Discover multiple resources to help small businesses thrive
• What are the benefits of using Small Business Advantage?
• Find out about opportunities available now for small businesses

Register & Attend
• Click on the link to register for the session

http://www.visualwebcaster.com/IRS/77699/event.asp?id=77699

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

2011-04-16T06:24:00.000-05:00

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 Success, hosted at Tennessee Technological University.

Dr. Chris Kuehl, managing director of Armada Corporate Intelligence in Kansas City, opened the conference with an economic overview of rural America. Kuehl's company provides business strategy for clients using competitive intelligence, economic forecasting and strategic planning. Major clients include Mid-America Capital, Hallmark International and the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association among others.

Workshops by nationally recognized authorities focused on a variety of topics including, Best Municipal Practices in Renewable Energy, Entrepreneurs and Growing Your Economy, Workforce Development and Mechatronics, Technology and Broadband, and Live Green and Prosper. ". The conference was sponsored by USDA Rural Development, Tennessee Technological University College of Business Administration, Tennessee Valley Authority, and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.

USDA Rural Development invests in jobs, infrastructure, homeownership and affordable rental housing in rural communities. During the last two years the agency assisted more than 1.5 million Tennessee families and businesses, investing more than $1.3 billion through affordable loans, loan guarantees and grants. More than 86 percent of these investments will be paid back with interest. The rest is at work creating jobs, broadening the local tax base and increasing opportunities in education, training, healthcare and public safety.

Tennessee Technological University College of Business hosts the annual conference. TTU is committed to meeting the need for economic development in Tennessee's rural areas, and the university is engaged in both basic and applied research. The College of Business, especially through the Business Media Center and the Small Business Development Center help transfer that research into real life applications for products and services locally and worldwide. The University recently launched the new TECH-REDI (Regional Economic Development Institute) initiative, leveraging TTU resources to enhance the economic environment in the Upper Cumberland and surrounding region.

The Tennessee Valley Authority, a corporation owned by the U.S. government, provides electricity for 9 million people in parts of seven southeastern states at prices below the national average. TVA, which receives no taxpayer money and makes no profits, also provides flood control, navigation and land management for the Tennessee River system and assists utilities and state and local governments with economic development. TVA Economic Development, working with distributors of TVA power, regional, state and community organizations, helped companies invest $4.3 billion in projects and add or retain 41,000 jobs across the region in fiscal year 2010.

Rural Tourism Workshop

2011-04-15T17:20:00.000-05:00

Joanne Steele with Rural Tourism Marketing Group will be facilitating “Making the Internet Work for You, Your Business and Your Town”, a workshop about rural tourism and how the internet creates the opportunity to attract visitors who will appreciate your town beginning right now, on May 9th from 9:00 to 3:30 at The Farmhouse in Centerville, Tennessee.

It is not a nuts and bolts training for how to tweet and blog and “friend.” It is a training that you will walk away from understanding how the internet works for marketing and exactly how it fits for your business, your town and your own lifestyle.

After this workshop, the internet as a marketing tool will no longer feel overwhelming. You will know what you need to do, and be prepared to take the next steps to create and implement your effective internet marketing strategy.

Who should come to this workshop:
Business owners

who don’t have a web presence yet and want to know where to begin.
who want to understand how internet marketing works.
who are already on the internet and want to know what to do next.

Small town residents

who are interested in learning how rural tourism can become an important economic engine for their community by marketing to people who will appreciate their town just the way it is
who are thinking about starting a business and want to learn how to use the internet for marketing.

Chamber volunteers and workers who are charged with marketing their town to visitors and new businesses.

For more information and how to register, check out the complete schedule.

Great Leaders, Businessmen and Transformers

2011-04-11T16:49:00.003-05:00

Here are more introductions from the new cabinet:

I would have suggested a Career Guide Electra Glide

2011-04-06T17:38:00.006-05:00

The Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development unveiled their Career Coaches today. For those job seekers that need access to the latest technology, check out the Career Coaches' Facebook page or the Career Coach Get on the Coach website.

Experience the Experience

2011-04-04T19:48:00.005-05:00

Well, I started down this road and I don't want to leave out any commissioners. It is a great way to get a brief introduction to those who will be leading and administering Tennessee state government. Check out Governor Bill Haslam's latest YouTube update:

Minnie now a Racer?

2011-03-30T21:25:00.003-05:00

Well, I'm nearly eligible for AARP and I think my greatest connection to Minnie Pearl is through The Dead Milkmen's hit Punk Rock Girl. So, I'm not too torn up at the fact that Murray State University's Wrather West Kentucky Museum gained a likeness of Minnie and Hickman County lost a source of unfortunate drama. Seems like the metal statue with the squint and short skirt now has a home and Centerville is left with the memory of a classy lady.

Now, the town with a statue of a punk rock girl - that's where I'd like to visit when I retire.

See the Vision

2011-03-28T20:54:00.003-05:00

Governor Haslam's latest update introduces some of the Haslam administration cabinet members.

Another CEcD in Tennessee

2011-03-25T09:36:00.005-05:00

Congratulations to friend and fellow economic development professional Clay Walker, CEcD on earning the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). Clay is the Executive Director of the Gallatin Economic Development Agency and his accomplishment was reported in yesterday's The Tennessean.

There are only around a couple dozen of us in Tennessee who have earned the CEcD certification. Requirements for the certification are at least four years full-time economic development experience, a combination of core and elective courses accredited by IEDC and successful completion of an intensive three-part, two-day examination.

Happy Belated Pi Day!

2011-03-23T19:22:00.001-05:00

Well, I missed it, but National Pi Day was last week, on 3/14. Pi is mathematical constant that is an irrational number with a value of approximately 3.14159265 (which rounds to 3.14, hence March 14th for Pi Day.) Anything that brings attention to a mathematics related subject is worthy of a celebration - even if it is belated.

Latest update from Governor Haslam related to education and job creation

2011-03-22T17:15:00.001-05:00

Latest update from Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam related to education and job creation:

Are we ready for the speed of business?

2011-03-20T18:04:00.002-05:00

I read an article in The New York Times today about the effect of the earthquake and related tragedies in Japan on the global supply chain ("Stress Test for the Global Supply Chain".) It really brought home how we are in a global economy and how quickly production sometimes needs to find new locations for critical parts in the supply chain.

The interactive, graphic way to view U.S. Census data for Tennessee

2011-03-17T09:40:00.002-05:00

A way cool way to look at U.S. Census numbers for Tennessee, Hickman County and the other counties in Tennessee:

http://2010.census.gov/2010census/data/

More people

2011-03-17T05:10:00.000-05:00

2010 U.S. Census numbers are out. Hickman County's population grew 10.7% during the decade, from 22,295 in 2000 to 24,690 in 2010.

Be not afraid of business success: some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them

2011-03-16T00:53:00.000-05:00

"Entrepreneurship: A Look at the Nature-Nurture Debate" on WSJ.com explores whether entrepreneurs are born for business or whether entrepreneurship is something that anyone can learn. Either way, Hickman County tries to provide support to the natured, nurtured or anyone else who wants to start a business here.

Tennessee Governor's State of the State Address highlights: Making Tennessee the number one place to live, work and play.

2011-03-15T17:30:00.000-05:00

Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam delivered his first State of the State Address to the Tennessee General Assembly and to the rest of Tennessee last night. To hear highlights about our stable state and its bright future, view this clip:

Transformation from a center of justice to a center of art, culture and learning

2011-03-14T23:01:00.002-05:00

I participated in a meeting tonight related to the latest component of the downtown Centerville revitalization. Like many things worthwhile, the downtown Centerville project hasn't been built in a day. Sidewalks, traffic flow and some streetscape issues have been addressed. Now, restoring the Hickman County Courthouse as a cultural arts center is the next big thing. Lots of sweat equity has already been invested by Historic Downtown Centerville in removing non-orginal partitions and cleaning out the building. For more information, check out the new website on the project.

Tennessee Basic Economic Development Course to be held in May

2011-03-14T00:03:00.000-05:00

Registration Underway for State Economic Development Course

The University of Tennessee Institute for Public Service (IPS) is once again sponsoring the Tennessee Basic Economic Development Course (TBEDC) for regional, state and federal community leaders and stakeholders.

The 5^th annual course is set for May 2-6 in Nashville at the AT&T Economic Development Center and the Downtown Courtyard by Marriott. TBEDC is designed for those who participate in economic development at local, state and federal levels, and focuses on the fundamental concepts, tools and practices needed to succeed in a complex economic environment. The 40-hour course is accredited by the International Economic Development Council.

Attendees will learn best practices in economic and community development, new methods and programs to promote job growth and investment, discuss emerging trends and factors that shape local and regional economics and develop a network of fellow economic development professionals.

Course fee is $525 for those who register by April 1 ($595 after April 4), and class size is limited to 45 people. The registration fee covers course materials, instruction, selected meals and refreshment breaks. It does not cover hotel and other travel expenses. Participants can register at http://www.ips.tennessee.edu/ or contact TBEDC Course Director Dr. Andre Temple at andre.temple@tennessee.edu or (731) 425-4740.

The Courtyard by Marriott Nashville Downtown is offering a special conference rate of $110 (plus tax) nightly. Make reservations by April 11 to receive the discounted rate. Call (800) 321-2211 and mention TBEDC when making the reservation (limited rooms available).

Yes, but it requires a 100% match

2011-03-13T17:05:00.003-05:00

The answer to most of those "can't we just get a grant to fund that?" questions in the future:

Rural Development Funding Cuts Are Coming to the Chopping Block Near You And Why You Should Care" from RuralTourismMarketing.com.

Well, it's not really the heat - it's the humidity..

2011-03-12T12:51:00.000-06:00

The article, "Wyoming Plays it Cool" at WSJ.com touches on a couple of issues related to Hickman County and other rural areas. Site selection and industrial recruitment has to take into account the finite requirements of prospective industry such as geography, climate and available ready sites. Part of that should be concentrating on defining assets and target industry. Wyoming's climate might be attractive to data centers, but it's not for other things. Tennessee may be warmer (and more comfortable IMO), but it has other assets important to data centers.

The other issue is how important technology has become and how many areas (including Hickman County, Tennessee) need more broadband access for economic and community development.

Site Selection and Location Analysis.... now, where did I put that book?

2011-03-12T07:14:00.006-06:00

I am reading an interesting book by Frank Raeon titled The A B C's of Site Selection. For retail and restaurant businesses, developers, real estate people and economic development professionals, the recently published book has a lot of great information on choosing the best retail location. From considering how the sun will shine into the windows, to customer surveys and research, to using psychographics, the book provides real world location analysis information without plunging the reader into our geeky world of the Dijkstra algorithm, fixed-charge capacitated location-allocation problems, the knapsack method or even LINGO lingo. Given the importance of location (and location and location), considering more aspects of a retail location other than its address will help your business minimize cost and maximize revenue.

Education improvement is on our minds

2011-03-11T23:56:00.001-06:00

Hickman County's Tennessee State Senator Jim Summerville speaks to the Dickson County Chamber of Commerce: "Education reform on Sen. Summerville's mind this year" - The Tennessean. One of the bills Senator Summerville introduced, SB1343, would end the Tennessee Lottery, which funds the Hope Scholarship. That would promote a lesson that I learned well - an education takes a tremendous financial commitment and a lot of work for a young person and his or her family.

There's no business like grow'n business...

2011-03-09T00:05:00.002-06:00

I haven't been home long from the latest Hickman County Entrepreneurship class. The group has one more class left of the nine session series conducted by Columbia State Community College and sponsored by the South Central Tennessee Workforce Alliance.

For those who missed these classes or who prefer to work independently, a good place to start is our business website, www.business.hickmantn.org. On the page accessed by clicking on the "Helpful Links" tab, one can find a lot of resources including business plan training and other video workshops from the Small Business Administration (SBA).

Attracting group tours to your small town

2011-03-08T23:46:00.000-06:00

"Attracting group tours to your small town" from the Small Biz Survival blog has lots of ideas about attracting tour groups and giving them a great rural experience they will tell their friends about.

Business Taxes for the Self-Employed: The Basics webinar

2011-03-07T20:10:00.000-06:00

Internal Revenue Service Webinar
Business Taxes for the Self-Employed: The Basics
Presented by the Internal Revenue Service
Date: Tuesday March 29, 2011, 1:00p.m.

This FREE webinar is for:

* Small Businesses
* Self-employed persons
* Independent contractors
* Tax Professionals

Learn the basics about:

* Reporting profit or loss from a business or profession
* Self employment tax and estimated tax payments
* Schedule C and C-EZ
* Deducting business expenses
* Husband and wife businesses
* Recordkeeping

* Click on this link below to register for the session: http://www.visualwebcaster.com/IRS/77024/reg.asp?id=77024

For more information, visit the IRS webinar website.

Come fly with me, let's fly, let's fly away

2011-03-06T19:24:00.006-06:00

Centerville, TN Municipal Airport will be hosting a Fly-In on April 9th. Flyincalendar.com has more details on its calendar. Or, you can check out Centerville Municipal Airport (GHM) on its Facebook page.

A piece of air mail from Centerville, Tennessee from 1938 commemorating National Air Mail Week

Grants for Rural Development in Decline | Daily Yonder | Keep It Rural

2011-03-05T23:12:00.000-06:00

Grants for Rural Development in Decline Daily Yonder Keep It Rural

Howdy from Hickman

2011-03-04T19:54:00.002-06:00

One thing we should think about in rural economic development is how welcoming we are as a community. We want to attract business, but how sincere is our "Howdy, y'all come in!"? Unfortunately, there are many people communicating that (politicians, pontificators, citizens, convenience store clerks, etc.) whom we have little control over their message, let alone their attitude.

I ran across this in a series of videos by Ontario East Economic Development that does a great job of telling the story of 'We are open to business'.

The Kids are Alright, but will they be rural residents or city slickers?

2011-03-03T03:34:00.001-06:00

USDA Rural Development has been an important tool used in Hickman County and other rural areas' economic and community development. Daily Yonder's post, "Define Rural before You Budget for It", discusses how funding cuts and changing of the definition of 'rural' and 'urban' will creates more challenges for some of us.

The Social Network

2011-03-02T00:11:00.002-06:00

This is my 670th blog post. A little over 3 1/2 years ago, I began this blog with the post, "Hickman County Economic & Community Development Association". That was less than a year after Facebook was opened to everyone. Less than thirteen months after Twitter was launched. I'm working on a website for mobile devices and I feel way behind the times. What's next? How will we use it for economic development? Sometimes I feel as lost as Dorothy in Oz... "There's no place like 127.0.0.1, There's no place like 127.0.0.1, There's no place like 127.0.0......"

True Grit (used on stonewashed jeans)

2011-03-01T21:12:00.002-06:00

Diamond Gusset Jeans located in beautiful Hickman County literally put Bon Aqua, Tennessee on the map... ABC News - Made in America map, to be specific.

The Governor's Speech

2011-02-28T19:42:00.002-06:00

Governor Haslam's latest YouTube update:

Learn from your own mistakes? It's cheaper to learn from others'!

2011-02-27T22:31:00.005-06:00

Survey tells of most common errors by Entrepreneurs: "Start-up Survey: Mistakes were made" - Wall Street Journal .

SoMe or not SoMe? That is the question.

2011-02-26T06:07:00.000-06:00

Does social media work for economic development? The post on the Burghard Group's Strengthening Brand America blog, "Is Your Potential Capital Investor Participating in Social Media?" says not very much. I would agree. However, I sometimes feel 95% of everything I do is for naught, but it's just impossible to identify that 5% that is productive until after the fact. Do I use social media? Sure, I think it's effectiveness will improve and there could be a lot of intangible benefits. A CEO might not use social media, but he might use information an assistant found using social media. I think that if social media is used intelligently, it can be an effective piece in marketing your community. But then I still think there is a place for postcards... but that is another story.

Cuts we wanted...

2011-02-25T01:14:00.000-06:00

H.R. 1, the U.S. House of Representatives FY2011 Continuing Resolution funding bill, contains funding cuts that would effectively end as we know them the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) programs. WIA programs have helped increase the skill levels of local workforces to meet the needs of local employers. I think the WIA has been especially effective in rural areas, which have been hit hard with manufacturing declines and other economic changes. Rural access to conventional training facilities has always been a challenge in workforce training and recently WIA programs have provided broadband-connected computers for training, assessments and job search to those who may not have access to technology in their rural home. The entire 359 page bill is linked above, but for a brief description of its potential workforce impact, the National Skills Coalition has a brief synopsis.

In addition, H.R. 1 greatly reduces funding for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The CDBG program has been one of the most utilized funding tools to improve infrastructure in rural communities. Waterlines, sewer lines, water storage tanks, water and wastewater treatment facilities, public buildings, fire protection equipment and other public infrastructure important to rural economic and community development have benefited from CDBG investments.

...more tighten-the-belt, do-more-with-less in Rural America we expect.

Uploaded update by Governor Haslam

2011-02-24T19:13:00.004-06:00

Governor Haslam speaks about his jobs creation legislative package, visits to Chattanooga and Memphis and future regional economic development focus. Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty comments on leveraging recent economic development successes to bring future job growth in Tennessee.

Rooftops, Traffic Counts and How May We Assist You?

2011-02-23T22:37:00.004-06:00

"Middle Tennessee communities offer economic incentives to lure retailers" in The Nashville Business Journal (requires a subscription to view the complete article) includes information on how some of our neighbors are putting their money where their job creators and local sales tax collectors will be with incentives, market studies or retail recruitment consultants.

"Lacy Beasley, with the Nashville office of The Shopping Center Group, said she has seen more communities shift their economic development focus to retail from the industrial sector, which has been walloped by the recession. Though they may not have the same ripple effect that major manufacturers have on the economy, retailers can still create new jobs and grow the city’s tax base, especially important in Tennessee, as it lacks an income tax."

"She turned to video games to show the impact new retail can have on a community. A new GameStop retailer in Dickson, a previous client, is now generating an additional $22,000 a year in local sales tax revenue."

Beam me up, Scotty! (if you can get a connection)

2011-02-21T06:55:00.000-06:00

"Digital Age Is Slow to Arrive in Rural America" in The New York Times tells about how high speed internet does not reach everyone in America in an age where we are told we must use technology to be competitive.

Another challenge is that adoption rates (if they build out broadband, will we sign up?) lag way behind in rural areas. Building awareness has increased adoption rates for Hickman County from 23% in 2007 to 38% in 2010, but that is still significantly lower than the Tennessee rate of 58%.

On a related note, the United States Department of Commerce National Telecommunications and Information Administration released last week its broadband map and broadband adoption survey results: COMMERCE’S NTIA UNVEILS NATIONAL BROADBAND MAP AND NEW BROADBAND ADOPTION SURVEY RESULTS.

We're one person at a non-profit corporation and we're here to help business...

2011-02-20T05:30:00.001-06:00

The Hickman County entrepreneurship class conducted by Columbia State Community College had its second and third sessions last week. Thursday night while they were meeting, I had a chance to work on updating Hickman County Economic Development's Starting & Operating a Business in Hickman County webpage, www.business.hickmantn.org. It is not all inclusive by any means, but it gives a list of 'who to talk to', 'where to go' and 'what requirements there are' that is specific for Hickman County business (how to get a business license, zoning compliance, utility connections, local banks, etc.). In addition, the "Helpful Links" tab on that page takes one to other helpful information from other economic development partners such as Tennessee Dept. of Economic & Community Development's Business Enterprise Resource Office (BERO) program, the Small Business Administration, University of Tennessee's Center for Industrial Services and other resources.

Atlas Hugged

2011-02-19T17:43:00.004-06:00

Okay, it is a little strange that I learned about the Atlas of Rural and Small Town America in Canada from "New Online Atlas of Rural America". USDA Economic Research Service released this tool this month making it easier to capture information on people, jobs, income and agriculture down to the county level. Comparisons between counties are especially expeditious on the website.

Basic Economic Development Course to be offered

2011-02-18T22:23:00.000-06:00

Registration Underway for State Economic Development Course

Fish Camp Restaurant

2011-02-17T00:14:00.001-06:00

Fish Camp Restaurant in Centerville, Tennessee reopened a few weeks ago. The building was destroyed during the May 2010 floods that hit Hickman County and Middle Tennessee. Kim and Troy have rebuilt a beautiful facility and the food, service and atmosphere are superlative as before. Of course, catfish is their specialty, but they have barbeque, burgers, shrimp and a whole lot more.

Tennessee Dept. of Economic & Community Development to be more effective and efficient

2011-02-16T04:43:00.001-06:00

"Bill Hagerty to review Economic and Community Develop Commission" - Tennessean.com

Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty says he's reviewing the agency's organizational structure. In recent speeches, he said it will be a "top-to-bottom" evaluation over the next 45 days.

....the intent is to make the agency more effective and efficient. He also said the department plans to focus on rural job creation and tailor efforts to the "unique assets" of each region.

Hickman County welcomes additional focus on rural job creation.

Growing grocers, embracing entrepreneurs

2011-02-15T05:16:00.001-06:00

Some rural communities ask why won't someone come in and start a business. Some communities support and develop local entrepreneurs like America's youngest grocer. Maybe we've lost that last generation off the family farm or we overly celebrated those good factory jobs, but it seems there isn't a large pool of rural entrepreneurs. We need to change that if that's the case. Maybe we have a decent pool and just need to encourage our community's youngest grocer, oldest Internet marketer or whatever.

Governor Haslam on Education and Job Growth

2011-02-14T22:26:00.002-06:00

Governor Haslam speaks about Tennessee education and job growth:

The things we do for love (of high speed internet and technology)

2011-02-14T22:14:00.003-06:00

"Technology Can Help Make Valentine's Day Extra Special"

By Mandy Hale
Connected Nation: The Blog

Searching for green jobs

2011-02-14T00:06:00.001-06:00

"Advice for Green Job Searchers"

Introspection on Innovation

2011-02-13T15:25:00.001-06:00

"When Factories Vanish, So Can Innovators," NYTimes.com

"We want those factory jobs back that we've lost," is a statement I hear a lot that I am reminded of in reading the above article. The article talks about 'innovators' in the sense of engineers, inventors and entrepreneurs. In talking with manufacturers, it is obvious we can't let factory workers off the hook. We have factory workers learning lean manufacturing, SQC, automation, computer assisted design and manufacturing, process control, etc. Innovation doesn't happen independent of the shop floor. Factories have all kinds of forces working upon them, but they certainly won't succeed without team members open to innovation.

You can teach an old dog a new 'tweet'

2011-02-13T01:08:00.000-06:00

In "Teens Take Elders to Tech Boot Camp" on WSJ.com, there is a discussion of the generational divide in technology utilization and how it is being bridged. Back a decade ago, I taught a few continuing education computer classes and I still remember the most motivated students were the grandmothers that wanted to be able to download those grandkids' photos and to communicate by email with family.

Lord, I was born a rambling man, trying to make a living and doing the best I can...

2011-02-12T03:14:00.001-06:00

According to the Tennessee Advisory Council on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR), 60% of Hickman County's labor force works outside the county. A fact often overlooked, 19% of the jobs in Hickman County are filled by people who live outside the county. (TACIR Report).

Inter-county commuting is to be expected in a free market economy. Though there are inefficiencies in it, it is a symbol of career mobility that doesn't coincide with the desire to be residentially mobile.

The talking point for Hickman County: there are a lot of good workers who would like a shorter commute and a lot of good workers committed and willing to make a commute.

Broadening broadband

2011-02-11T00:55:00.003-06:00

"President Obama Details Plan to Win the Future through Expanded Wireless Access"
Initiative expands wireless coverage to 98% of Americans, reduces deficit by nearly $10 billion, invests in nationwide public safety network

This initiative recognizes how important broadband access and technology utilization are to economic and community development and that wireless may be the best answer to cover the 'last mile' to rural America.

A part of the National Broadband Plan

2011-02-10T00:17:00.000-06:00

"FCC USF Reform Supports Fixed, Mobile Broadband" - Wireless Week

The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) decided Tuesday to refocus its $8.7 billion Universal Service Fund (USF), a move long awaited by advocates of improved rural broadband. The FCC's restructure of the USF will transfer its focus on financing landline telephone service to the underserved to include support for wired and mobile broadband, high speed Internet service.

Living within some better means

2011-02-09T19:38:00.002-06:00

"TN general fund revenues could be $162 million more than expected, board says" --

From Tennessean.com:

The State Funding Board projected today that Tennessee's general fund revenues could end up to $162 million more than originally expected in the current budget year.

The panel predicted growth in both the current spending year and the one beginning July 1, but the state still faces deep cuts because most stimulus money will no longer be available.

Depending on actual tax collections this year, the panel predicted general fund collections could grow between $247 million and $353 million in the upcoming budget year. That's a growth rate of between 2.9 percent and 3.65 percent.

Revs up?

2011-02-08T21:44:00.004-06:00

"TN Funding Board remains cautious despite forecast of economic growth" - Tennessean.com

"Sitting in that meeting [of the Funding Board] today was a little bit encouraging, to see the revenues are coming up. We're still going to have to make cuts, but today was encouraging," said Tennessee Finance Commissioner Mark Emkes. The State Funding Board is expected to release its opinion on state revenue projections tomorrow. These projections will be used in the completion of Governor Haslam's budget plan that is scheduled to be presented to the General Assembly on March 14th.

2010 Titans Community Quarterback (and he'd make a pretty good lineman too)

2011-02-07T04:17:00.002-06:00

The Tennessee Titans, Nashville's NFL team, recently awarded John Blackburn of the Hickman County Long Term Recovery Committee its 2010 Titans Community Quarterback Award. The Tennessee Titans Community Quarterback Award program recognizes outstanding volunteers of nonprofit organizations from across the state who exhibit dedication and leadership in improving their communities. John provides that leadership and dedication to not only the Hickman County Long Term Recovery Committee, but also to many other community projects such as the National Banana Pudding Festival.

Small Towns and Rural Economic Development

2011-02-06T00:31:00.002-06:00

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 proactive strategies to create jobs in those areas,” stated Governor Haslam.

In the recent budget hearings, Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty highlighted the Tennessee Main Street and Tennessee Downtowns Programs and reiterated Governor Haslam's desire to enhance economic development in rural areas as well as all of Tennessee. Centerville was recently awarded inclusion in the Tennessee Downtowns Program, which is designed to assist in planning for and implementing downtown revitalization.

Read chapter 53 before next class and be ready to discuss

2011-02-05T17:16:00.005-06:00

I was doing a little preparation today for a presentation about economic and community development to the Leadership Hickman class next week. I would bet that there are at least ten people in the county who haven’t read what industrial development corporations are. Industrial development corporations were authorized by Title 7, chapter 53 (Industrial Development Corporations) of Tennessee which states:

7-53-102. Legislative intent and findings — Purposes of chapter — Construction.
—
(a) It is the intent of the general assembly by the passage of this chapter (Chapter 53 – Industrial Development Corporations) to authorize the incorporation in the several municipalities in this state of public corporations to finance, acquire, own, lease, or dispose of properties, to the end that such corporations may be able to maintain and increase employment opportunities, increase the production of agricultural commodities, and increase the quantity of housing available in affected municipalities by promoting industry, trade,commerce, tourism and recreation, agriculture and housing construction by inducing manufacturing, industrial, governmental, educational, financial, service, commercial, recreational and agricultural enterprises to locate in or remain in this state and further the use and production of its agricultural products and natural resources, and to vest such corporations with all powers that may be necessary to enable them to accomplish such purposes.

To assure that directors on the board of an industrial development corporation are active and interested in the economic and business environment of the municipality (county or city), state law mandates that every director shall be a member of “a chamber of commerce, board of trade, or other similar civic organization.”

Well, you could find it here...

2011-02-05T02:16:00.002-06:00

Bon Aqua, Tennessee's Diamond Gusset Jeans and their all American made products are involved with Mark Wills' new recording "Looking for America". Check it out at their Looking for America web page.

I was a freshman in college then - glad someone remembers 1983...

2011-02-04T00:45:00.000-06:00

"From 1983, Hints of Strong Job Growth in 2011" - The New York Times

Cell Service Signal Supersizable?

2011-02-03T21:10:00.000-06:00

I have had a spurt of people complaining to me about internet access and cell phone coverage lately. A combination of terrain and ROI economic issues do create coverage challenges in the rural areas where I do work. I don't endorse any service or solution, but I ran across this article that I read a few months ago that discusses some technology that some people didn't know was available (but my not be forever.) "Cell Phone Signal Boosters Under Seige by Carriers" from www.nytimes.com .

Proactive Leadership? Research? Change? Adapt? In which aisle can we find that?

2011-02-02T00:24:00.001-06:00

From "Are Rural Grocery Stores Facing Extinction?" in The Rurban Fringe:

But with proactive leadership, a little research into the shopping preferences of local residents, and identification of related resources which may be available to communities and community groups, the rural grocery store can change and adapt to today’s rural ways of living.

If you need help with that research and identification, drop me a line.

Lies, damn lies and then there are statistics...

2011-02-01T19:11:00.001-06:00

According to data from Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development, the Hickman County Labor Force grew 2.0% from 2007 to 2010 while the total Tennessee Labor Force grew by only 0.5%. Employment for Hickman County contracted at the same rate, 4.8%, as did the employment for Tennessee.

What conclusion can we draw from this data? The safest one, there is an available labor force in Tennessee.

Creating Creative Class Climate Change?

2011-01-31T21:56:00.000-06:00

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 and stuff, but do we really make the right people want to stay and become a real part of the community? Good question, I hope others are thinking about this.

An article about a paper sort of about Richard Florida's books that I came across helped me in renewing my interest on the subject of talent attraction (and retention) in the communities in which I work. I recommend Harvesting the Rural Creative Economy: And why you need to read it by Mike Knutson to invigorate your rural creative thinking.

Classes on Starting and Running a Business

2011-01-29T17:18:00.000-06:00

We are seeking high and low for people in Hickman County who want to learn about improving their potential as entreprenuers. Columbia State Community College has developed the content and they would run 9 sessions beginning on February 8th and convening on every Tuesday and Thursday night from 6:00 to 8:30p.m. at the Hickman County Career Center until its completion. They are free for those interested, just call 931-540-1121 to sign up.

All my Exes live in Nexus or It makes perfect sense to me. Sometimes when I'm in the office, I'm not really IN the office.

2011-01-27T20:46:00.000-06:00

RE: "Amazon trying to dodge TN sales taxes" on Nashville Business Journal

Okay, not sure how this is going to play out, but it brings up a lot of issues. It took a while to get mind around this as some of my Kindle book purchases have sales and use tax collected by Amazon and some of them don't. Strangely enough, I can see their side of the issue. Let's hope that the smaller projects in rural areas will now receive as much thinking outside the box on special issues that our businesses have.

Hope for Help on High-speed

2011-01-27T00:07:00.003-06:00

Arik Hesseldahl reports on "Obama Wants a Wireless Broadband Network for Everyone" about a goal to finally bring broadband to more people, allowing rural America to reap the benefits of technology utilization. Local rural governments commonly lack the resources, technology awareness and/or forward-thinking to work toward broadband. Implementation of a national broadband strategy is the answer to improve our competitiveness in the global economy.

Loves Labor's Laws? Wasn't that a Shakespeare play? Laws, Laws

2011-01-24T18:28:00.005-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor has a new website to help small business understand rights and responsibilities under federal employment laws. www.dol.gov/elaws/

Rural Renewal

2011-01-23T22:36:00.003-06:00

In rural economic development, one must have a long, wide streak of optimism. Giving merit to rural optimism is a changing of the guard on the state level with the new administration. Governor Bill Haslam promises to bring a renewed focus on economic development for rural Tennessee. Not only does the capable leadership of Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development new Commissioner Bill Hagerty fuel optimism, but also do having a full-time TDOT Commissioner and leadership with the understanding of the importance of rural broadband availability.

Small Towns, Great Communities

2011-01-18T18:26:00.002-06:00

"The Future of Small Towns" addresses a lot of contemporary issues with small towns.

A Reason to Explore

2011-01-13T08:39:00.002-06:00

Grinders Switch Winery gets a nice mention in this Nashville Scene article: "The Long and Wining Natchez Trace".

I think I might have to go visit them tomorrow.

A Wonderful Life brought to you by Economic and Community Development

2011-01-01T20:27:00.000-06:00

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 Association were involved in economic and community development. From recruiting Sam Wainwright's plastic manufacturing facility, to helping Martini in his business, to developing affordable housing to retain Bedford Falls' labor force, to designing and developing neighborhoods -- George Bailey and the economic development efforts of the old Building & Loan made a more wonderful life for the residents of Bedford Falls.

Hot Dog and Hee Haw, it is a wonderful life and I hope that y'all have a Happy New Year!

Centerville selected to participate in Tennessee Downtowns program

2010-12-07T20:14:00.003-06:00

Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matt Kisber today announced that Centerville was one of 12 communities selected to participate in Tennessee Downtowns, a competitive community improvement program for cities and counties seeking to revitalize traditional commercial districts.
The press release...

Twenty-three more shopping days until Above the Rim High School Basketball Tournament

2010-12-01T19:46:00.003-06:00

Start planning a trip to the 2010 Hickman County First Farmers Bank Above the Rim Christmas Invitational Basketball Tournament held on December 27th, 28th and 29th at Hickman County High School. The Girl's Tournament Brackets are posted on the HCHS Women's Basketball webpage and the Boy's Tournament Brackets are posted on the HCHS Men's Basketball webpage. They put on a great tournament last year and one can expect a lot of great basketball action during this holiday season.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T10:57:00.002-06:00

Thanks for a lot of things. Retailers can be thankful for a month of shopping days. When was Thanksgiving Day moved (though Tennessee rebelled) to give retail businesses more shopping days? The answer...

A Christmas Shopping Experience

2010-11-23T09:09:00.003-06:00

As 'Black Friday' and 'Cyber Monday' looms forbodingly over our Thanksgiving holiday, Hickman County, Centerville and Bon Aqua offers another Christmas shopping experience, not incredibly dissimilar from the one described in 1885.

An article from the December 18, 1885 edition of the Hickman County Pioneer newspaper:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“CHRISTMAS” Some Good Things on Hand for the Holidays.
The coming Christmas promises to be an unusually quiet one among our people.

AMONG THE MERCHANTS: A little stroll around town among the advertisers in the Pioneer, developed the fact that Centreville is abundantly supplied with pretty and good things for the season, enough to supply all and nice enough to please the most fastidious. The beauty about it is, too, every article is remarkably cheap, cheaper than we ever saw before.

At Dr. J.H. Phillips’ City Drug Store a sight meets the eye that is at once delightful. Toys, albums, pocket knives, dolls, vases, china sets, perfumery, etc., in great variety and abundance. The Doctor is also making extensive improvements in his drug and staple department.
Messrs. Walker & Barnwell have a beautiful stock of Christmas goods, such as vases, dolls, toys, fancy stationery, etc. They also have a lovely line of ladies’ cloaks, dry goods, dress goods and general merchandise, as well as furniture of every description; also Tennessee wagons.
Messrs. Bates Bros. & Co. have their usual stock of general goods.
The Messrs. Clagett have a very large stock of general merchandise as usual.
Mr. J.H. Russell has a very large stock of furniture, many articles of which are entirely appropriate for presents. He also carries lumber, funeral goods, etc. He also handles wagons and machinery.
Mr. S.L. Dodd at the Nashville Store has a large stock of pretty dress goods, notions and general dry goods.
The goods at the store of E.G. Thompson are going rapidly, because of their unusual cheapness, they being sold at trustee’s sale. They consist of a general assortment of goods.
Mr. S.A. Craig has his usual stock of general goods, such as dry goods, groceries, hardware, plows, boots, shoes, etc.
P. Gray & Bro. have a most beautiful stock of everything pertaining to the drug line, such as drugs, medicines, dyestuffs, brushes, perfumery, tobacco, snuff, cigars, pipes, etc.
Koehler’s bakery is supplied with wagon-loads of toys, dolls, Chinese lanterns, and other Christmas goods, as well as great stacks of cakes, candies, cheese, crackers, canned goods, and other good things to eat.
Mr. Barrett has a stock of handsome jewelry, also clocks, watches, etc.
Mrs. Freeman’s City Lunch Room presents its usual inviting and neat appearance and is ready to supply at any time candies, jelly, pickles, cakes pies, canned goods, tobacco, cigars, etc.
Miss Marcia Raymond, the fashionable milliner, has not only a good stock of hats, bonnets, plumes, etc., but a beautiful assortment of Christmas goods, such as toys, pictures, etc.
Mr. John P. Broom’s clever face beams out serenely from behind his counters, over which he is prepared to hand out any amount of staple and fancy groceries, etc.
Our barber, Freeman de Graffenreid, is always at his post and ready to serve all customers. He is an excellent barber.
The First National Bank will be open during all the holidays and the clever cashier, Mr. Walker, cordially invites his numerous friends to call and see him.
The Messrs. Huddleston are still keeping fine horses, buggies, etc., for public accommodation. They also buy mules, hogs, etc.
The Centreville Hotel is a number-one place for the traveling public to stop at.
Last, but not least, a stock of beautiful and good books can be seen at the Hickman Pioneer office, and are offered very cheap—many of them at half their usual price, for Christmas trade only.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Peace and quiet or economic activity

2010-11-20T21:13:00.002-06:00

I just read an article in The New York Times titled "Pushing 40, Southwest Is Still Playing the Rebel" about Southwest Airlines. It reminded me of graduate school where most every class had a case study of the success of Southwest. I think it all comes down to focus on the mission. Knowing what you want to be and having a laser focused commitment in every action to achieve that mission isn't easy.

Looking for American Jeans -- seek Diamond Gusset

2010-11-18T22:26:00.003-06:00

Bon Aqua's Diamond Gusset Jeans sponsors "Looking for America", a new song recently released that helps support Operation Troop Aid. Story in The Dickson Herald.

Deck the balls with hoops of holly...

2010-11-17T19:50:00.000-06:00

Well, it's not even Thanksgiving, but the Christmas music channels have started on XM Radio and our household holiday party has been scheduled. So, maybe it's not too early to start planning a trip to the 2010 Hickman County First Farmers Above the Rim Christmas Invitational Basketball Tournament held on December 27th, 28th and 29th at Hickman County High School. The Girl's Tournament Brackets are posted on the HCHS Women's Basketball webpage and the Boy's Tournament Brackets are posted on the HCHS Men's Basketball webpage. They put on a great tournament last year and one can expect a lot of great basketball action during this holiday season.

Ca-ching! or Business Growth in Hickman County

2010-11-16T19:31:00.001-06:00

Tennessee Department of Revenue just posted the October tax collection reports. Local sales tax collections for October in Hickman County were the second highest monthly collections during the period of July 2006 through October 2010. As a matter of fact, six of the highest nine months of local sales tax collections during that period have been in 2010 (the other three were in 2008.)

So, starting social media marketing?

2010-11-15T17:28:00.003-06:00

"The 'Ultimate' Small Business Guide to Social Media Marketing" offers a great start for entering the mysterious world of SoMe marketing.

QR Codes - the next cool tool...

2010-11-13T06:05:00.000-06:00

QR codes let people go to your website (homepage or special offer) using their smartphone - with no typing. I think this has a lot of possibilities. On a marketing piece (mailer, advertisement, slick, poster, etc.), one of these could be the link to more information - with the ease and lack of errors relying on your customer typing a link into a browser doesn't have. I'm thinking this will be great on my business card to link to my resume or LinkedIn profile.

History and Tourism

2010-11-12T05:00:00.002-06:00

I am attending the2010 Tennessee Sesquicentennial Civil War Signature Event in Nashville today and tomorrow. Governor Phil Bredesen and Tennessee Dept. of Tourism Commissioner Susan Whitaker are among the speakers today. The Civil War Sesquicentennial will commemorate the 150 year anniversary of events related to the Civil War (1861-1865.) Communities like Hickman County who had major Civil War activity are preparing for the increased interest in our culture and history this will bring and the resulting increase in tourism.