Highest Level of State Incentives in Nashville MSA

Hickman County is only one of two counties in the Nashville Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) that qualifies for the State of Tennessee Rural Opportunity Initiative (ROI) Tier 3 Jobs Tax Credit, the highest incentive level for expansions or relocations. ($4,500 jobs tax credit with 15-year carry forward plus additional five years at $4,500 per year with no carry forward.) For more information, check out http://www.tennessee.gov/ecd/gov07/docs/ToolKit.pdf or feel free to contact me at vision21@hickmanco.com .

Near Nashville, Interstate 40 runs through it, and with an available labor force with a strong rural work ethic, Hickman County could be the place to grow your company.

Safety in a Storm

I just saw a newspaper advertisement about a business I've been hearing good things about with a location in the county. First Walk-In Storm Shelter, http://www.firstwalkinstormshelter.com/ , builds storm shelters that are easy to walk into and easy to walk out of..... even after a tornado!

Volkswagen Selects Tennessee

Volkswagen has chosen Tennessee for its United States plant location. It seems that it is common for Tennessee to be on the shortlist for major site selection decisions.

Though Hickman County does not have a megasite necessary for a huge facility like the one Volkswagen plans to build; we have the workforce, work ethic, and business friendly environment that empowers companies to prosper.

For more details on the Volkswagen announcement, read the CNBC story.

Shoppers Look Local as Gas Prices Proliferate

As gas prices increase, local residents are driving less and shopping more near their homes. The Rural Blog has an interesting post on the subject. Not only are local shoppers staying home, but most everyone is driving less.

Since Hickman County is a short drive from the Nashville, Brentwood, and Franklin areas; people are enjoying their driving time and visiting area attractions for better value. Bon Aqua Clothing Company with their Diamond Gusset Jeans, the John Noel Bon Aqua State Natural Area, Tarkington's Country Store (you can wade the creek there!), the historic Centerville Public Square, the Grinders Switch Winery (which is on the Natchez Trace Wine Trail) are just some of the things to visit.

And food... Beacon Light Tea Room, Fish Camp, Breece's Cafe, Farmhouse, Tarkington's Country Store (gourmet fried bologna sandwiches like my mom used to make!), PapaKayJoe's Barbeque, Farmhouse, Harvest Grille, Homestead -- just to name a few.

July 4th / County Bicentennial Event Celebrates our Nation's Community Spirit

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.

Hickman County Bicentennial

Hickman County is celebrating its bicentennial. Founded by the Tennessee General Assembly on December 3, 1807; Hickman County began the celebration with the Centerville and East Hickman Christmas Parades and is having a big celebratory weekend to celebrate the establishment of the county and the birth of our nation. The Grand Ball in the Great Hall will be held at the new, beautiful East Hickman High School.
Tomorrow, July 4th, there will be ice cream, music, and fireworks at the River Park in Centerville beginning about 6:00 p.m.
On Saturday, the day will begin at 10 o'clock on the Grinders Switch Hour live radio show at 404 West Public Square. At 11 o'clock, food, craft demonstrations, civil war reenactors, and other events will continue through the afternoon.
On Sunday evening, there will be a community singing on the east side (near the Minnie Pearl statue) of the public square.