The Tennessee Leadership Center will conduct the Tennessee Basic Economic Development Course (TBEDC) in Nashville again in 2009 on May 4th through May 8th. The Tennessee Basic Economic Development Course is accredited by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The TBEDC provides a great overview of economic development and is one of six courses required to sit for the Certified Economic Developer exam.
I attended this course in its inaugural session and Hickman County Economic & Community Development's current chairman of the Board of Directors completed the 2008 course.
Learning to better serve our community is important to us and completing this course is just one of the ways that we prepare to create an attractive business environment in Hickman County.
To request a brochure, email michelle.williams@tn.gov .
Friday, October 31, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
Change in the Air
Maybe it's the feel of fall in the air, but I am thinking about change, the inevitable part of economic development -- there can't be 'development' without 'developing'. From time to time, the economic developer must think about what kind of change the community wants enough to actually support and is it the kind of change that provides professional self-actualization. Or, is it even satisfying base needs on the hierarchy that Mazlow made famous?
Companies should do the same. Did they locate in an area that supported innovation and rapid growth? Would they now be better served in an area with a stable, reliable workforce? Do they need to make adjustments due to their product life cycle? Was the initial location decision based on finances at the time rather than having room to grow, designing an efficient plant layout, accessing an interstate highway, or being in an attainment area?
A company contemplating a site selection decision has a lot to consider. A receptive community provides a professional economic developer who knows his or her commmunity and the overall business environment well and can assist you by providing answers to your site selection related need for information.
Companies should do the same. Did they locate in an area that supported innovation and rapid growth? Would they now be better served in an area with a stable, reliable workforce? Do they need to make adjustments due to their product life cycle? Was the initial location decision based on finances at the time rather than having room to grow, designing an efficient plant layout, accessing an interstate highway, or being in an attainment area?
A company contemplating a site selection decision has a lot to consider. A receptive community provides a professional economic developer who knows his or her commmunity and the overall business environment well and can assist you by providing answers to your site selection related need for information.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
T.W. Frierson Contractor celebrates 50 years
If my working late tonight allows me to wrap things up in the office early tomorrow, I plan to attend a reception recognizing T.W. Frierson's 50 years of success in construction. T.W. Frierson Contractor, Inc. , headquartered in Nashville, builds projects throughout the Southeast and has completed two quality projects in Hickman County in the past few years -- expansion and retrofit of the Agrana facility in Centerville and the new facility for ECI Defense Group in Bon Aqua.
Governor Bredesen Leads Group to Recruit VW Suppliers
Governor Phil Bredesen is leading a group to Germany to recruit Volkswagen suppliers. A troop of 41 representatives of state and local government and business leaders were invited to travel with Governor Bredesen, according to NashvillePost.com.
However, there are many other areas of Tennessee ready to 'willkommen' employers including Hickman County, Tennessee - Plätze für Fabriken mit Qualitätsarbeitskräften.
However, there are many other areas of Tennessee ready to 'willkommen' employers including Hickman County, Tennessee - Plätze für Fabriken mit Qualitätsarbeitskräften.
Hickman County Workforce Employer Outreach Committee Meeting
Hickman County WEOC (Workforce Employer Outreach Committee) Meeting
The WEOC is an ongoing effort by the TN Department of Labor and Workforce Development to reach out to Tennessee employers and provide valuable information to foster economic development and promote our services.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at 11:30 AM
Tennessee Career Center / Hickman County Economic & Community Development Assn.
130 Progress Center Plaza
Centerville, Tennessee
Meeting Topic:
The Law, Rights, Responsibilities and Benefits to Hiring Members of the Guard and Reserve
Guest Speaker: Colonel Bruce Jones
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Executive Director
Lunch is being hosted by the Tennessee Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve and will be catered by The Farmhouse
RSVP by Monday, November 3rd to Sharon Johnson at 615.595.5987 or Sharon.johnson@tn.gov
The WEOC is an ongoing effort by the TN Department of Labor and Workforce Development to reach out to Tennessee employers and provide valuable information to foster economic development and promote our services.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at 11:30 AM
Tennessee Career Center / Hickman County Economic & Community Development Assn.
130 Progress Center Plaza
Centerville, Tennessee
Meeting Topic:
The Law, Rights, Responsibilities and Benefits to Hiring Members of the Guard and Reserve
Guest Speaker: Colonel Bruce Jones
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Executive Director
Lunch is being hosted by the Tennessee Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve and will be catered by The Farmhouse
RSVP by Monday, November 3rd to Sharon Johnson at 615.595.5987 or Sharon.johnson@tn.gov
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Hickman County has Certified Economic Developer
Just a few hours ago, I received positive results of the final segment in the examination process in becoming a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) with International Economic Development Council (IEDC). In order to be considered for certification, one must have at least four years experience in economic development, complete four core courses and at least two elective courses, and pass a three part examination with written and oral components.
Certification proves an economic developer's knowledge of and commitment to economic development and to making his or her community a better place to live, work, and do business.
I will be proud to join my distinguished colleagues in wearing the IEDC CEcD pin.
Certification proves an economic developer's knowledge of and commitment to economic development and to making his or her community a better place to live, work, and do business.
I will be proud to join my distinguished colleagues in wearing the IEDC CEcD pin.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Four County Business Seminar November 6, 2008
Hickman, Lewis, Perry, and Wayne County Business Seminar
Coming to Linden November 6, 2008
Business owners in Hickman, Lewis, Perry and Wayne Counties have the opportunity to hear nationally-known business consultant Jon Schallert when he comes to Linden on Thursday, November 6. Sponsored by the Buffalo/Duck River RC&D Council, Schallert will present his acclaimed business improvement session, Increasing Sales & Profits as a Destination Business. As part of his visit to the area, Schallert will also meet with seminar attendees to answer questions and discuss his Destination principles and their specific application to the community and individual businesses.
Schallert’s sessions teach independent business owners how to turn their businesses into consumer “Destinations” that attract customers from many miles away, past other competitive outlets. Schallert’s consulting firm, The Schallert Group, Inc., is noted for providing competitive tools to independent business owners that are typically used exclusively by large corporate chains to dominate a marketplace.
“The challenge for any business today, regardless of its location and surrounding demographics, is to create such a compelling offering that it is repeatedly visited by consumers. For a business to be a true Destination, it must also be able to draw customers from other cities and towns, miles away, past other larger, more dominant competitors,” says Schallert.
Schallert has been working with independent business owners since 1983, and contributes his business strategies to national publications like the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and Entrepreneur Magazine. Schallert speaks and consults with thousands of entrepreneurs annually.
Those wanting to learn more about Schallert prior to his visit are encouraged to visit his company website at http://www.jonschallert.com/. Owners may subscribe to Schallert’s free “Reinvent Your Business” newsletter at this site.
“Most independent businesses that fail today would not have to close if they had adapted to easily recognizable marketplace changes and focused on becoming Consumer Destinations,” says Schallert. “It’s an oversimplification to say that all small Mom and Pop businesses are doomed because of superstores, or because of the proliferation of malls throughout the country.”
Schallert’s company is located in Longmont, Colorado. Schallert is a member of the National Speakers Association, the National Main Street Network, and the International Downtown Association.
The seminar will be held at the Perry County Community Development Center at 113 Factory St. in Linden. The seminar starts at 8:30 AM and concludes at 2:30 PM. Lunch is dutch treat and will be provided on-site.
Business owners and others interested in attending may call the Buffalo/Duck River RC&D Council at 931/729-2686 EXT110; FAX 931/729-5786 or email, sharon.englett@tn.usda.gov or larry.lofton@tn.usda.gov
Coming to Linden November 6, 2008
Business owners in Hickman, Lewis, Perry and Wayne Counties have the opportunity to hear nationally-known business consultant Jon Schallert when he comes to Linden on Thursday, November 6. Sponsored by the Buffalo/Duck River RC&D Council, Schallert will present his acclaimed business improvement session, Increasing Sales & Profits as a Destination Business. As part of his visit to the area, Schallert will also meet with seminar attendees to answer questions and discuss his Destination principles and their specific application to the community and individual businesses.
Schallert’s sessions teach independent business owners how to turn their businesses into consumer “Destinations” that attract customers from many miles away, past other competitive outlets. Schallert’s consulting firm, The Schallert Group, Inc., is noted for providing competitive tools to independent business owners that are typically used exclusively by large corporate chains to dominate a marketplace.
“The challenge for any business today, regardless of its location and surrounding demographics, is to create such a compelling offering that it is repeatedly visited by consumers. For a business to be a true Destination, it must also be able to draw customers from other cities and towns, miles away, past other larger, more dominant competitors,” says Schallert.
Schallert has been working with independent business owners since 1983, and contributes his business strategies to national publications like the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and Entrepreneur Magazine. Schallert speaks and consults with thousands of entrepreneurs annually.
Those wanting to learn more about Schallert prior to his visit are encouraged to visit his company website at http://www.jonschallert.com/. Owners may subscribe to Schallert’s free “Reinvent Your Business” newsletter at this site.
“Most independent businesses that fail today would not have to close if they had adapted to easily recognizable marketplace changes and focused on becoming Consumer Destinations,” says Schallert. “It’s an oversimplification to say that all small Mom and Pop businesses are doomed because of superstores, or because of the proliferation of malls throughout the country.”
Schallert’s company is located in Longmont, Colorado. Schallert is a member of the National Speakers Association, the National Main Street Network, and the International Downtown Association.
The seminar will be held at the Perry County Community Development Center at 113 Factory St. in Linden. The seminar starts at 8:30 AM and concludes at 2:30 PM. Lunch is dutch treat and will be provided on-site.
Business owners and others interested in attending may call the Buffalo/Duck River RC&D Council at 931/729-2686 EXT110; FAX 931/729-5786 or email, sharon.englett@tn.usda.gov or larry.lofton@tn.usda.gov
Sunday, October 12, 2008
IEDC Conference
Seems like everything has a deadline coming due this week, from reports to developing some marketing pieces, to assembling information for industrial location prospects. However, I look forward to taking part in some of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) activities during its annual conference that begins this weekend in Atlanta. It will be good time to make some connections and learn better ways to serve our present and future industrial and retail businesses in Hickman County.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Quilts, Cars, Culture
This Saturday, October 4th, there will be something for most everyone in Hickman County. If the outdoors are your thing, stop by Bon Aqua Clothing for some comfortable all-American Diamond Gusset Jeans. Then, there is the John Noel Bon Aqua Woods State Natural Area for a hike and the Buford McCord Park nearby with a walking trail, playground for the kids, and picnic area. In Centerville, visit the quilt show to see the beautiful, functional artistry. The car show at the Justice Center will have a diverse array of classic iron. On the square, several groups will be displaying historical, cultural, and arts exhibits in the courthouse. To relax in the afternoon, it couldn't be better than sitting in the gazebo at Grinder's Switch Winery, just a short drive off the Minnie Pearl Parkway. Stan "The Man" Hedges will be playing the blues beginning at 5:00 Saturday afternoon.
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