Columbia State Community College, Responsive to Employer Needs

Yesterday morning (Friday), I attended the Legislative and Community Leadership Breakfast at Columbia State Community College. Columbia State Community College serves Hickman County as well as eight other counties.

There was the expected networking and discussion of Columbia State's role in our community. One thing that I felt was especially noteworthy for economic development was a presentation on CoSCC's new Film Crew Technology Program. The program was developed in response to a shortage of qualified film crew technicians identified by television and movie projects attracted to the state. Not a bad attribute of our economic development environment: a deficiency in our labor force's ability to meet the needs of a recruited industry was identified and Tennessee (and our local community college) responded.

The presentation of an example of the students' work was quite impressive. To see more, check out their MySpace Videos page.

Highlights of Senate American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan

Information on the Senate version of the economic stimulus package:
Senate Appropriations Committee Releases Highlights of American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan

Community Banks Increase Small Business Loans

As big banks struggle, community banks are stepping in to offer loans and lines of credit to small business owners... from BusinessWeek.com

Entrepreneurship Workshops in Hickman County

There was enough interest in the workshop series on starting a business and becoming an entreprenuer that it is in the works! The first of eight sessions has been tentatively scheduled to begin at 6:00pm on Tuesday, February 10th in the training/conference room at the Career Center (and the Hickman County Economic & Community Development Association office). Columbia State Community College is organizing the series and South Central Tennessee Workforce Alliance is covering most of the cost of the program. The only cost to the participant is $25 to cover part of the cost of the book.

Whether you already have a business and need a boost, already have an idea and are ready to start your business, or just think it might be for you and want to begin the exploration, contact us for more information.

Regional Tourism Workshops to Begin February 13

The stage is set for tourism in Hickman, Lewis, Perry and Wayne counties beginning February 13 with the first of three regional workshops to develop small business and economic development opportunities in the four county area.

Even if you think your business is not traditionally part of tourism, it is affected by tourism dollars and traffic in your community. Everyone will benefit from the research that will be presented in this series of workshops. When tourism dollars come into a community, it affects everyone, from the grocery store to the gas stations.

The February 13, workshop features the Top Trends in Travel and Tourism. Learn the top trends that are driving travel and tourism today, how they affect region, and how you can take advantage of these trends to build your tourism-related business. These trends show the most recent data for various sectors of the travel industry, as well as explaining how these trends are likely affecting travelers in your destination.

Key learning points to be covered in this workshop include:
*Industry statistics for airlines, hotels, attractions, cruise lines, etc.
*Travel Industry performance since 2000
*How each sector of the travel and tourism industry is performing – and is projected to perform over the coming year
* Population projections and shifts occurring throughout the Southeast
* Trends in family travel
* Niche tourism in the Southeast
* Affects of these trends on your destination and YOUR business
* New and developing trends to watch

The remaining workshops will focus on Generational Marketing-March 12, and Growing Your Business with Research-April 17. Each Workshop begins at 8:00AM and ends at 2:00PM. All three workshops will be held at the Perry County Community Development Center, 113 Factory Street in Linden. All workshops are free.

The workshops will be conducted by Judy Randall. Judy is a “Travel Industry Futurist” and researcher who spent over 25 years capturing the voice of the customer. She is president and CEO of Randall Travel Marketing, Inc., a company that focuses solely on research for the travel and tourism industry. She has conducted comprehensive visitor research studies for over 100 small, medium and large destinations. Judy, along with Dr. Larry Gustke, co-authors the annual Top Ten Trends in Travel and Tourism (published annually since 1995). Judy is one of the top speakers in the travel industry and has spoken at numerous U.S. and international travel conferences.

The workshops are sponsored by the Buffalo/Duck River RC&D Council, USDA Rural Development and the South Central Tennessee Workforce Alliance.

Small businesses, chambers of commerce, economic and community development councils and local governments and agencies are encouraged to attend.

To attend the February 13 Workshop, please RSVP the Buffalo/Duck River RC&D Council-PH 931/729-2686 EXT.110, FAX 931/729-5786 or Email: sharon.englett@tn.usda.gov or larry.lofton@tn.usda.gov

Economic Stimulus has Good Things for Rural Broadband

On BusinessWeek.com, the article "Broadband Bill Disappoints Nearly Everyone" by Spencer E. Ante and Arik Hesseldahl gives some insight into how the broadband component of the economic stimulus package is structured. Fortunately, the rural broadband interests are the ones not so disappointed.

About the only groups that are totally happy with the bill are advocates of rural broadband. One such organization is ConnectedNation, a nonprofit that seeks to encourage build-out of broadband networks in rural areas. "We're still in the process of reviewing, but overall we're very pleased with the details," says Brian Mefford, the group's chief executive.

One key provision in the package, he says, is funding for the Broadband Data Improvement Act, a bill signed into law by President Bush that provides grants to help states map their broadband infrastructure in detail, a key step in the process of addressing service needs. The bill, when passed, contained no provision for funding. But the House stimulus package calls for funding it to the tune of $350 million.

"It looks like the vast majority of the funding is targeted at rural areas because the language is focused on grants and incentives in unserved and underserved areas, and in most cases that's going to point to rural areas," says Mefford.

Despite the criticism, policymakers aren't panicking. They know that this is just a first step. House members will still negotiate with the Senate, where some of the more contentious issues may be resolved. For example, the Senate version may include tax incentives for broadband and more money for the universal broadband effort.

Hickman County's eCommunity Leadership Committee has been working with ConnectedNation's Tennessee affiliate, ConnectedTennessee, in improving technology availability and utilization in our area.

Green Building Creates Green Jobs

In a press release, the United States Green Building Council, in National Studies Show Green Building as Key Part of America’s Economic Future: Green Building Creates Green Jobs that Save Energy and Money, elaborates on the future value of investing in renewable, energy-cost saving construction. The U.S. Green Building Council administers the LEED certification program, which is the standard in green building materials, design, and construction techniques.

The "Green Economy" will receive a focus in any economic stimulus plan and investing in energy efficient products and design will continue to be a smart component of sustainable economic development. With our location in the Nashville MSA yet being in an attainment zone, Hickman County is a natural place for green manufacturing jobs.

Green Building, LEED Certified Construction Growing

Local developers are following the lead of market demand and making buildings more 'green' and proving it by participating in the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification process administered by the U.S. Green Building Council. Even the Nashville Metropolitan Council approved a resolution last year that required all its new government buildings and building renovations over 5,000 square feet in size and $2 million in construction costs be LEED certified. For more on local commitment to green building and LEED certification, read the transcript of "LEED certification’s hot topic for builders", which was recently in the Nashville City Paper.

TVA Solicits Green Energy

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) solicits proposals to supply its system with electricity generated from renewable sources. TVA supplies power for Hickman County, most of Tennessee and portions of surrounding states. For more information, check out this article.

Another Local Asset...

Go Tennessee Titans!

Rural Home Values More Sustainable?

In an article in The Main Street Economist, "Is Rural America Facing a Home Price Bust?", home price data trends for non-metro areas are discussed.

"This article reviews trends in newly released home price data for non-metro areas of the United States. In contrast to metro home values, rural values have fared relatively well so far. Rural America was largely bypassed by the national home price boom of the first half of this decade and thus seems likely to avoid much of the correction in U.S. home prices currently under way."

The article further explains that rural home prices did not outpace income gains to the degree that metro-area home prices did, indicating more sustainable home values in rural areas like Hickman County.

Starting a Business Information

South Central Tennessee Workforce Alliance is holding an informational session (it's free!) on starting a business and becoming an entrepreneur that we will participate. We will gather in the training/conference room at the Hickman County Economic & Community Development Association office on January 20th at 6:00pm. It will last about an hour and will provide handout materials on starting a business in Hickman County and information on a series of business start-up training provided by Columbia State Community College that may be offered in Hickman County if there is sufficient interest

Insight into USDA in the Obama Administration

In the blog post from The Rural Blog, "Salazar, Vilsack will be Cabinet's rural voices", and in an article in The Iowa Independent, "Vilsack the pragmatist: Incoming agriculture chief knows how to make friends on both sides of the aisle", those who are not familiar with former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack can see a glimpse of the nominee to become Secretary of Agriculture in President Barack Obama's administration. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plays an important part in rural communities such as Hickman County, not only for its agriculture assistance, but also its role in rural economic development.

According to The Iowa Independent, "Vilsack’s most noticeable impact on rural Iowa (during his two terms as Iowa's governor) did not involve changes to agricultural policy or stricter environmental regulations, but rather tax credits and business incentives. His economic development efforts — most notably the Iowa Values Fund, which was designed to create grants, loans, and tax incentives for businesses who choose to locate in the state — have been credited for short-term successes in many corners of the state..."

From all indications, USDA and USDA Rural Development will continue to be a strong supportive partner in Tennessee and Hickman County economic development.
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"What Works for Small Business... Proven Practices for Assisting Small Businesses"

In yesterday's issue of IEDC's Economic Development Now, a publication by the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, "What Works for Small Business: A State and Local Government Reference Guide of Proven Practices for Assisting Small Businesses" is featured.

Tennessee was represented in the publication by some of its programs that assist small business:

• The Tennessee Rural Opportunity Fund
• Tennessee Business Matchmaking
• CoverTN
• Small Business Regulatory Review Committee (SBRRC)
• Pick Tennessee Products
• Voice of the ORNL Customer Survey

According to its introduction, “(t)his reference guide is intended as a living document, and so we welcome feedback and encourage additional submissions. All appropriate submissions are incorporated into this reference guide unedited from the original submitted text.”

These are not by far the only programs out there to help small business. For a specific list of business assistance, check out http://www.business.hickmantn.org/ .

Economic Stimulus Update

I had to duck in and out of the office early this morning, but I did have a moment to scan the headlines in the morning papers. Today's edition of The New York Times includes an update, "Obama Seeks Wide Support in Congress for Stimulus", on yesterday's discussion of the proposed stimulus package.

"I thought the atmosphere for bipartisan cooperation was sincere on all sides,” Mr. (Senator Mitch) McConnell (R-KY) said after the meeting. The legislation, which Mr. Obama and his economic advisers discussed Monday, includes about $300 billion in tax cuts for workers and businesses. A part of the plan that was a centerpiece of the presidential campaign would provide credits of up to $500 for most workers at an overall price of $150 billion. The plan also includes more than $100 billion in tax incentives for business to create jobs and invest in factories and equipment.

With incentives to business for job creation and capital investment and a focus and investment on infrastructure improvements, the new administration and congress are talking like they may know a little about economic development. Add to that the discussion of elevating the skill levels of our workforce and we may just have a plan to work our way to sustainable prosperity.

Another Favorable Forecast for Financial Future

In the Wall Street Journal article, "2009 Could Be Better Than You Think", Alan Murray writes about a cautious optimism that seems to be expressed more as we enter the new year.

The really good business people never thought the economy was as great as many thought back two years ago nor that it is in the dire straits that some claim 2009 will bring.

Those areas like Hickman County, Tennessee that live a little closer to our grandparents' financial conservatism and their work ethic are a great place to begin the new year's search for opportunities.

Happier New Year for Economic Development

As we start our first week of 2009, economic developers and community leaders might want to read a post by Bob Ady of Ady International, Take a Deep Breath and Get Ready for the New Year, that reminds us of the importance of focusing on the fundamentals of business retention and expansion and a disciplined attraction strategy during these challenging economic times.

Focus on Infrastructure for Economic Development

As I am wrapping things up here at the office and preparing to call an end to this long week, I am hopeful that all the work we are doing prepares us to be better prepared when the economy improves.

Most everyone expects an increased focus on improving infrastructure with the economic stimulus plans that have been talked about. Improved broadband access and technology accessibility and utilization is understood by and will be addressed by the new administration.

Though these transportation projects are already moving forward, increased infrastructure spending can't help but speed up the State Route 48/100 improvement through Centerville, an intersection project on State Route 50, which connects Centerville to I-40 and I-65, and completion of SR-840, a divided four lane, limited access highway that will connect I-40 West, I-65, I-24, and I-40 East. SR-840 is in the East Hickman area and will improve our access to Franklin, Spring Hill, Murfreesboro, and Chattanooga.

"Some Forecasters See a Fast Economic Recovery" NYT

If looking for good news, today's article in the New York Times business section, "Some Forcasters See a Fast Economic Recovery", offers some hope that economic conditions will begin to improve soon.

With an even larger available labor force with a solid work ethic and traditional aversion to collective bargaining, Hickman County is poised to lead out of this recession and help your business do so too.

Cheat on your Losing Weight Resolution with Something Worthy

In a recent edition of Garden & Gun magazine, two of the 100 foods honored in the article "Good Eats: 100 Southern Foods You Absolutely, Positively Must Try Before You Die" can only be enjoyed in Hickman County. Biscuits from Beacon Light Tea Room Restaurant in Bon Aqua and the Fried Coconut Pie from Mrs. Armstrong's Fried Pies (at the bakery) in Centerville. This is even more evidence that if you are looking for a quality place to eat or an interesting place to visit, Hickman County has plenty of economical places for a new experience.

Ringing in 2009 with Resolutions

Okay, it is now 2009 -- time for new starts and New Year's Resolutions....

• If you resolve to make more money, be your own boss, etc., maybe starting a business is something to consider. Check out http://www.business.hickmantn.org/ for this.
  
• If you resolve to learn something new, find a new career, or learn a new skill to prepare for that next promotion, maybe higher education is in your future. Check out http://www.highereducation.hickmantn.org/ for this.
  
• If you resolve to find a place to grow your business that has a great labor force with a rural work ethic in a quality place, I know Hickman County will be a good option. Check out http://www.industrialsites.hickmantn.org/ for this.
  
• If you resolve to relax more, experience new things, retire to a community with quality of place, or dine and shop at a great value, Bon Aqua, Centerville, Lyles, and the rest of Hickman County are worth your time. Check out http://www.hickmanco.org/ for this.

Here's to your keeping your resolutions and have a healthy, happy and prosperous '09!
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