Regional Workshop to Focus on Growing Your Tourism Business with Research

Don’t miss the third and final Regional Tourism/Business Workshop that will be held in Linden on Friday, April 17th at the Perry County Community Development Center. Judy Randall of Randall Marketing will teach how you can use simple research to grow your tourism business, how to determine your most valuable customer, and how to get more just like them. This workshop is part of an initiative to create, expand and/or retain area businesses through increased tourist visitation in Hickman, Lewis, Perry and Wayne Counties.

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.

Key learning points to be covered in this workshop include, Research tools that help you determine your best customer, Point of origin, Demographics, Price/expenditures, Using research to determine messages that motivate your customers, Getting visitors to the area to come to YOUR business, Marketing tools and messages that work for YOUR business and Creating a vision for your own business and for the region.

The Perry County Community Development Center is located at 113 Factory Street in Linden. Registration begins at 8:00AM and the workshop starts at 9:00AM and concludes at 2:00PM. Lunch will be served on-site and is free. There is no charge for the workshop.

Small businesses, chambers of commerce, economic and community development councils, and members of local government are encouraged to attend. This effort is sponsored by the Buffalo/Duck River Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Council, USDA Rural Development, the South Central Tennessee Workforce Alliance, Columbia State Community College at Clifton and local governments and organizations.

To attend the April 17th 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

Community Apathy -- why should we care?

It just seems that folks don't seem as prone to become involved in their community these days. In a post titled "Gen X, Gen Y, and Community Involvement" on the Reimagine Rural blog I was reading today, it discusses the challenges in getting 45 and younger people involved in community activities. Seems like there are also fewer in the older generation staying involved in rural civic organizations these days in a lot of places.

Where I live? Not so bad. We have a quality of place real neighbors create -- why we even saw the mayor downtown at the play tonight!

From Moonshine to Fine Wine in Hickman County

Yes, Hickman County gained the reputation for moonshining and is still sometimes called "Keg County" by some old-timers, but we are a little more refined these days. There are many scenic drives in Hickman County including the Natchez Trace Parkway. You can drive on out State Route 50 and visit the new Grinder's Switch Winery. For more information on it, its wine and things to see, visit http://www.gswinery.com/. It is also part of the Natchez Trace Wine Trail if you would like to make a wine tour.

Rural Trend in Entrepreneurship and Self-employment

In a post on The Rural Blog this week, there is another report that entrepreneurship is on the rise. In thie post, "Self-employment rises in depopulating rural areas ", a sociologist from the University of Nebraska reports that entrepreneurship is increasing in Nebraska's rural counties. He estimates that 18% to 30% of workers in those rural counties are self-employed.

For information on starting or growing a business in Hickman County, Tennessee, check out www.business.hickmantn.org .

Looking for a fun experience and great value near Nashville?

Looking for a fun experience at a great value?
Hickman County has about as much fun as can be had under the sun… not to mention the fun while the moon shines! Beautiful scenery, unique shopping and dining experiences, interesting history, unspoiled hunting and fishing areas -- all offered with homespun hospitality.

Hickman County abounds with beautiful overlooks, cool waterfalls, fields and forests – home to wildlife and friendly folks. You can see a lot from your car, bus, motorcycle, boat, bicycle, hiking boots, or whatever your favorite vehicle is. The Natchez Trace Parkway passes through the county, Route 48 winds over hills and hollows, and Minnie Pearl Parkway offers a leisurely cruise. Your most stressful time may well be deciding where and what to eat – meat & three, country ham and biscuits, real pit barbecue, and a ‘baloney’ sandwich from a country store are just some of the choices. You’ll experience the history of the county that was once represented in the Tennessee legislature by Davy Crockett, where General Forrest’s troops once rode, where Thomas Edison personally prospected for cobalt, where Minnie Pearl was born, and where revenuers chased moonshiners through the night.

And for entertainment, musicians sing & play at cozy venues across the county or you can stay in your car and watch a movie at the old-fashioned Pink Cadillac Drive-in Theater.

So, take a few moments to check out what we have to see and do. If you’re just passing through or want to hang your hat for a day or two, Hickman County has heaps of hospitality waiting for you.

Durable Goods Orders Increase Unexpected

The U.S. Department of Commerce reported yesterday that orders for durable goods, such as machinery, transportation equipment, computers, and electronics, increased 3.4% in February. Durable goods orders had declined 7.3% in January and were expected by economists to decline 2.5% in February, so the actual 3.5% increase was a nice surprise and possibly a sign of impending recovery. For more information, check out this article from the New York Times business section.

Good Food, Great Value, Quality of Place

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 formerly known as Mrs. Armstrong's Fried Pies . 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.

Smarts, Guts, and Luck

In an article in Harvard Business Publishing online, titled "Great Entrepreneur's Secret: Smarts, Guts, and Luck", the author discusses how a new business needs someone smart -- and not just book smarts. Not that an MBA prevents one from being an entrepreneur (I would hope not!), but an advanced degree is not at all required for success. In fact, those with basic business 'street smarts' and willing to do their homework before starting a business will have a better chance of success, no matter if they have a high school diploma or a Masters of Business Administration. For more info on how to increase your smarts, check out the Hickman County Economic Development Assn. business website.

"...an idea whose time has come."

The Economist magazine has a section of stories on entrepreneurship in its March 14 - 20th issue. Though the magazine leans toward the wonkier side of economic development, The Ecomomist articles have information that would appeal to the business owner. It even includes the Victor Hugo quote, "You can resist an invading army: you cannont resist an idea whose time has come." If you have an idea whose time has come, maybe now is time for you to explore how to create an unresistable invading army of a business plan. To do that, check out Hickman County, Tennessee Economic Development business website, http://www.business.hickmantn.org/ .

Tennessee named 5th Best for Business

In an article in the Chief Executive magazine Tennessee was named 5th best for job growth and business, up from 6th in 2007 and 7th in 2006. the complete article

Small Business Assistance

President Obama announced today plans to help loosen credit for small business. ("Obama Acts to Aid Small Business", New York Times.)

Economic Development Conference

I am in Alexandria, Virginia participating in the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Federal Forum. The first session today was an informative discussion on the new administration, this term of Congress, and the various measures to improve the economy such as the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA), better known as the economic stimulus package.

I expect that this was just the beginning of more valuable and current information from government and economic development experts.

Business advice... and a TV show review

I was flipping through the channels this morning and ran across a "reality" business makeover show on A&E called "We Mean Business". Don't expect a lot of sound, in-depth small business advice, but it did have a certain entertainment value -- just remember all problems aren't solved in 22 minutes. The value-add for the entrepreneur: recognize that you may need help to succeed in your business and don't be afraid to seek assistance.

Business assistance may come from many sources such as your attorney, your accountant, knowledgeable friends, personal research, or from economic development related organizations (http://www.business.hickmantn.org/ has some of these listed for the Hickman County, Tennessee area). The important thing to remember is that you are responsible for being THE expert on YOUR business, but there are a lot of good sources to help you become a better entrepreneur.

Farmers Markets - for Freshmen to Seniors

In an article in the Los Angeles Times, "Farmers markets' new harvest: campus customers", I read about how farmers markets much like the one in Centerville and other rural communities are becoming popular with students on college campuses.

The markets provide food economically, more environmentally friendly, along with a personal touch -- all the things that make farmers markets attractive in Hickman County and more traditional locations. The article brings to mind another thought -- maybe traditional farmers markets should make an effort to market to a younger, health conscious consumer.

(the Centerville Farmers Market will open in April.)

Entrepreneurship Workshops Continue in Hickman County

Our entrepreneurship workshops continue successfully at the Hickman County Economic & Community Development Association office. Funded by South Central Tennessee Workforce Alliance and supported by Columbia State Community College Economic Development, this is an eight week series for current business owners to those just considering starting a business. I hope that there will be interest to have more business workshops as new and growing small businesses are a basic component of sustainable economic development.

Find Values in Hickman County, whether it's home or not!

Though 'Shop Local' campaigns may smack of protectionism, if local retail business communicate their attractive products and services to the local market, the local consumer will see the value in spending their money close to home. For a more thorough discussion of 'Buy Local', 'Shop Local' or 'Shop-at-Home' campaigns, check out this article in a recent BusinessWeek, "To Beat Recession, Indies Launch Buy-Local Push".

More great information on local promotion programs that I am familiar with are "Top Ten Reasons to Think Local First" and Colorado Local First.Com .

Minnie Pearl Statue.. or we have an empty pedestal we could put you on

Not since the Perry County Jayhawkers burned a large portion of Centerville's residential neighborhoods during the Civil War has there been such an abomination to the spirit of being good neighbors. Our beloved Minnie Pearl statue is being held in Perry County as reported in today's Tennessean, "Custody battle rages over a statue of Minnie Pearl". All bronzed from the beautiful, sunny Centerville Public Square, Minnie now sits in the quiet, relaxing lobby of the Commodore Hotel in Linden. She is no longer near the Grinders Switch Inn, a 50's era motel where Elvis stayed (though he didn't get any sleep while there -- you'll have to visit to get that story!)

Yes, there still are economical things to see and do here in Hickman County, including the Grinders Switch Center with its live audience Saturday morning radio show (more info on http://www.musiccitybackyard.com/ ). At the moment, however, you will have to drive the 30 miles farther down State Route 100 (stop at the Grinders Switch Winery on the way) to see the Minnie Pearl statue in that mean old Perry County.

I am just afraid this will escalate into something between Nancy Roland with the Hickman County Chamber of Commerce and Pat Vanden Bosche with the Perry County Chamber of Commerce that, frankly, we will all regret. When you come to visit, please just don't bring it up!

Second Regional Tourism Workshop to Focus on Generational Marketing

The second of three regional tourism business workshops will be held on March 12, at the Perry County Community Development Center. Over seventy people attended the first workshop and comments by those participating were overwhelmingly positive. These workshops are part of an overall regional initiative to create, expand and retain small businesses through increased tourist visitation to Hickman, Lewis, Perry and Wayne Counties.
Judy Randall of Randall Marketing is facilitating all three workshops. 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.
Our upcoming workshop will cover the unique characteristics of the following generational groups;
• The War generation
• The Silent Generation
• The Baby-Boomers
• Generation X
• Generation Y
• The 911 Generation
• The “M” Generation
The Perry County Community Development Center is located at 113 Factory Street in Linden. Registration begins at 8:00AM and the workshop starts at 9:00AM and concludes at 2:00PM. Lunch will be served on-site and is free. There is no charge for the workshop.
Small businesses, chambers of commerce, economic and community development councils, and members of local government are encouraged to attend. This effort is sponsored by the Buffalo/Duck River Resource Conservation and Development Council, USDA Rural Development, the South Central Tennessee Workforce Alliance, Columbia State Community College at Clifton and local governments and organizations.
To attend the March 12th 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 .

IEDC Basic Economic Development Course coming soon

For those who are interested in an option near Tennessee to complete the IEDC Basic Economic Development Course, Georgia Tech will host its 42nd annual course March 24-27 in Atlanta at the Georgia Tech Global Learning Center. I have attended economic development training conducted by Georgia Tech and they provide great facilities and programs... and it is a short walk to the Fabulous Fox Theatre and other downtown Atlanta diversions. This course has one of the best group of nationally recognized, certified economic development professionals teaching core economic development topics as well as providing professional development credit. In addition, the course provides valuable interstate networking opportunities for those considering becoming a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD).

For more information, check out their detailed website, http://www.innovate.gatech.edu/bedc2009/index.html .

Rural Development Conference April 1-2

The 14th annual Rural Development Conference will be held April 1-2 in Cookeville, Tennessee on the fabuolous beautiful campus of Tennessee Technological University (yep, I'm a proud alumnus!) Hosted by USDA Rural Development, TTU College of Business, and Tennessee Valley Authority, this event always provides a lot of useful economic development information and networking opportunities. For more information or to register, go to http://www.tntech.edu/cob/rdc/ .

Cliche' Alert!

It's all about risk. In these times, one may be so concerned by future job prospects that exploring putting his or her skills and ideas on the marketplace doesn't seem as risky as it once did. Best of all, some people are reaping rewards for their risk. In the latest Nashville Business Journal, an article, "Accidental entrepreneurs on the rise", presents folks in our area who are becoming entrepreneurs. However (warning, cliche alert!), fail to plan and you plan to fail.

Check out http://www.business.hickmantn.org/ for information for anyone exploring entrepreneurship and also info specifically for business-friendly Hickman County.

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