Twit on Twitter, Ain't That Tweet!?

Yes, I'm on Twitter. Catch tweets at http://twitter.com/Daryl_Phillips . Be warned, economic developer constrained by only 140 characters.

Guitars, Bon Aqua, Johnny Cash, and Hickman County Music

Johnny Cash (yes, THE Johnny Cash) had a home in Bon Aqua and spent quite a bit of time there back in the 1970s. He wrote and recorded a song, Saturday Night in Hickman County, that was an album cut on Johnny Cash and His Woman. It was hard to find, but it's now on YouTube if you would like to hear The Man in Black sing about our Hickman County, Tennessee. If you would like to come for a visit to the places in the song, check out http://www.musiccitybackyard.com/ .

Independence and Revitalization Celebrations

I was just looking at my calendar and it seems my work week especially light on appointments. I would expect that a lot of folks are taking vacation during the Fourth of July week. I'm looking forward to being home Saturday, July 4th, as we celebrate our country's independence with our friends in our neighborhood.

Unfortunately, I will be traveling the next weekend and will be unable to attend the celebration on Saturday, July 11th commemorating the completion of the latest phase of the Downtown Centerville revitalization. As part of the festivities, this year's Leadership Hickman Class has organized the burial of a time capsule in the lawn in front of the Hickman County Justice Center (former site of the Hickman County High School and Fairview Academy). The class gathered artifacts from across the county, including essays from students at East Hickman and Centerville. I will be far from Hickman County that day, but my thoughts for a more happy and prosperous community in the future will be with them.

Skilled Labor in Hickman County

Even with higher than normal unemployment rates, companies in some areas can still have challenges finding skilled workers. In a recent article in The New York Times, "Despite Recession, Demand for Skilled Labor is Still High", one of the skilled labor classifications mentioned was experienced welders. With Hickman County's agrarian roots, rural work ethic, and high numbers of manufacturing workers; welding, electrical, mechanical, and general manufacturing skills aren't that difficult to find. Since Hickman County is in the Nashville, Tennessee Metropolitan Statistical Area, an abundant pool of professional occupations also reside within a short, easy commute.

We Adore the SBA 504

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has instituted a new policy that allows the SBA 504 loan program to be used to improve the cash flow of a small business by restructuring its existing debt - provide the company is expanding and purchasing building or equipment. An article on The New York Times website, "From the S.B.A., Another Small Step", gives an overview. For a fact sheet from the Small Business Administration, click here.

For more information on how Hickman County business can utilize the SBA 504 program to improve sustainable economic development, feel free to contact me or check out www.business.hickmantn.org .

Go for a Hike and Stay Out of Trouble in Hickman County

Planning to hike the Appalachian Trail? Better rethink as it could damage your reputation.... for a safer hike, a shorter drive from Nashville, and scenic beauty -- check out Hickman County. For more information, check out www.musiccitybackyard.com .

Nissan Zero-Emission, Electric Car Announcement

The latest economic development news:

Nissan Motor Company, North America, located in neighboring Williamson County, announced plans today to create 1,300 jobs in Smyrna, Tennessee when production on Nissan's new zero-emission car begins.

For a complete story, check out The Nashville Business Journal article, "Nissan's new electric car to create 1,300 jobs...".

Rural Grocery Store Challenge... Which is the Arugula Aisle?

Though a lot of folks want a big chain supermarket in rural areas like Hickman County, I try to remind people that the answer to their want for better grocery choices may be improved local or regional based grocery stores. Kansas State University's Center for Engagement and Community Development has recognized rural grocery stores' importance to economic and community development and has established an initiative to develop and sustain them. The Rural Grocery Store Initiative website at http://www.ruralgrocery.org/ has some good information on best practices for grocers and rural communities. Though specifically geared toward Kansas, much of the information is relevant to rural grocery retailers in Tennessee.

I won't be in the office on Tuesday...

I am anxiously awaiting my wife, Gayle Shay, flying home Tuesday from her work at the Vancouver International Song Institute (VISI). Gayle received recognition for one of her performances at VISI in a review in the Vancouver Sun newspaper.

New, improved, and still historic...

As promised, this is a photo of the west side of the Centerville Public Square. Now, the downtown is safer and more comfortable, but still retains all its historic charm.

Film at Eleven...

Look for photos later, but the first phase of the Downtown Centerville revitalization is all but complete. Two red lights and signalized pedestrian crossings make strolling around the Centerville Public Square and the Hickman County Courthouse lawn a safe and leisurely experience.... and you'll want to take your time unless you are in a hungry hurry to get to one of the restaurants downtown.

Hickman County Visits Macon County

As part of the Tennessee Three-Star Certification for Economic & Community Development Preparedness, Hickman County and Macon County committed to a community connection this year. A group from Macon County visited Hickman County a few weeks ago and yesterday Macon County was a gracious host to a group of us from the Hickman County Chamber of Commerce and Hickman County Economic & Community Development Association. We began the day in the beautiful new Macon County Welcome Center learning about some of the great things the community is accomplishing and then toured Lafayette and Red Boiling Springs to see those beautiful cities. The community connection process is a valuable experience to share the triumphs and challenges of economic and community development, learn from each other, and share Tennessee hospitality.

SBA has new loan programs to help business in recovery

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has always been a great asset for financing small business. SBA has responded to the economic times with some new programs made available by the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA or 'the stimulus package'). For more information on SBA, check out the SBA Recovery site, SBA's American Recovery Capital Loan Program Fact Sheet, or the Hickman County Economic Development business site.

Come fly with me, lets fly lets fly away....

Leaving Nashville International Airport late tonight and negotiating the road construction, I was thinking about how much this transportation resource has grown and improved since my road warrior days in the 90's. Though the mess of construction was aggravating tonight, I appreciate that Hickman County's nearest commercial airport continues to improve and meet our area's transportation needs.

Work Opportunity Tax Credit

I was reminded today of the Work Opportunity Credit, a federal tax credit that provides a reward for employers that hire employees from targeted groups. Members of targeted groups include Hurricane Katrina employee, Long-term family assistance recipient hired after December 31, 2006, Qualified recipient of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Qualified veteran, Qualified ex-felon, Designated community resident, Vocational rehabilitation referral, Summer youth employee, SNAP recipient, SSI recipient, Unemployed veteran, or Disconnected youth.

It may be worth checking out as many employers have saved significantly by participating. For specific information on the targeted groups and more info on the credit, check out the IRS Work Opportunity Credit page.

Free or cheap business assistance!

Inc. magazine's website, Inc.com has an article "10 Free (or cheap) Tools for Start-ups" that might be helpful for new or existing business. I haven't used all of them, but check them out for business technology help.

Success in Blogs and Business

In this blog post, "Successful Twitterers, Bloggers and Small Business Owners are just Extroverted Over-Achievers", the author writes about how 95% of blogs fail, 60% of new Twitter users fail to come back, and the likelihood of a business start-up not being around in five years. Well, I have beaten the odds (I'd like to think this blog is not a failure!) on the first two items and Hickman County Economic & Community Development Association can help local businesses win on the last one. Whether it is just using the www.business.hickmantn.org website or making an appointment for individual consultation, information can help your business succeed and give you something to really 'tweet' about.

The Weekend Ends

Though bad for blogging, it was a beautiful weekend for doing those chores outside that I had been putting off. Tomorrow will be a great day to get back to work at Hickman County Economic & Community Development and rest my tired back.

The Play's the Thing

Tennessee Repertory Theatre, the Nashville area's resident professional theatre company, recently announced its 2009-2010 season. Marking its 25th anniversary, Tennessee Rep begins the season on October 3 with Steel Magnolias.

We've been season subscribers for a while, but there is a bonus of a Hickman County connection this year as high school theatre teacher Mary Jane Harvill has a major role. Producing Artistic Director Rene' Copeland commented:

But mostly I’m looking forward to being a part of the pairing of Marin Miller and her mother—Mary Jane Harvill—on stage together for the first time. Mary Jane and her husband, the late Myke Mueller, were legendary and integral parts of Tennessee Rep in its founding days, and of course Marin has been acting on the Tennessee Rep stage in recent years—our first second-generation professional actor. In getting to know and love Marin, l have loved hearing stories of her memories of her childhood in the Tennessee Rep family, and tales of her mom and dad. Naturally, it occurred to me that putting them together would be such a fitting tribute to Tennessee Rep’s history. When they agreed to play Shelby and M’Lynn to kick off the anniversary season, it just seemed so right.

For more information on Steel Magnolias and the rest of the Tennessee Rep season, check out the Tennessee Rep website.

My Elevator Speech has Its Ups & Downs...

I participated in an interview today where one of the questions went something like this: "You're in an elevator and a C-level executive from a target industry sector that is looking to expand unexpectantly steps on. What do you tell him about your community and/or organization?"

Just like every job seeker should have an answer to the inevitable 'what are your strengths and weaknesses?' question, economic development experts should be able to concisely communicate a quality of place - the trick is communicating your captive elevator mate's definition of quality, not your community's.