It is not every day that my knowledge of grunge or punk rock comes up in conversation now, but it did this morning. The Dead Milkmen’s ‘hit’, “Punk Rock Girl”, mentions Hickman County’s hometown girl from Grinders Switch, Minnie Pearl.
By the way, the community is working on raising money for a tasteful statue in her honor on the Centerville Public Square.
I messed up the link to the Hickman County Arts and Ag Tour Blog in an earlier post, so this correction gives me an excuse to give the day a new plug.
Farms and arts studios will be open for visitors during the first annual Hickman County Arts and Ag Tour. Opening day is Friday, May 25th. Like them on Facebook or check out their blog for more information and to learn about the artists, farmers, studios and farms.
A nice drive west down I-40 or Highway 100 will get you there!
Startup America Partnership compiles great deals to help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses.
A resource for helpful business information worth checking out can be found on the Hickman County Business Website.
Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam signed into law the Tennessee Unemployment Insurance Accountability Act today. The bill makes it more difficult for those terminated with cause to successfully file a claim and tightens the requirements for the unemployed to search for a job.
Chief Executive magazine’s eighth annual survey of CEO opinion of Best and Worst States in which to do business named Tennessee as one of the top 4 BEST states to do business. Texas earned the number 1 position. Maybe we can claim some credit for sending them David Crockett and Sam Houston to help get them started.
California earned the spot of The Worst State to do Business.
Google praises Nashville’s entrepreneurial scene on its blog. Google can be a big help in making our small businesses look and become big.
I made a contribution to the Hickman County Imagination Library today.
So, what is the Hickman County Imagination Library? We mail a book each month to every child who enrolls from that child’s birth until he or she turns 5 years old. We accomplish this by working with the Governor’s Books from Birth Foundation (who pays half the cost of the program). GBBF manages the ongoing, statewide implementation of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Tennessee; assisting all Tennessee preschool children in developing their vocabulary, school readiness, and love of learning and reading by ensuring that free, high quality, age-appropriate books are mailed once a month directly to their homes, from birth until age five. Our part is paying half the cost of the program (about $13 per child for us annually) and maintaining the mailing list. The Hickman County Commission established the Hickman County Imagination Library in 2004 with Hickman County Resolution 04-48 and passed responsibility for doing the work and funding the program to Hickman County Economic & Community Development Association.
So, why did I contribute to the Hickman County Imagination Library today? When I was in the first grade, Miss Inis, my teacher, gave me a book for Christmas. I will always remember that. Not that I lacked for books or reading material, my parents saw to that. But for some reason, that gift of a book and her helping develop my love of reading stuck with me. I will always remember that. Mrs. Inis B. Puckett, her funeral was held today. She taught many kids over her 43-year teaching career, not just me. Every day, I read – for fun and profit. I know I use something everyday that Miss Inis taught in that first grade classroom. I will always remember her caring enough to give that book to me, a truly special gift.
So, why did I contribute to the Hickman County Imagination Library today? Someone has to. All those members of the community who don’t give and worse, don’t care, including county commissioners, I will always remember that too.
It started out as part of another project and evolved into an Economic Development Education webpage that would make it easier for an industrial development board member, elected official or involved citizen to learn a little about economic development. It isn’t polished or fancy, but I suspect it has more information than most would trouble themselves to view or use.
VERIZON WIRELESS TO BLANKET SMALL TOWNS IN MIDDLE TENNESSEE WITH HIGH SPEED 4G LTE NETWORK STARTING APRIL 19
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Starting April 19, Verizon Wireless customers in more than 25 small towns in Middle Tennessee can take advantage of the company’s high speed 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network. Residents in the following communities will now have access to the first 4G LTE wireless network in Tennessee: Adams, Bon Aqua, Centerville, Carthage, Chapmansboro, Cornersville, Cross Plains, Cumberland Furnace, Greenbrier, Lascassas, Lewisburg, Lynchburg, Lynnville, McEwen, McMinnville, Mooresville, Pleasant View, Portland, Pulaski, Readyville, Santa Fe, Smithville, Springfield, Stiversville, Westmoreland, White House, Winchester and Woodbury.
Customers with 4G LTE devices will experience speeds up to 10 times faster than Verizon’s 3G network, making it possible to stream video, share files and surf the web on smartphones and tablets faster than ever. The 4G LTE network, which currently covers more than 85 percent of Tennessee’s population, will also enhance in-building penetration, making the wireless signal accessible to customers in some places where it was previously unavailable.
“We understand the advantages access to a high speed wireless network can bring to small business owners, students and families,” said Jerry Fountain, president of Verizon Wireless’ Carolinas/Tennessee region. “We are the first carrier to offer 4G LTE service in Tennessee, and Verizon has shown its continued commitment to residents by investing more than $1.1 billion since 2003 to provide the most innovative and reliable service available.”
Verizon’s 4G LTE network covers more than 200 million people in over 200 markets nationwide, and the company offers more than 20 options of tablets, smartphones and hotspots to access it. In fully loaded network environments, Verizon Wireless 4G LTE customers can expect average data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink.
Visit www.verizonwireless.com/lte for more information about Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network and a list of current markets.
Farms and arts studios will be open for visitors during the first annual Hickman County Arts and Ag Tour. Opening day is Friday, May 25th. Like them on Facebook or check out their blog for more information and to learn about the artists, farmers, studios and farms.
These dogs have little to do with art or agriculture, but they are surely enjoying being out for the day in Hickman County. They think you will too!!
I am reading When the Boomers Bail: A Community Economic Survival Guide by Mark Lautman. Laith Wardi recommended it as a “must read” for economic development, especially for rural economic development, and the first chapter has not disappointed. Mr. Lautman makes a compelling case that economic development will become even more difficult as communities deal with the loss of numbers and capacity in their local labor pools. Those communities that fail to field a team are doomed to fail.
In an effort to continue to increase rural economic development in Tennessee, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture is hosting a series of listening sessions across the state in April and May for farmers, forest landowners and agribusinesses. Agriculture and forestry remain a significant component of Hickman County’s base industries. The purpose of the meetings is to hear stakeholder concerns about current issues and to explore opportunities for developing our rural economy and increasing farm and forest income.
“We want to be available to our producers, landowners and agribusinesses to hear their concerns and to get their input on how we can enhance our rural communities and economy,” Agriculture Commissioner Julius Johnson said. “This is also about our ongoing efforts to look at how we, as an agency, can provide better service and be more responsive to challenges and opportunities.”
“Agriculture and forestry are growing businesses in Tennessee. We must find the best ways to maintain and expand infrastructure while encouraging long-term profitability.”
A total of five listening sessions are scheduled with two being devoted specifically to discussing forestry issues as follows:
Agriculture Listening Sessions
April 19 at 10 a.m. EDT – Bradley Co., Tri-State Exhibition Center, I-75 Exit 20
April 26 at 7 p.m. CDT – Weakley Co., Moore Farms, 2887 Paris Hwy. 54, Dresden
May 1 at 7 p.m. CDT – Coffee Co., Farm Bureau Insurance, 225 E. Main St., Manchester
Forestry Listening Sessions
May 3 at 7 p.m. CDT – Lawrence Co., Columbia State Community College Conference Room, 1620 Springer Rd., Lawrenceburg
May 15 at 7 p.m. CDT – Cumberland Co., Cumberland Co. Fairgrounds Multi-Purpose Room, 1398 Livingston Rd., Crossville
The agenda for the sessions include remarks by Commissioner Johnson and an overview of the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program and the recently formed Agriculture and Forestry Economic Development Task Force. There will also be time for open discussion by participants.
More listening sessions will be planned for the fall to include a focus on other industry sectors.
Cash mobs are working in ‘shop local’ initiatives. ”‘Cash mobs’ mobilize to boost small businesses — and to socialize“ sheds some light on the mobsters. I have seen sucesses in some rural communities. Will it work in Hickman County?
“Austin, Texas remains the small business champion” for the South according to On Numbers. They base their rankings on a six-part formula that analyzes such diverse factors as population growth, employment gains or losses and local concentrations of small businesses (defined as a private-sector company with less than 100 employees.)
Many Texas cities rank high on this list, but Tennessee did make one spot in the top ten.
Jack Shultz of Agurban writes about the strength of our manufacturing sector.
The 17th annual Rural Development Conference will be held April 11-12 in Cookeville, Tennessee on the brilliantly 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 Economic Development, this event always provides a lot of useful economic development information and networking opportunities. For more information or to register, go to the conference flyer. I should be back in Tennessee in time to see you there!
Here is a couple of great YouTube videos (the illustrations are entertaining) on ’How REAL economic development happens’ and ‘What is Traded Sector & Its Importance (difference in primary and secondary jobs)’:
Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam will host the inaugural 2012 Governor’s Innovation Conference on Thursday, April 26 and Friday, April 27, at the Sheraton Nashville Downtown Hotel. The conference will provide a glimpse into the Volunteer State’s economic future through keynote addresses, panels, investor pitches and interactions with Tennessee’s investment community, technology innovators and our entrepreneurs. The conference will explore new initiatives in driving economic growth and jobs in Tennessee. The hundreds of conversations initiated at this event will become a launch pad for Tennessee’s transformational development and growth. For more information, check out the conference website.
Comcast’s Internet Essentials program has expanded eligibility to include qualified families with students who receive free or reduced price school lunches through the National School Lunch Program. Comcast has also doubled download speed to enhance the Internet experience for eligible families. Comcast serves a good portion of the East Hickman area with cable TV and broadband. For more information on the Internet Essentials program to help students connect to high-speed, broadband internet, go to the Comcast Internet Essentials webpage.
I want to help Comcast continue to make a difference and help even more Hickman County families get online.
I had some time this morning and took a hike in Warner Park, a place conducive to forgetting your worries or refocusing one’s thought. I saw a guy, his head bowed over his guitar (either in deep thought or maybe sleep), and it occurred to me that this guy might just write a song in his wooded workplace that could sell in the millions. Homes would be built, venues filled, entourages paid, etc. Amazing what a little blood flow and fresh air does to the imagination. In fact during my hike, I composed this blog post and created an action plan for a project that I need to complete this week. And, it all reminded me of Jon Roberts’ (TIP Strategies) presentation, “The Future of Jobs,” and how so many of our jobs have changed and how unresponsive many are and will be to change.
If you read this blog very often, you realize that I read a lot. I find that I learn a little or at least it makes me think. This The Rurban Fringe blog post, “How to Encourage Change“, made me think I’ve learned a lot lately.
Connected Tennessee is calling on Tennessee communities to assist with creating a more accurate picture of broadband availability in Tennessee, and to provide feedback on the maps, especially if a discrepancy in broadband coverage is noticed. The input from consumers will be used to ultimately increase private investment into unserved and underserved areas by broadband providers.
Citizens are asked to go to http://www.connectedtn.org/mapping/_interactive_map_interface/?q=map , click on the blue pushpin, and enter their address. A list of broadband providers will be shown. If the resident believes the list is incorrect or service is being reported in an area where none exists, they can share the results using Connected Tennessee’s online form at: http://www.connectedtn.org/broadband-inquiry .
from Connected Tennessee newsletter
I agree with the article, “Researcher: It’s not a drain but a gain“, that ‘brain drain’ is inevitable – our youth go to college and tend not to return. However, are we as rural communities like Hickman County, Tennessee doing enough development and marketing of our quality of place to acheive that potential gain? Does our welcoming to visitors and prospective new residents go beyond a ‘Howdy’?
“Study: Wireless technology use surges” in The Murfreesboro Post reports small business in Tennessee can turn technology into better business.
Business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders have the opportunity to hear internationally-known Destination Business expert Jon Schallert when he comes to Linden on Thursday, March 29 from 8:00 AM-3:00 PM, at the Perry County Community Development Center located on Factory Street in Linden, Tennessee. Sponsored by the Buffalo Duck RC&D Council, a regional organization composed of Hickman, Lewis, Perry and Wayne Counties, Schallert will present his acclaimed business improvement workshop, “The New Rules of Business Success: Reinventing Your Business as a Destination”. As part of his visit to the area, Schallert will also conduct a Marketing Roundtable that demonstrates how to apply his 14-step Destination Business strategy to any business, regardless of location.
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 workshop also shows businesses how to get local consumers to spend more money locally, and how to stop “retail leakage”. Schallert’s consulting firm, The Schallert Group, Inc., is noted for providing competitive tools to independent business owners that change both the businesses and the communities in which they reside.
According to Schallert, “In today’s economy, “he challenge for any business, 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 draw customers both locally and from out-of-town. ”
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. This will be his second trip to the city of Linden in the last five years.
Those wanting to learn more about Schallert prior to his visit are encouraged to visit his company website at 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 businesses are doomed because of today’s economic recession. ”
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. His company has also developed the award winning online training network, Destination University, which is now helping business owners all around the world increase their sales, customer traffic, and profits.
The cost of the covered by the Buffalo/Duck River Resource Conservation & Development Council. You may register online – you do not have to be a member of the chamber of commerce to register, just look for “Not a Member” to sign up to this free workshop.
Daryl Phillips, Executive Director of Hickman County Economic & Community Development Association, Inc. in Centerville, Tennessee recently graduated from TVA’s Rural Leadership Institute. The Rural Leadership Institute, developed and sponsored by TVA Economic Development, provides professional leadership training to rural community economic development professionals in the TVA service area.
The institute is designed to help local participants more effectively lead volunteers, partner organizations, businesses, elected officials and citizens to ensure long-term success.
Four two-day sessions were conducted by leading area experts. The training included focused skills development in the following major areas:
“Rural America’s ability to compete, gain jobs, and attract economic investments depends on local leaders being prepared, having product available, and using effective leadership and communication skills to differentiate their community’s unique strengths,” said TVA Senior Vice President of Economic Development John Bradley.
Rachel Crickmar, TVA Senior Program Manager of Rural Strategy, added: “It it has been exciting to work with these inaugural program participants. By enhancing their professional leadership skills, this program helps benefit their communities’ growth for years to come.”
A total of 18 participants completed the course and received graduation certificates. Some of the responses from these leadership graduates include:
“The TVA Rural Leadership Institute provided an awesome learning experience from personality traits and leadership styles to making effective presentations and everything in between,” said John Kilgore, Director of Economic Development for Scott County, Virginia. “The positive relationships developed with economic development practitioners from rural communities and the TVA Staff is definitely worth the time invested.”
Daryl Phillips, CEcD, Hickman County Economic & Community Development Association immediately put some of the new skills learned at the TVA Rural Leadership Institute to work. Phillips reported: “I was one of the presenters in the IGNITE International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Leadership Summit conference in San Antonio recently. (IGNITE is multiple speakers, each speaking on their topic for exactly five minutes with 20 slides advancing every 15 seconds.) I received positive feedback from my presentation and made some great connections as a result.”
Based on the success and responses from this inaugural class, TVA Economic Development is planning future institutes. Rural community economic development professionals located in the TVA region will receive an application if interested in applying for future leadership classes.
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) a corporation owned by the U.S. government provides electricity for business customers and distribution utilities that serve 9 million people in seven southeastern states. Economic development is a major part of TVA’s core mission. TVA’s Economic Development services are focused on attracting targeted new industries, retaining and growing existing businesses and helping communities be better prepared for economic growth. More information is available at TVAed.com.
-TVA Press Release
It’s 3/14, the day to celebrate Pi (3.1415926535…), an irrational number.
Addressing both rural brain drain and economic development (rural job creation and capital investment,) this post, “Could EntrepreneurShip Investigation Help Keep Your Youth at Home?“, tells of the ESI: EntrepreneurShip Investigation program hosted by the University of Nebraska – Lincoln that introduces entrepreneurship to young people. By giving youth the tools to explore starting a business, ESI encourages the option of staying in or returning to their hometown and starting a sustainable business.
USDA Rural Development provides a great benefit to the economic development of rural America. From technology for marketing to sewer lines and other infrastructure, USDA Rural Development has participated in the funding of many economic development projects over the years in rural communities like Hickman County. This post from The Daily Yonder, “Rural Development: Three Views“, contains testimony of how USDA RD grants and loans have assisted other communities with their economic development.
In economic development in Hickman County, we have limited resources for economic development marketing and attraction. This is why we work really hard to support our great local industries: “Small Manufacturers Driving Job Creation, Economic Growth”