Tennessee Governor’s Conference on Economic Development 2012

The date for the 2012 Tennessee Governor’s Conference on Economic and Community Development was announced for October 18-19, 2012 in Nashville, Tennessee.  Governor Haslam’s first economic and community development conference this year provided local communities and stakeholders with much helpful information and I am sure next year’s conference will also help make Tennessee the number one location in the Southeast for high quality jobs.

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Exports Important

Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty led an announcement today on new Tennessee initiative to increase state exports. The program is called TNTrade and it is designed to help small and medium-sized businesses grow their export activity.  For more information, check out the press release or the website.

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Posted by a PC person

“THE COUNTRY’S PROBLEM IN A NUTSHELL: Apple’s Huge New Data Center In North  Carolina Created Only 50 Jobs”

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-new-data-center-north-carolina-created-50-jobs-2011-11#ixzz1fiqC7ZTs

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Everyone loves a parade, the East Hickman Christmas Parade

The East Hickman Christmas Parade will be held on Highway 100 in Bon Aqua, TN on Sunday, December 11, 2011 beginning at 2:00p.m.  The parade travels from East Elementary School to the intersection of SR 46, SR 100 and SR 7.  It will be a lot of holiday fun!

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Everyone loves a parade, especially the Centerville Christmas Parade

The Centerville, Tennessee Christmas Parade will be held Saturday December 3, 2011 beginning at 6:30p.m.  If that won’t help you find your holiday spirit, bah humbug!

Here is a video of the 2009 Christmas Parade (back when the parade was held on Sunday afternoon.)

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving Day with lots to be thankful for.

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‘Shop Small’ on Small Business Saturday

Shop Small at small businesses during Small Business Saturday this Saturday to help out local, as in Hickman County, businesses.  (Facebook page)  On Black Friday (and the following Saturday, Sunday, Cyber Monday, etc.), shop local to help you, the customer, find great products, good buys and unique shopping experiences.

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Centerville and Santa will have a big Christmas event on December 2nd

The Hickman County Chamber of Commerce will host an open house, tree lighting and downtown shopping event on Friday, December 2nd beginning at 5:00p.m. (not that there won’t be a lot of happy holiday experiences other times.)  Santa Claus will be there and Hickman County businesses will have so many specials you’ll think you were at the North Pole.  For all the information, check out the flyer.

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A building near Nashville with thousands of square feet of potential

The Skyview Building in Centerville, Tennessee near Nashville has nearly 114,000 square feet of floor space that can be used for light manufacturing, warehousing, distribution or we invite you to come up with your own use (call center, recreation, auto storage, indoor paintball, urban assault training, higher education, most anything that requires a lot of indoor space at a low cost.)  Less than 15 miles from Interstate 40 and less than 45 miles from Interstate 65, this building is in the middle of an available labor force that still has a rural work ethic.  You can find more information on the Hickman County Industrial Sites website or contact me.

Available industrial, warehouse, commercial building near Nashville

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Works better than wishing?

I just read a useful article titled “Community-Based Rural Redevelopment through Simple, Local Actions: Been Down so Long it Looks Like Up to Me,” by Joanne Steele in the  Fall 2011 edition of Bridges, a publication of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.  Bridges is a quarterly review of regional community development issues, projects and regulatory changes for lenders and community groups.

While a community is completing those simple, local actions, one day it looks up and discovers the environment has become more fertile for those four-lanes, grants and headline making new opportunities.

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There are fun things to do in rural communities

This is video of the 1st annual Halloween Parade held in Centerville, Tennessee this year:

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Happy Veterans Day

Time time today to honor the sacrifices and contributions of our veterans.  There will be the annual Veterans Day observance on the Centerville, Tennessee public square at 11:00am.

Every morning when I tie my tie, I do it like my dad taught me, which is the way the U.S. Army taught him in 1944. Their contributions go way beyond fighting wars and keeping peace.

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Fan to the Opera

Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte, moved into the 1960′s and directed by Gayle Shay, will be performed Friday, November 11th at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday,
November 13th at 2:00 p.m. at Vanderbilt University’s Ingram Hall.  For a preview, check out ArtNowNashville.com, “Mozart meets ‘Mad Men’ in new production of ‘Così Fan Tutte’.”

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It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas Invitational Basketball Tournament

I looked at Jerry Garcia Christmas neckties at Macy’s today, so it’s not too early to start planning a trip to the 2011 Hickman County Above the Rim Christmas Invitational Basketball Tournament held on December 28th, 29th and 30th at Hickman County High School in Centerville, Tennessee. The Girl’s Tournament Brackets are posted on the HCHS Women’s Basketball web page and the Boy’s Tournament Brackets are posted on the HCHS Men’s Basketball web page. They always put on a great tournament and one can expect a lot of great basketball action during this holiday season.

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Something to discuss and work on in our groups

More civic engagement creates a more economically resilient and prosperous community?  Sure it does.  We see that, but this report, Can Volunteering Help Us Weather Tough Economic Times?,  puts some numbers to how much volunteering, voting, attending meetings and becoming involved sustains and increases community economic development.

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More broadband adoption statistics

Connected Nation has released recent data on broadband adoption in the United States and at the state level, including Tennessee.  It shows we’ve made some progress, but it is still an uphill battle to keep from sliding further down a slippery slope.

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High speed usage comes quickly

Connected Tennessee releases new research on Tennessee broadband: Broadband Adoption Surges Among Connected Tennessee Target Groups.

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Great offer from Comcast on Internet Access for Families with Students

Comcast is offering internet access to low-income families with children in school.  If you have at least one child in the free lunch program and are in an area such as the East Hickman community that is served by Comcast, your household may be eligible for $9.95 a month with no price increases during your child’s school years, a computer for $149.99 and free online internet training.  To read more about this deal, check out their Internet Essentials website.

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Font Fun Fact: I know about typography because Steve Jobs took a class at Reed College.

I heard this 2005 Stanford University commencement speech by Steve Jobs on the radio this afternoon.  An impressive speech, but I was especially moved by the story about his education.  I know some people will hear only that one does not need a college education to succeed (which is true), but I wish everyone could hear his message of the importance of seeking knowledge and value of everything we learn.  Rest in peace, Mr. Jobs.

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Governor Bill Haslam presents Three-Star Award to Hickman County, Tennessee

Hickman County awarded Tennessee Three-Star Award by Governor Bill Haslam

Left to Right: Hickman County Commissioner Gary Hanes, State Rep. John Tidwell, Hickman County Mayor Steve Gregory, Tennessee Dept. of Economic & Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty, Governor Bill Haslam, Centerville Mayor Bob Bohn, Becki Bates, Daryl Phillips

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty announced today that Hickman County has achieved certification under the state’s Three-Star program for excellence in economic development.

“Our goal is to create a business friendly climate that gives companies the confidence to invest and expand in Tennessee,” Hagerty said. “Solid community development is a crucial aspect in this process by providing the foundation needed for successful economic development.”

Hickman County is now eligible to receive additional incentives under the guidelines of the Tennessee Three-Star program.

In order to receive the certification, communities are required to meet criteria in planning, leadership, community, business and education and workforce development categories. Incentives for receiving the certification include identification on all FastTrack infrastructure and job training applications; eligibility for matching grants, if criteria set by ECD are met; earning points in the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program; assistance from ECD’s regional field staff and the sharing of “best practices” in community development; and the establishment of a strategic plan that is updated annually with measurable goals, specific actions, responsible parties and a timeline.

Beginning in 1980, the Three-Star program has now grown to 89 city and county programs certified. Hickman County Economic & Community Development Association, Inc. led and managed Hickman County’s Three-Star certification process as part of its efforts to leverage its limited resources to support sustainable job creation and capital investment.

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Fast Facts for Facing Facebook Fears

Joanne Steele on her RuralTourismMarketing.com blog helps small business make sense of the new iteration of Facebook with the latest post, The New Facebook – A Quick Overview for Small Business .

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Frank Franchise Facts

Franchises can be a great way to get into a business.  They provide a model to become successful.  However, just like any business, you need to do your research and develop your own business plan.  SBA, the Small Business Administration, provides some assistance on researching whether a franchise is right for you on their website.

Of course, if you are looking for a place to locate your business, one of the places to look is Hickman County, Tennessee.

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Banana Pudding, Cars, Quilts, Crafts just down I-40 from Nashville

The weather will be great so take off to the 2nd annual National Banana Pudding Festival, which will be held tomorrow, Saturday October 1, 2011 in Centerville, Tennessee. Their website has all the info on planning a trip to see all the festivities… and to eat lots of banana pudding!

Also happening in Centerville tomorrow will be the Civitan Club’s Centerville in the Fall Car Show at the Hickman County Justice Center, the 5th Hickman County Quilt Show at the First Baptist Church and an Arts and Crafts Show and Sale on the Public Square.

banana pudding

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Helpful how-to videos for small business

Have a question about federal taxes and your small business?  The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has a website full of videos to answer your questions and to help you understand taxes related to your business and how to properly file IRS forms and reports.  The IRS Video Portal page can be found at www.irsvideos.gov .

Other helpful links for starting or operating your business in Hickman County, Tennessee can be found on the Hickman County Economic & Community Development Association website at www.business.hickmantn.org .

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Skilled labor for future production needs

Diamond Gusset‘s David Hall comments on the need for skilled labor to maintain United States manufacturing on www.centerforamerica.org .

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Startup Tennessee Starting to Steam toward Success

Startup Tennessee is a new initiative to support entrepreneurship in Tennessee.

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Hickman County Earns Economic Development Award

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty announced today that Hickman County has achieved certification under the state’s Three-Star program for excellence in economic development.

“Our goal is to create a business friendly climate that gives companies the confidence to invest and expand in Tennessee,” Hagerty said. “Solid community development is a crucial aspect in this process by providing the foundation needed for successful economic development.”

Hickman County is now eligible to receive additional incentives under the guidelines of the Tennessee Three-Star program.

In order to receive the certification, communities are required to meet criteria in planning, leadership, community, business and education and workforce development categories. Incentives for receiving the certification include identification on all FastTrack infrastructure and job training applications; eligibility for matching grants, if criteria set by ECD are met; earning points in the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program; assistance from ECD’s regional field staff and the sharing of “best practices” in community development; and the establishment of a strategic plan that is updated annually with measurable goals, specific actions, responsible parties and a timeline.

Beginning in 1980, the Three-Star program has now grown to 89 city and county programs certified. Hickman County Economic & Community Development Association, Inc. lead and managed Hickman County’s Three-Star certification process as part of its efforts to leverage its limited resources to support sustainable job creation and capital investment.  Photo of the award presentation by Governor Haslam and Commisioner Hagerty will be available next week.

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National Banana Pudding Festival October 1 in Centerville, TN

The 2nd annual National Banana Pudding Festival will return to the Hickman County Ag Pavilion on October 1, 2011.  For information on last year’s inaugural event, check out this story that appeared on WNPT’s Tennessee Crossroads.

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Grinders Switch Music and Arts Festival, hour from Nashville, hours of cheap fun

Tomorrow, September 10th, The Hickman County Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the Grinders Switch Music & Arts Festival on the courthouse square in Centerville, Tennessee.  Entertainment, music, theatrical skits, arts, crafts and lots to eat will begin around 10:oo in the morning and last until after 10:00 Saturday night.  There’s free parking and it doesn’t cost anything to attend.  The Grinders Switch Radio Hour (or two) will also be part of the festivities.

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Available Industrial Building near Nashville, TN

The asking price of the YKK Building in Centerville, Tennessee has recently been reduced to $1.2 million.  A well-maintained 121,500 square feet manufacturing facility located near Interstate 40 and less than 40 miles from Interstate 65, this building is in the middle of an available labor force that still has a rural work ethic.  You may find more information on the Hickman County Industrial Sites website or contact me.

Above average industrial building near Nashville

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