InTucker Magazine

Business Boom – March 2019

Tucker is undoubtedly one of the fastest-rising business destinations in the Metro Atlanta area.  Each month, the ‘Business Boom’ by our Community & Economic Development Director John McHenry, will seek to show different examples of how Tucker’s business scene is flourishing.

One of my main objectives in this column each month is to show people the different areas where Tucker’s business and real estate interests are thriving. This month, I want to tell you about how our Business Outreach Coordinator Billy Phillips is making a difference.

With a solid background in commercial and residential real estate, Billy joined Team Tucker last summer. I had been looking to add someone to our Economic Development team with the idea that they could cater to the needs of our great Tucker businesses. That’s important to note: economic development isn’t all about attracting new companies to your city; you’re in a lot of trouble if you’re not seeking out and addressing the concerns of your existing businesses. The City recognizes that our local businesses are the backbone of our community. From small shop owners to large international corporations, we want to ensure that our employers’ needs are being met so that they can prosper and grow in Tucker.

Billy jumped right in, meeting with over 200 businesses in his first six months. What we’re hearing is that our businesses like having a direct contact at City Hall. Take, for instance, the case of wood. (formerly AMEC Foster Wheeler). They needed assistance on a sign permit and Billy was able to help them navigate the process quickly.

“With the name change this past year of our company, we have had to go through many obstacles in replacement of business signage in many areas of the country and the process in Tucker was handled very efficiently due largely to interactions with Billy and efforts between ourselves and the City of Tucker,” says Donna Champagne, Office Services Manager at wood.

Jessica Varnell of Growler Time on Main Street adds, “Billy has provided market research and insight to Tucker businesses that will help us reach our target market and increase sales.”

In his role, Billy is able to inform businesses on city policies that impact them. He is also able to put them in touch with workforce agencies, as well as county, state and federal incentive programs from which they could benefit.

I’m proud to say that, in a short time, adding the Business Outreach Coordinator position has already paid huge dividends for the City of Tucker.