Course Description
The course is designed to serve the needs of full-time economic development practitioners and those involved in economic development in a secondary way. The course draws participants from across the eastern states whose backgrounds range from the seasoned professional to the beginning practitioner. Participants learn theoretical and practical approaches to economic development and immediately apply this information to a case study.
Case study scenario
The class is divided into teams representing a local economic development team interested in attracting a company by creating a high interest in business and community development, retention and planning. At the end of the week, a consultant group representative of the new business, judges and selects the community in which it chooses to locate.
Curriculum
The subject matter is both theoretical and practical, with an emphasis on the latter. Instructors have been drawn from the ranks of business, academic institutions and development organizations. Presentations will be concise and practice oriented, with ample time for questions and open discussion. Course materials for each session of the program will be provided to each registrant. A consideration of the theory of economic development and its place in our economic life precedes the sessions on understanding an area's economy, and provides information pertinent to investment and development decisions. A number of sessions deal with the "nuts and bolts" of area development programs and business retention as well as expansion, marketing, prospecting, financial packaging and closing a deal.
The Economic Development Course in Pennsylvania is one of twenty-two accredited courses in the nation. Successful completion of this course will qualify participants for admission to the Economic Development Institute program sponsored by the American Economic Development Council at the University of Oklahoma or Indiana University and Purdue University at Indianapolis. Certificates of completion will be awarded to participants who fulfill the attendance requirements.
Who Should Attend
The Economic Development Course in Pennsylvania is developed to meet the needs of:
- Business Development Professionals
- Chambers of Commerce
- Community Development Practitioners
- Community Volunteers
- Cooperative Extension Personnel
- Economic Development Practitioners
- Financial Institutions
- Municipal, Town, County and State Governments
- Planning and Development Agencies
- Public Utility Personnel
- Real Estate Professionals
- and others interested in facilitating job creation, and capital investment in their community, region or state.
