DOROTHY "DOT" GEORGE - INTENSIVE ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT October 2024

Jennifer Ryan

As GEDI celebrates its 40th class of the Intensive Economic Development Training Course, we have been chatting with some of our course alumni to learn where they are now and how their participation in the program has impacted their professional careers.

Dorothy George currently serves as the Small Business Relationship Coordinator for the City of Birmingham. Ms. George is a graduate of Intensive Class 2024 - The 40^th Class.

Q & A with Dorothy

Job while attending the Intensive Program:

• City of Birmingham/ Economic Development Specialist/ Small Business Relationship Coordinator

Career highlights since graduating Intensive:

• Since graduating Intensive, I've been focused on expanding Birmingham's Legacy Business Programming. This includes strategic outreach to legacy businesses, those that have been operating for over 25 years with 20 or fewer employees, by developing workshops, place-based development initiatives, and hosting events that offer networking opportunities and access to key resources. With many baby boomer owners preparing for retirement, the City of Birmingham is working on a strategic approach to ensure these businesses continue to thrive.

Favorite thing about the Intensive course:

• My favorite thing about the intensive course was the overall experience. The curriculum was well put together and my classmates were phenomenal. It was an honor to be amongst my colleagues in economic development expanding my personal and professional network while increasing my knowledge in economic development.

Biggest lesson you learned through Intensive:

• The biggest lesson I learned was how the state’s constitution influences the way government interacts with businesses, both large and small. This gave me a deeper understanding of how to identify more effective solutions as a municipality.

Are you still in contact with people you met through Intensive?

• Yes. I personally stay in contact with a few of my classmates. I just recently graduated from the program, but I am confident that these connections will help me advance in my career and move further along in my purpose.

What would you tell someone who is considering going through Intensive but not sure if they can make the time or financial commitment?

• Just do it. The connections you'll make are invaluable, and as an economic developer or someone aspiring to be one, this course will give you a solid foundation in the principles and practice of economic development. The time and financial commitment will pay off in the long run.

Final Thoughts:

• The Auburn University GEDI Economic Development Intensive Training Course has been an incredible and rewarding experience. It has significantly deepened my knowledge of economic development and enhanced my ability to support small businesses in Birmingham more effectively.