Presented in Partnership With:
GEDI-EDAA Leadership Institute
Economic and Community Development Training Program for Alabama
The GEDI-EDAA Leadership Institute educates and engages economic development professionals, elected officials, and other community leaders about key issues in economic and community development. Courses can be taken on a stand-alone basis. To earn a GEDI-EDAA Leadership Institute Certificate, participants must complete:
- The core course, Essentials of Economic Development;
- 3 additional GEDI-EDAA Leadership Institute course offerings; and
- 1 summer or winter EDAA Conference.
*After earning the Certificate, participants are required to take 2 GEDI-EDAA Leadership Institute courses every 2 years to maintain their certification.
2025 GEDI-EDAA LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE COURSE SCHEDULE
June 18, 2025
Branding and Marketing Your Community for Success
Auburn University Alumni Center
This course will focus on: Developing a unique, asset-based identity; creating a strong brand; and successfully marketing a community/region.
Effective branding and marketing can help leaders and citizens build a strong sense of community pride and belonging; retain and expand existing businesses and attract new residents, businesses, and visitors.
October 14, 2025
Essentials of Economic Development
Central Alabama Electric Cooperative - Prattville, AL
This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of economic development. Course participants will have an opportunity to apply what they have learned by competing in a case study project recruitment exercise.
“Essentials of Economic Development is the core course required as part of the GEDI-EDAA Leadership Institute Certificate program.
November 18, 2025
Leveraging Alabama Financing Programs for Local Economic Development
Auburn University Alumni Center
This course will include an overview of Alabama economic development financing programs. Instructors will provide tips and examples for leveraging state-level programs to support local economic growth and development.
Registration/Cancellation Information
Receipt of the registration form, email or online enrollment constitutes registration. Written cancellations, received fifteen (15) working days prior to the beginning of the program will be honored with a partial refund of the registration fee, but will be assessed a $50 administrative charge. Due to commitments to instructors and meeting facilities, late cancellations or non-attendance will not be refunded, and full payment is required. Substitutions for registered participants may be made at any time.
*NOTE: Please be aware that there have been some changes to our online registration process and you will be prompted to enter a user name and password when registering online as a RETURNING USER. If you have taken previous GEDI-EDAA Leadership Institute classes and need to be given your user name and password, or need any assistance registering, please call GEDI TRAINING at 334-844-4782 or email at gedi@auburn.edu. If you have not taken classes with us before and this is your first time registering, you will need to create an account. Contact our office to handle new account creations by phone to expedite your enrollment.
Upcoming EDAA Conferences
2025 EDAA Summer Conference: July 27 – July 30, 2025
The Grand Hotel Resort and Spa
1 Grand Boulevard
Point Clear, AL
2026 EDAA Winter Conference: January 26 - January 28, 2026
Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa
201 Tallapoosa Street
Montgomery, AL
2026 EDAA Summer Conference: July 19 – July 22, 2026
The Grand Hotel Resort and Spa
1 Grand Boulevard
Point Clear, AL
For more information on EDAA membership, conferences and events or to register for their programs, visit edaa.org.
**Re-certification credit: Students who have already earned their GEDI-EDAA Leadership Institute certificate can attend the Intensive Economic Development Training Course for re-certification credit as long as they have not previously attended.
A partnership between EDAA and GEDI to educate and engage elected officials, economic development board members, and other community leaders about key topics in economic and community development. Courses can be taken on a stand alone basis, but the focus will be to have students earn an GEDI-EDAA Leadership Institute Certificate of Completion to obtain a well-rounded education. Classes will utilize economic development practitioner experts as instructors and panelists.
The program will educate and energize our leaders and elected officials so that they can play key roles in making their communities better places to work and live.
Participation in the GEDI-EDAA Leadership Institute will broaden your knowledge and understanding of the economic development process; foster understanding of and teamwork between all parties involved with economic development; add to your credibility and effectiveness; give your community a competitive advantage to attract and retain business and industry and thus help to create stronger communities and economies.
Several courses will be offered each year and the EDAA Conference is held twice a year. To earn their certificate students must take 4 GEDI-EDAA Leadership Institute courses and attend at least one summer or winter EDAA Conference. Courses will be hosted by GEDI.
You must register for conferences directly with EDAA at www.edaa.org.. Once you attend a conference you must provide us with proof of conference attendance at gedi@auburn.edu so that we can update your transcript and note that this program requirement has been met.
Students have 3 years after enrollment to earn their certificate. Several courses will be offered each year and the EDAA Conference is held twice a year, so you should be able to complete the program in a timely fashion depending on your schedule and availability to attend classes.
Courses will be offered in online or in person formats, depending on demand and availability. In 2024, we are offering one class in a virtual format and three classes in person.
While it is strongly recommended that students complete Essentials of Economic Development first, it is not required that the courses be completed in any specific order.
Tuition for each course is $125.00 per person unless otherwise noted on the registration page.
In order to be re-certified students must complete two GEDI-EDAA Leadership Institute courses every two years. Students may re-take a course they have already completed at any time, but they will not receive re-certification credit for a course completed previously.
Absolutely! If you have a group of people who all want to train together, we will work with you to offer classes tailored to your schedule at times and locations that are convenient for you. Some minimum enrollment numbers and fees may apply and you may also be eligible for a group discount, so please contact GEDI at 334-844-4782 to discuss your options and schedule training.
Receipt of the registration form, email or online enrollment constitutes registration. Written cancellations, received fifteen (15) working days prior to the beginning of the program will be honored with a partial refund of the registration fee, but will be assessed a $50 administrative charge. Due to commitments to instructors and meeting facilities, late cancellations or non-attendance will not be refunded, and full payment is required. Substitutions for registered participants may be made at any time.
For more information about this program or for group discounts, please contact:
- Amelia Hall Stehouwer
334-844-5394
amelia@auburn.edu - GEDI Training Department/Registrar
334-844-4782
gedi@auburn.edu
Last Updated: April 28, 2025