Intensive Economic Development Training Course
Week 1: July 10-14, 2023 (Auburn, AL)
Week 2: September 11-14, 2023 (Auburn, AL)

A two-week course introducing participants to all phases of economic development.

The Intensive Economic Development Training Course is an annual two-week course presented by the Government & Economic Development Institute (GEDI).

The course is divided into two one-week sessions and introduces participants to all phases of economic development. Program leaders and faculty have proven success in economic development practices and techniques. Instructors represent the field’s most effective practitioners from throughout the state and nation.

The first week of the Intensive Course is accredited by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and fulfills one of the prerequisites for those who wish to take the exam for the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation. It provides an intensive overview of general economic development concepts and principles.

International Economic Development Council

The second week focuses on important issues and resources and is especially valuable to economic developers and community leaders practicing in Alabama.

With 40 years of experience, GEDI is the state’s leading provider of economic development education and training.

The 2023 Intensive Course will be held at The Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center, located at 241 South College Street in Auburn. The first week of the 2023 Intensive Course will be held July 10-14, 2023 and the second week will be conducted September 11-14, 2023.



Who Should Attend
  • Local, Regional, and State-Level Economic Development Professionals
  • Economic / Industrial Development Board Members
  • Chamber of Commerce Officials
  • State / Local Elected Officials
  • Community Leaders
  • County Commissioners
  • Utility Company Representatives
  • Community / Regional Planners

Course Curriculum

Session I Topics

  • Trends in Economic Development
  • Workforce Development and Training
  • Community Development Fundamentals and Success Models
  • Marketing and Business Attraction
  • Business Retention and Expansion
  • Web and Social Media Marketing Strategies
  • Strategic Planning for Economic Development
  • Real Estate Development and Reuse
  • Small Business and Entrepreneurship Development
  • Economic Development Finance
  • Site Selection Case Study Exercise
  • Economic Development Ethics
  • Building and Managing Economic Development Organization

Session II Topics

  • The History of Economic Development in Alabama
  • Alabama Government and Economic Development
  • Economic Development from the Company’s Perspective
  • Alabama Education and Workforce Development
  • Recruiting Hyundai: The Montgomery Experience
  • Retail as an Essential Economic Development Strategy
  • International Trade and Investment
  • Rural Development Strategies
  • Alabama Programs and Resources to Support Economic Development
  • Alabama Economic Development Roundtable
Agenda - Week 1: July 10-14, 2023

*Click on the date to expand each panel to see the full agenda for that day.

8:00 - 8:30 AM

Welcome and Introductions
Jeremy Arthur, Director, Government & Economic Development Institute (GEDI)
Monica Garsed, Economic Development Manager, Spire

GEDI Staff and Course Participant Introductions

8:30 – 10:00 AM

Introduction to Economic Development and Trends
Megan A. Lucas, CCE, CEcD, IOM, CEO and Chief Economic Development Officer, Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance

10:00 – 10:15 Break – Sponsored by Spire
10:15 – 11:15 AM

Fundamentals of Business Recruitment
Greg Barker; President, Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA),

11:15 – 11:30 AM Class Photo
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Welcome Lunch – Sponsored by Spire
Welcome / Remarks by Monica Garsed, Economic Development Manager, Spire
Case Study Introduction – Amelia Hall Stehouwer; Research Manager, GEDI

12:30 – 2:30 PM

Community Development Fundamentals
Megan A. Lucas, CCE, CEcD, IOMCEO and Chief Economic Development Officer, Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance

2:30 – 2:45 PM Break – Break – Sponsored by Spire
2:45 – 3:45 PM

Economic Development Marketing
Steve Sewell; Executive Vice President, Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA)

3:45 – 4:00 PM Break
4:00 – 5:00 PM

The Site Selection Process and Role of the Consultant
Jay A. Garner, CEcD, CCE; President and Founder, Garner Economics, LLC

5:00 - 6:30 PM

Opening Reception
Sponsored by Alabama Municipal Electric Authority (AMEA), Goodwyn Mills Cawood, and Insyteful

7:30 – 8:00 AM “Grab and Go” Breakfast — Sponsored by Southeast Gas
8:00 – 10:00 AM

Business Retention and Expansion
Laith Wardi, CEcD; President, Executive Pulse, Inc.

10:00 – 10:15 Break – Sponsored by Retail Strategies
10:15 AM – 12:15 PM

The Use of Data in Economic Development and Economic Impact Analysis
Sharon Younger, Ph,D.; President and Founder, Younger Associates, LLC

12:15 – 1:30 PM Lunch On Your Own
1:30 – 3:30 PM

Ethics in Economic Development

3:30 – 3:45 PM Break – Sponsored by PPM
3:45 – 5:00 PM

Case Study Project Time

7:30 – 8:00 AM “Grab and Go” Breakfast — Sponsored by Sain Associates
8:00 – 10:00 AM

Strategic Planning for Economic Development
Jeremy L. Arthur; Director, GEDI

10:00 – 10:15 AM Break – Sponsored by Lyons HR
10:15 – 11:15 AM

Overview of Workforce Development
Jeff Lynn; President, Central Alabama Community College

11:15 AM – 12:30 PM Lunch On Your Own
12:30 – 1:30 PM

Panel: Workforce Development and Talent Attraction
Moderator: Jeff Lynn; President, Central Alabama Community College
Panel Members:
Ann Carr: Executive Director; Southeast Alabama Works!
Barry May: Executive Director of Workforce and Economic Development, The Alabama Community College System
Denise Batton, HR Manager, Briggs and Stratton

1:30 – 1:45 PM

CEcD Overview
Amelia Hall Stehouwer; Research Manager, GEDIAmelia Hall Stehouwer; Research Manager, GEDI

1:45 – 2:00 PM Break – Sponsored by PowerSouth
2:00 – 3:30 PM

Economic Development Finance
Don Smith; Executive Director, St. Clair County Economic Development Council

3:30 – 5:00 PM Case Study Project Time
7:30 – 8:00 AM “Grab and Go” Breakfast — Sponsored by Alabama Power
8:00 – 9:00 AM

Community Geography and Site Analysis
Wheeler Crook, P.E.; Vice-President, Engineering, Goodwyn Mills Cawood

9:00 – 9:15 AM Break
9:15 – 10:45 AM

Real Estate Development and Reuse
Deborah McGill Smith, CEcD; Industrial Real Estate Broker, Cushman & Wakefield / EGS

10:45 – 11:15 AM

Case Study Project Time

11:15 AM – 12:30 PM Lunch On Your Own
12:30 – 1:30 PM

Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development
David Mixson; Associate Director, GEDI

1:30 – 2:30 PM

Panel: Entrepreneurship and Small Business
Moderator: David Mixson; Associate Director, GEDI
Panel Members:
Aleia Shipman; CEO, 3G Chemical Solutions (Bessemer)
Boyd Stephens; Founder, Netelysis and Community Steward (Montgomery)
Jason Wilson; Founder and CEO, Coldwater Mountain Brewpub (Anniston)

2:30 – 2:45 PM Break
2:45 – 3:45 PM

Managing an Effective Economic Development Organization
Phillip Dunlap; Economic Development Director, City of Auburn

3:45 - 4:00 PM Break
4:00 – 5:00 PM

Panel: The Role of Economic Developer
Moderator: Jeremy Arthur; Director, GEDI
Panel Members:
Jim Searcy; Executive Director, Economic Development Association of Alabama (EDAA)
Valerie Gray; Executive Director, Chambers County Development Authority
Connie Bainbridge; Manager of Community & Economic Development, Central Alabama Electric Coop

3:45 - 4:00 PM Closing Reception – Sponsored by EDAA and Lathan Architects
7:15 - 8:15 AM

Graduation Breakfast and Ceremony – Sponsored by Spire

8:15 – 9:15 AM Case Study Project Time
9:15 – 9:30 AM Break
9:30 – 11:30 AM

Case Presentations and Wrap Up
Site Selection Visitors / Case Study Competition Judges: Brenda Tuck and Carissa Crayton, Alabama Department of Commerce;
Vince Perez, Southeast Gas
Thomas Tyson, PowerSouth
Gary Faulkner, former Department of Commerce Project Manager


Agenda - Week 2: September 11-14, 2023

*Click on the date to expand each panel to see the full agenda for that day.

7:30 – 8:00 AM

Grab and Go Breakfast and Coffee

8:00 – 8:30 AM

Welcome and Introductions

8:30 – 9:30 AM

The History of Economic Development in Alabama
Edwin C. Bridges, Ph.D.; Director Emeritus, Alabama Department of Archives and History

9:30 – 9:45 AM

Break

9:45 – 11:00 AM

Alabama Government and Economic Development
Joe A. Sumners, Ph.D, Founder
Wicked Solutions, LLC
Executive Director Emeritus, AU Government & Economic Development Institute

11:00 – 11:15 AM

Break

11:15 AM – 12:15 PM

PK-12 Education and Alabama Economic Development
Eric G. Mackey, PhDSuperintendent of Education, State of Alabama

12:15 – 1:30 PM Lunch (On Your Own)
1:30 – 2:30 PM

Alabama Workforce Development: Programs and Planning
Ed Castile
Deputy Secretary & Executive Director, AIDT Alabama Department of Commerce
Nick Moore
Governor's Education Policy Advisor, Alabama Governor's Office of Education and Workforce

2:30 – 2:45 PM Break
2:45 – 3:45 PM

Placemaking as Economic Development
Nathan R. Norris, J.D.
Founding Principal, CityBuilding Partnership

3:45 – 4:00 PM

Class Photo and Break

4:00 – 5:00 PM

Placemaking / Community Resources – Moderated Panel
Gina Clifford – DesignAlabama
Mary Jackson – Alabama Communities of Excellence (ACE)
Matt Leavell – Your Town Alabama
Mary Helmer Wirth – Main Street Alabama

5:00 – 6:30 PM

Welcome Reception (Legacy Ballroom)
Special Appearance by Aubie!

7:30 – 8:00 AM

Grab and Go Breakfast and Coffee

8:00 – 9:00 AM

Tourism as an Economic Development StrategyTami Reist, President & CEO
Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association

9:00 – 9:15 AM

Break

9:15 – 10:15 AM

Role of Local Elected Officials in Economic Development – Moderated Panel
Jim Byard – Founder, Byard Associates; Former Mayor of Prattville
Jay Thompson – Chair, Autauga County Commission; President, ACCA
Lawrence F. “Tony” Haygood – Mayor, City of Tuskegee; President, ALM
Dr. Hollie Cost – Assistant VP, AU Outreach & Office of Public Service; Former Mayor of Montevallo

10:15 – 10:30 AM Break
10:30 – 11:15 AM

The Economic Development Impact of Alabama’s Public Institutes of Higher Education
Gordon Stone
Executive Director, Alabama Higher Education Partnership
Liz Scroggins Craig
Director, Community & Civic Engagement, Alabama Higher Education Partnership

11:15 AM – 12:00 PM

Alabama Department of Commerce Overview
Angela Till
Deputy Secretary, Alabama Department of Commerce

12:00 – 1:15 PM Lunch (On Your Own)
1:15 – 2:00 PM

Working with Alabama Department of Commerce
Ted Clem, Director, Recruitment & Retention
Alabama Department of Commerce

2:00 – 2:45 PM

Alabama Rural Development Resources
Brenda Tuck
Rural Development Manager, Alabama Department of Commerce
Carissa Crayton
Rural Special Projects Manager, Alabama Department of Commerce

2:45 – 3:00 PM Break
3:00 – 3:45 PM

Alabama Department of Economic and Community AffairsKenneth Boswell
Director, ADECA

3:45 – 4:00 PM Break
4:00 – 4:30 PM

Economic Development Partnership of AlabamaGreg Barker, President
EDPA

4:30 – 5:00 PM

Alabama Innovation
Miller Girvin, Executive Vice President
Innovation & Entrepreneurship, EDPA
Cynthia Crutchfield
Chief Executive Officer, Innovate Alabama

7:30 – 8:00 AM

Grab and Go Breakfast and Coffee

8:00 – 8:45 AM

Broadband: Essential Economic Development Infrastructure
Tom Stackhouse, President and CEO
Central Alabama Electric Cooperative

8:45 – 9:45 AM

Alabama’s Infrastructure Report Card and its Importance to Economic Development
Joe Meads, Principal and Owner
Sain Associates, Inc.

9:45 – 10:00 AM Break
10:00 – 11:00 AM

The Role of Utilities in Alabama Economic Development - Panel
Leigh Davis, Senior Vice President of Marketing & Economic Development, Alabama Power Company
Monica Garsed, Economic Development Manager, Spire
Warren Hicks, Project Manager, Economic Development AL Region, Tennessee Valley Authority
Taylor Williams, Director of External Affairs, PowerSouth Energy Cooperative

11:00 - 11:15 AM Break
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM Retail as an Economic Development Tool
Lacy Beasley, President
Retail Strategies
12:15 – 1:30 PM Lunch (On Your Own)
1:30 – 2:30 PM International Trade and Economic Development
Brian Davis, Director
Alabama International Trade Center, The University of Alabama
2:30 – 2:45 PM Break
2:45 – 3:30 PM

Site Selection: A Local Perspective
John Sweatman
Project Manager
City of Opelika
Local Industry Representative

3:30 – 3:45 PM Break
3:45 – 5:00 PM

State and Federal Incentives
Alex Flachsbart
President and CEO
Opportunity Alabama
Angela Smith
Incentives Manager
Alabama Department of Commerce

7:30 – 8:30 AM

Graduation Breakfast (Grand Ballroom I) - Sponsored by Spire

8:30 – 8:45 AM

Economic Development Association of Alabama (EDAA)
Jim Searcy, President
EDAA

8:45 – 9:15 AM

Know Your Community
GEDI Staff

9:15 – 9:30 AM

Break

9:30 – 10:30 AM

The Role of Public Policy in Economic Development – Moderated Panel
Martha Roby, Senior Advisor for Government Affairs & Economic Development, Bradley
Casey Rogers, External Affairs Director, Office of Governor Kay Ivey
Sheron Rose, Senior Vice President of External Affairs, Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce

10:30 – 10:45 AM Break
10:45 – 11:30 AM

Business Expansion: A Local Perspective
Arndt Siepmann
Deputy Director of Economic Development
City of Auburn
Local Industry Representative

11:30 AM

Announcements & Adjournment
Don’t forget to turn in your evaluations
Thanks for joining us! Safe travels!

Greg Barker
Greg Barker
Executive VP of Customer Services, Alabama Power Company
Phillis Belcher
Phillis Belcher
Executive Director, Greene County IDA
Tedra Cheatam
Tedra Cheatam
Director of Business Development, Robinson College of Business, Georgia State University
Mo Collins
Mo Collins
New Economy Specialist
Sheldon Day
Sheldon Day
Mayor, City of Thomasville, Alabama
Phillip Dunlap
Phillip Dunlap
Economic Development Director, City of Auburn
Haitham Eletrabi
Haitham Eletrabi
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Tennibot
Jay Garner
Jay Garner
President and Founder, Garner Economics, LLC
Randy George
Randy George
Former President, Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce
Waymond Jackson
Waymond Jackson
Senior Vice President of Public Policy, Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA)
Sandra Koblas
Sandra Koblas
Director of Human Resources, Austal USA in Mobile, AL
David Mixson
David Mixson
Associate Director, Government & Economic Development Institute (GEDI), Auburn University
David Rumbarger
David Rumbarger
President/CEO, Community Development Foundation
Jennifer Ryan
Jennifer Ryan
Communications Manager, Government & Economic Development Institute (GEDI), Auburn University
Jim Searcy
Jim Searcy
Executive Director, Economic Development Association of Alabama (EDAA)
Steve Sewell
Steve Sewell
Executive Vice President, Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA)
Deborah McGill Smith
Deborah McGill Smith
Vice President, Industrial Brokerage & Consulting Cushman & Wakefield/EGS Commercial Real Estate
Amelia Hall Stehouwer
Amelia Hall Stehouwer
Research Manager, Government & Economic Development Institute (GEDI), Auburn University
Amy Sturdivant
Amy Sturdivant
Director of Business Recruitment, HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology
Joe Sumners
Joe Sumners
Executive Director, Government & Economic Development Institute (GEDI), Auburn University
Mike Swinson
Mike Swinson
Director of Economic Development, Spire
Galen Thackston
Galen Thackston
Regional President, Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood (GMC) South
Laith Wardi
Laith Wardi
President, ExecutivePulse, Inc.
Jason Wilson
Jason Wilson
Founder and CEO, Back Forty Beer Company
Tess Winningham
Tess Winningham
CEO and Co-Founder, Alignment Simple Solutions
Sharon Younger
Sharon Younger
President and Founder, Younger Associates, LLC

Registration Fees:

  • Early Bird Fee: Week 1 or week 2 only $750; Both weeks $950 - If paid on or before June 2, 2023.
  • Regular Fee: Week 1 or week 2 only $850; Both Weeks $1150 - If payment received after June 2, 2023.
  • NOTE: We MUST RECEIVE payment on or before June 2, 2023 or else you will need to pay the regular, non-discounted price.
  • Register Now


Intensive Economic Development Training Course – Week One

  • Dates: July 10-14, 2023
  • Location: The Hotel at Auburn University, Auburn, AL – Map/Directions
  • Hotel Reservations:
    • Room Rate: $139
    • The room block will fill up quickly, so please reserve early
    • Book a Room

Register Now: Week 1

Intensive Economic Development Training Course – Week Two

  • Dates: September 11-14, 2023
  • Location: The Hotel at Auburn University, Auburn, AL – Map/Directions
  • Hotel Reservations:
    • Room Rate: $139
    • The room block will fill up quickly, so please reserve early
    • Book a Room

Register Now: Week 2

In the event the host hotel is fully booked or if you would like to stay at a different property, Auburn-Opelika Tourism offers a convenient online tool for searching and booking available area hotels. Access it through this link: https://www.aotourism.com/Accommodations/


Attendance and Participation: It is the policy of the Government and Economic Development Institute (GEDI) and IEDC that the entire course must be taken in order to receive full credit and/or qualify to take the exam at the end of the class. All program attendees are encouraged to benefit fully from the course by asking questions, relating experiences and thoughts, and otherwise ensure that they understand and can apply techniques and ideas offered by the instructors.


Registration/Cancellation Rule:

Provided that space is available, 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.

If you have questions about enrollment, invoices or payments, or cancellations for the Intensive Course , please email GEDI@auburn.edu, or call 334-844-4782. Thank you.

Certificates and Attendance Policy:

Session I participants will receive a certificate of completion for the IEDC-accredited Auburn University Basic Economic Development Course. Participants who attend both Sessions I and II will receive a certificate of completion for the Intensive Economic Development Training Course. Only illness, a family emergency, or a business emergency constitute an excused absence.

Attendance and Participation: It is the policy of the Government and Economic Development Institute (GEDI) and IEDC that the entire course must be taken in order to receive full credit and/or qualify to take the exam at the end of the class. All program attendees are encouraged to benefit fully from the course by asking questions, relating experiences and thoughts, and otherwise ensure that they understand and can apply techniques and ideas offered by the instructors.

Presenting Partner:

Spire Gas logo

Reception Sponsors:

Alabama Municipal Electric Authority
Alabama Power
Image of CSX Transportation logo
EDAA - Economic Development Association of Alabama
GMC
Insyteful
Lathan Architects - Lathan - Bryant - Calma

Break sponsors:

Alabama Power
Image of Lyons HR logo
PowerSouth Energy Cooperative - A Touchstone Energy Cooperative
Image of PPM logo
Retail Strategies
Sain Associates
Southeast Gas

For more information about the course, please contact:

Email: gedi@auburn.edu
Phone: 334-844-4782
Fax: 334-844-4709

Last Updated: June 2, 2023