St. Louis Region Gains 36 Brand New Economic Development Experts
Contact: Kathryn Jamboretz
Vice President Marketing & Communications
314.615.7617, kjamboretz@slcec.com
Nationally-acclaimed training program is popular with area leaders
St. Louis, MO, April 29, 2011 -- From TIFs to zoning to green development, today 36 community leaders graduated armed with the knowledge they need to tackle their biggest development challenges.
This is the second class to graduate from the 8-week Economic Development Certificate Program. It was designed to help mayors, council members, city staff and chambers to navigate the ins and outs of economic development.
"I have learned so much from the Economic Development program. The program itself was chock-full of great information and the class was so diverse in both its subject matter and the people who were attending. It truly was a wonderful opportunity for anyone trying to make a positive impact in their community," said Julie Wood, Director of Development for the City of Eureka.
This program is the first of its kind in the nation and has been honored by the International Economic Development Council. Coursework combines both the academic and practical aspects of proper economic development techniques.
"Well planned land use, transportation and economic development are integrally related and necessary to strengthen the region and improve the quality of life of citizens. This class looked at that relationship in detail, and provided a wealth of information that will help me better serve the citizens of St. Louis County and the region,"commented John Hicks, a transportation analyst for St. Louis County.
The certificate program was designed by experts from St. Louis County, St. Louis Development Corporation, Urban Land Institute-St. Louis District Council and Saint Louis University.
The certificate course stretched beyond county and state lines and included attendees from St. Louis County municipalities, City of St. Louis, St. Peters, MO and O'Fallon, IL. Plans are under way to offer a third certificate in economic development program this fall.
About St. Louis County Economic Council
Founded in 1984, St. Louis County Economic Council serves as the county's economic development agency, driving growth and prosperity in the most economically important county in Missouri. As the only economic development agency in the state to hold the esteemed Accredited Economic Development Organization from the International Economic Development Council, it provides a broad range of services through its six divisions: business development, business finance, economic development collaborative, real estate and community development, St. Louis Enterprise Centers, and World Trade Center Saint Louis.
