County and Partners Offer Award-Winning Economic Development Course
Contact: Nancy Schnoebelen
Vice President Marketing & Communications
314.615.7617, nschnoebelen@slcec.com
St. Louis, October 6, 2010 -- Today's challenging economic conditions place a great deal of pressure on cities, counties and development entities to manage costs and find ways to grow economically. To address these concerns, St. Louis County and the Economic Council with Saint Louis University, Urban Land Institute-St. Louis District Council (ULI), and St. Louis Development Corporation are offering another eight-week Certificate Program in Economic Development beginning October 14, 2010.
The course, developed in 2009, was recently recognized by the International Economic Development Council with an "Excellence in Economic Development Award" for its efforts in creating positive change in communities.
The award-winning program provides intensive instruction on the fundamentals of economic development practice and is designed for economic development and public service professionals either new to the field or who desire a better understanding of economic development. It integrates innovative and practical perspectives, organizing, planning, and operating economic development activities and programs.
"This course helps mayors, city council members, city staff, and chambers better understand the complex world of development and provides strategies to promote new directions in economic development," said St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley. "I am pleased ULI, Saint Louis University and St. Louis Development Corporation have partnered with us to create positive change in the region."
The instructors, which are composed of distinguished practitioners in a variety of public and private economic development professions, will provide progressive curriculum in the fields of planning and zoning, sustainable development, deal structuring, marketing, and real estate development.
"As we recover from this recession, it is increasingly important for cities and counties to understand the best process for growth," said Bob Cropf, Saint Louis University's chairman of public policy studies. "This education program combines both the academic and practical aspects of effective economic development techniques."
To learn more and register, visit: www.slcec.com/certificate-program.html.
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 to foster economic development. Please visit www.slcec.com for additional information.
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