ED-Central


In This Issue


In the August article, we touched on TEEX’s Economic Development for Local Leaders Course. You may recall that TEEX developed this course because they recognized that smaller communities could benefit from additional economic development training tailored specifically to their unique needs

In the August article, we touched on TEEX’s Economic Development for Local Leaders Course. You may recall that TEEX developed this course because they recognized that smaller communities could benefit from additional economic development training tailored specifically to their unique needs. In many communities across Texas, judges, mayors, city council members, county commissioners, and other members of the community are charged with framing economic development strategies even though they may not have the expertise or experience to make fully informed decisions. This course is designed to impart these local leaders with a foundation and deeper understanding of economic development practices and strategies, as well as to provide local leaders with the tools necessary to further their community’s economic initiatives. This article will focus more specifically on the course’s offerings and TEEX’s work with the City of Early.

The City of Early is in Brown County, population of 2,700. Early was one of the first cities to create a small business incubator which houses about 20 office spaces. The largest employer is Early ISD. Manufacturing and the Heartland Mall are also major employers. The mayor, assistant city administrator, Economic Development Corporation board members and local business owners were among those enrolled in the course. They felt that the materials were well covered and that the course would help them develop economic strategies to improve their city.

The Economic Development for Local Leaders Course is designed for individuals in smaller communities who are responsible for economic development initiatives but do not have a background in economic development. The goal of the course is to provide participants with a basic knowledge and understanding of the approaches to economic development and show them programs other communities employ to realize their economic development goals. One participant said, "I work in the medical field as well as sit on the council. The information provided helped in several areas."

This course contains the essential elements of TEEX’s Basic Economic Development Course but instead of having to send participants to the course, TEEX professionals travel to your community to teach the course. After attending the course participants are more informed and better prepared to participate in economic development planning without the high costs associated with leaving the community to travel to a course in another location.

Past participants have said, “All subjects were so professionally covered." The course is comprised of six modules:

1. Introduction to Economic Development
2. Developing a Community Profile
3. Collaborating with Workforce Development
4. Working with Businesses
5. Economic Development Legislation
6. Introduction to Grant Writing

The Introduction to Economic Development lesson gives participants a definition of economic development, current trends, and explains the components and importance of community and business development. Participants learn how to conduct an economic inventory and determine the economic base of the community during the Developing a Community Profile module. One participant remarked, "We learned so much, not just the option of objectives to pursue, but also common sense ways to do it." During this session participants are also given a variety of sources from which to obtain information about funding opportunities.

The Collaborating with Workforce Development module will teach participants to understand the connection between workforce development and economic development in their community and to identify ways to increase the skills and education level of the local workforce. In Working with Businesses, business retention and expansion, as well as business attraction and marketing are discussed. Participants study the components of a business retention and expansion program and learn to perform an inventory of their community’s advantages for business marketing purposes.

The section on Economic Development Legislation covers current trends in economic development, defines an Economic Development Corporation, and helps participants understand the legislation governing economic development in Texas. The course ends with the Introduction to Grant Writing module where participants are taught to understand the grant application life cycle and the importance of a budget. The common mistakes in grant writing are also discussed.

A participant from the Jacksboro course commented, “I can only see this course getting better; instructors were prepared and informed; full of good, practical information." With such great feedback, contact SueAnn Palmore today at 979-458-6710 or 800-541-7149 to learn more about the Economic Development Course for Local Leaders and how it could benefit your community.

About the Author: Alyssa Webb is the Communications Coordinator for AdventGX, an economic development and tourism consulting firm located in College Station, Texas. She is currently pursuing her graduate degree at Texas A&M University in the Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences with an emphasis on community event planning and tourism marketing. Alyssa can be reached via email at alyssawebb@adventgx.com