2013 IEDC AZ Basic Economic Development Course

AZBasic2013FCG was proud to be  a part of the 2013 IEDC AZ Basic Economic Development Course, that took place downtown Phoenix last week. The class was possible thanks to our partners, the Arizona Association of Economic Development (AAED); and APS for its incredible hospitality.

The week-long training course included topics such as Strategic Planning and Workforce Development. We had the most amazing instructors that gave valuable presentations throughout the week. Our group of students was great as well; most of them reside here in the Valley, but we had a student from as far away as Missouri. Everyone worked well together, and seemed to enjoy the opportunities to network with one another. Outside of the educational benefits of the course, these events are an excellent way to make professional connections.

During the course, the students were given a Case Study on which to work in teams. At the end of the week, the teams gave thought-provoking presentations based on the findings of the Case Study. Everyone did a fantastic job! Per our group of judges (Teri Drew, John Chan, Jennifer Graves, and Sally Odette), Team 3 was deemed the overall winner of the project.

This year’s class was rewarding and a success. We hope to work with AAED next year in facilitating the 2014 Course. We would like to give thanks to all of this year’s organizers and participants, and extra special thanks to our spectacular instructors and judges! Thank you: David Bentler; Ivett Cuen; Evelyn Casuga; Sally Odette; John Chan; Joyce Grossman; Susan Hyatt; Jill Buschbacher; Dave Roderique; Teri Drew; Jennifer Graves; Brian Dalke; Barry Broome; John Morales; Steve Kiefer; Janice Kleinwort; Katherine Hutton; David Krietor; Steve Vierck; Judie Scalise; and Mike Hammond.

Our fine panel of judges for the Case Study.
Our fine panel of judges for the Case Study.
Team 3 Wins!
Team 3 Wins!



The IEDC Arizona Basic Course Comes to Phoenix

AZBasic2013

Furthering your education in economic development will allow you to participate in the development and growth of your community. The Arizona Association for Economic Development, the leading professional economic development association in the State of Arizona, is proud to offer the 2013 Arizona Basic Economic Development Course. This course has been accredited by the International  Economic  Development  Council (IEDC), the professional organization for economic developers. Join us this January in sunny Arizona!

For more information about the 2013 Arizona Basic Course, please download the official PDF flyer here: 2013 Arizona Basic Economic Development Course

IEDC Basic Course in Tucson

Hi Everyone!

Last week, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend my first Economic Development course with the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) in beautiful Tucson, AZ. The course was five days, and while it was extremely beneficial, it was pretty intense! The days are full of lectures on subjects crucial to economic development, such as working with real estate brokers, marketing, social media, and so on. I took a lecture about sustainability in economic development that was really interesting. As most of you know, I am in charge of more of the “back end” aspects of our business; I think that taking the course helped me understand more about the “front end” of economic development. I am looking forward to continuing on to the Economic Development Institute to become a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD).

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Check out our "winning" Powerpoint!

While at the course, I met some awesome people! Most of my classmates were from various communities here in Arizona, but there were a couple from other states as well. Part of the course was to split into teams and complete a case study. It was pretty challenging given the small amount of time we had for research and such, but it was a great learning experience. We created a strategic plan for a region, and created a sales pitch for a prospective company. Our team really worked well together, and we also had really good ideas.  This was acknowledged too as we won the presentation portion of the assignment!  If you click on the image to the right, it will allow you to view our awesome Powerpoint (in PDF version) – take a look!

I would like to thank everyone who attended the Tucson course – it was so great meeting you all. I would also like to thank Erik Glenn, our generous program director. Also, thank you to Ron Canham, President of The Canham Group, for giving us guidance and support. And last but not least, a big “thank you” to APS for sponsoring the course! I had a great time, and I loved staying in Tucson!

Have a great weekend!

~Emily