In the economic development profession, the ability to attract new companies as well as retain and grow jobs among existing companies has always been cited as fundamentals of success. This course will examine best practices for successful attraction and recruitment of new companies, current industry sector trends, and emerging industries.

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The ECU Economic Development Academy offers the North Carolina Certified Economic Developer Program for economic development personnel, elected officials, business leader and others interested in the field of economic development.

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Innovation and entrepreneurship is the backbone of the economy in the United States. This session will explore the importance of entrepreneurial development as an economic development strategy, provide examples of successful entrepreneurial ecosystem development in rural and urban areas, and create innovation and entrepreneurial support strategies through interactive workshops. Participants will leave with a greater appreciation for innovation and entrepreneurship as a tool for community growth and practical implementation strategies for development.

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Successful economic developers have, at the minimum, a basic understanding the legal framework for realistically operating within the laws set by cities, counties, and the state.

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This course establishes a fast track not only to understand, but to implement and practice the key tenets of economic development. Excelling at Organization, Operations, and Strategy can position your community to achieve its best future. The three primary organizational structures of an economic development program will be identified, explained, and discussed. The importance of establishing effective and efficient operations and creating a strategy with measurable deliverables will be stressed. These key components get to the heart of what makes economic development work in your community.

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This course will introduce participants to various retention strategies, business investment and attraction in North Carolina as well as provide an opportunity to collect information and create a regional scan for your community.

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Offered in partnership with the North Carolina Economic Development Association, the certification program provides practical knowledge concerning the practice of economic development in North Carolina to economic development personnel, elected officials, business leaders and others interested in the field.Certification Requirements:Participants who wish to earn the certification must complete seven (7) courses and a capstone project for a total of 84 contact hours. While successfully completing the course of study will lead to the North Carolina Certified Economic Developer designation, courses may be taken as desired without formal matriculation in the certification program. More information can be found on our website: https://cpe.ecu.edu/course-catalog/business/north-carolina-certified-economic-developer-ncced-program/