Economic Development Practitioners Graduate from TCED Training Course

Nashville, TN (May 26, 2015) - Forty-seven economic development professionals from Tennessee and seven other states graduated from the ninth-annual Tennessee Basic Economic Development Course (TBEDC) on May 6 in Nashville. More than 20 expert practitioners from Tennessee and other states presented topics on the fundamental concepts, tools, and practices needed to succeed in a complex economic environment. 

These concepts included strategies for job creation and retention, developing a competitive workforce, and managing economic development organizations. This year’s diverse class included chamber of commerce and other local economic and community development organization leaders, elected and appointed officials, and state and regional economic development professionals. The class also included community planners and representatives from utilities, financing organizations, and higher education institutions. “In this fast changing economic environment, we’re pleased to see economic development practitioners and community leaders from across the state and the country investing in their professional development and exploring new approaches to growing jobs and investment in their regions” said Beth Phillips, who leads UT CIS’s economic development programs.

The four day TBEDC is the foundation course for the Tennessee Certified Economic Developer (TCED) training program offered by the University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services (UT CIS).  The course is also one of thirty-two Basic Economic Development Courses in the country that are accredited by the International Economic Development Council. "UT CIS is proud to offer this training in partnership with many federal, state, and regional sponsors to help build our state's capacity to capitalize on its economic and community development potential” said Phillips.