TN Economic Resiliency Course
In the context of economic development, Economic Resiliency is inclusive of three primary attributes: 1) the ability to recover quickly from a shock, 2) the ability to withstand a shock and 3) the ability to avoid the shock altogether. US Economic Development Administration
The role of economic developers has become increasingly vital as various crises impact businesses and communities across the country. For example, the rapid response to the economic challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic highlighted how quickly economic developers can adapt and engage with all stakeholders, significantly reducing recovery times from economic shocks.
The interactive TN Economic Resiliency Elective Course will spotlight real life “cause and effect” case studies presented and analyzed by leading economic development practitioners and resiliency experts. This one-and-a-half-day course will cover topics including defining disasters, crisis mitigation, resiliency strategies, lessons learned, and resiliency resources.
Date and Location:
September 30 - October 1, 2025
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jackson | 1770 US-45 BYP, Jackson, TN 38305 (Discounted Hotel Booking Link Coming Soon!)
Course Agenda:
2025 Agenda Coming Soon!
Course Fee:
Registration $445 | Early Registration $395 (by: September 9, 2025)
The registration fee covers course materials, instruction, selected meals and refreshment breaks. It does not cover hotel and other travel expenses. Registration is limited to 35 participants and is filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please remit payment for the course no later than 10 days prior to the course start date. If payment is not received, you risk having your registration cancelled to make room for those on the wait list.
Course Times:
Onsite check-in: 9:30 AM
Day 1: 10:00 AM - 5:15 PM
Day 2: 8:15 AM - 1:15 PM
Meals provided: Day 1 - Lunch; Day 2 - Breakfast & Lunch
How to Register:
If you need assistance accessing your account, please contact us at 615-253-6371 or email us here.
You may also register by submitting a Course Registration Form by email.
Cancellation and Refund Policy:
Cancellations made 7 days or more prior to the course start date will be eligible for a full refund or credit. Cancellations made less than 7 days will be eligible for credit only for a future course.
Hotel Accommodations:
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jackson | 1770 US-45 BYP, Jackson, TN 38305 (Discounted Hotel Booking Link Coming Soon!)
This link and rate code is only available for course attendees. If this link and special rate is used by someone outside of the course, the reservation will be cancelled and a fee will be applied to the credit card used to book the reservation.
Scholarships:
A limited number of scholarships are available to course participants from Tennessee. Applications for scholarships can be downloaded here Scholarship Application.
Scholarships cover $295 of the $395 early registration course fee, and do not include hotel, travel or meals. Scholarship recipients will be required to pay $100 of the tuition cost, which will not be refundable should the participant withdraw from the course. Applications must be received by September 2, 2025 to be considered for a scholarship.
Dress Code:
The attire for the course is business casual.
Other TCED Economic Development Courses:
View other TCED economic development courses
Facilitator/Instructor:
Laith Wardi, CEcD, is President and Founder of ExecutivePulse, Inc. He has worked in the economic development profession for over 20 years. Laith has comprehensive experience in business retention & expansion that includes one-to-one outreach to hundreds of value-added client companies, work as a resource provider, and 15 years of regional program management in his home state of Pennsylvania.
During his tenure in economic development, he also worked in business incubation and provided small business mentoring services to entrepreneurs.
