UT CIS Hosts 18th Annual TBEDC in Nashville

The 18th Annual Tennessee Basic Economic Development Course (TBEDC), hosted by the UT Center for Industrial Services, took place in Nashville from May 6th to May 9th this year. We were pleased to welcome forty-six participants, including five from out of state. Attendees hailed from various regions of Tennessee, as well as from Nevada, Nebraska, South Carolina, and Virginia. 

This comprehensive week-long program serves as the foundation of the Tennessee Certified Economic Developer (TCED) professional certification program and is accredited by the International Economic Development Council. Attendees learned best practices in economic and community development, new methods and programs to promote job growth and investment, and discussed emerging trends and factors that shape local and regional economies. 

This year’s diverse class had a range of participants that included chamber of commerce and economic and community development organization professionals, elected and appointed officials, state government agency staff and community planners. 

Over the week, the class heard presentations from more than twenty expert practitioners in many disciplines of economic development. The week closed with the TBEDC graduation ceremony. The University of Tennessee's Vice President of Public Service Dr. Herb Byrd III presented completion certificates to each class member. Participants commented that one of the biggest benefits of the experience, beyond the knowledge gained, was the relationships built throughout the week.