Muncie, IN – Tom Farris, Muncie-based business consultant and project coordinator for Energize-ECI, Inc. was one of 82 participants from two states completing the 25th
Annual Indiana Economic Development Academy held January 12-16, 2009 at the Horizon Convention Center in Muncie, Indiana. The Academy, accredited by the International Economic Development Council, offered economic developers, community leaders, government officials and business owners and executives the opportunity to gain an in-depth working knowledge of the many components of economic development.
A diverse and experienced faculty of professionals, practitioners and academicians from throughout the U.S. taught 40-hours of interactive core curriculum classes on the following topics: analyzing and profiling a local economy; managing economic development organizations; perspectives on local economies; business retention; strategic planning; marketing/business attraction; economic development finance; small business and entrepreneurship development; rural and small town development; community and neighborhood development; real estate development and reuse; workforce development; site selection and business location; and professional development. Working lunches brought in key officials from the State of Indiana as speakers. Dr. Jo Ann Gora, President of Ball State University, talked with the group on Thursday evening about Ball State’s extensive resources available in the areas of building better communities and economic development.
Farris commented, “This was an excellent and intensive program. I know that the course has better prepared me to assist the communities and businesses of Indiana and Energize-ECI, Inc. to assess needs and identify opportunities, develop strategies and position communities and businesses to lead economic recovery in challenging times. It reinforced the prime importance of focusing on business retention and assisting established businesses grow, helping them return to their entrepreneurial roots and better identifying their unique advantages. All participants had many opportunities, both formal and informal, to discuss local concerns and problems, offer ideas and share resources for building better businesses and communities with the faculty and other participants. I highly recommend the course to community leaders, business executives and elected officials – it’s an ideal way to learn how to effectively advance a business, community, county or region. Economic development is truly everyone’s responsibility, and the first step is to learn more about the subject. I’m grateful to Vectren for providing the scholarship which permitted me to participate in the
Academy.”
The next Indiana Economic Development Academy sponsored by Building Better Communities at Ball State University is schedules for January of 2010. For more information regarding the course, visit www.bsu.edu/cecd or contact Rose Wright at (765) 285-1628.
Prepared by Tom Farris / T.L. Farris & Associates
P.O. Box 2542 / Muncie, IN 47307-0542
Phone: 765.284.5313 / Fax: 765.284.5314
Email: thomaslfarris@comcast.net
