Wednesday, October 20, 2010

EDC encourages Public Involvement with Economic Development Citizen Academy

In an effort to continue to encourage public involvement and understanding of economic development, the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation will launch an Economic Development Citizen’s Academy this winter.

The program is modeled on the successful Citizen Academy programs used by the City of Owensboro and the Owensboro Police Department.   The Economic Development Citizen Academy will consist of three two-hour sessions scheduled from January to March 2011. 

“The board and staff of the EDC are very committed to public participation in the economic development,” said EDC Board Chair Rod Kuegel.  “This Citizen Academy is a direct outgrowth of the public process we used in creating our most recent strategic plan.  The EDC currently has a greater level of public input and participation than any other time in the history of the organization.”

The sessions will offer comprehensive insight into the strategies and ideas of modern economic development.  Participants will get a behind the scenes view of the economic development process, dialogue with leaders from local businesses about the regional economy and visit amenities such as the Centre for Business and Research. 

“Economic development has evolved and changed significantly over the past decade,” said EDC President Nick Brake.   “In a more global, yet increasingly networked world, many of these changes mean that the average citizen sitting at the computer screen can be involved in our efforts to promote the region.  We are hoping to encourage more citizens to learn about economic development so that we can create ambassadors that can tell our story in a whole new way."

The EDC anticipates offering the academy program annually.   For more information or to sign up for the Economic Development Citizen’s Academy visit edc.owensboro.com or call 926-4339.

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