A highlight during June was the opportunity to be an instructor at a basic economic development training conference called “SparkED.” The Economic Development Association of North Dakota hosted courses over three days to equip economic and community development staff, allied industry members and community leaders with knowledge and tools to be more impactful.
I led the session about community marketing and co-presented on topics of real estate development and re-use, and economic development ethics. I learned about new online platforms that allow economic development organizations to work smarter instead of harder. My knowledge base comes from 17 years of solving problems and optimizing opportunities as the business development and communications director for the City of Mandan, N.D. In 2014, I had the chance to take training courses through the Oklahoma University Economic Development Institute and, in 2015, earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) through the International Economic Development Council. Becoming certified meant passing a rigorous and comprehensive three-part, two-day examination of a practitioner’s knowledge, proficiency and judgment in the areas of business retention and expansion, marketing, finance, workforce development, community development, technology-led economic development, real estate, strategic planning and management. The certification process reinforced that the programs and practices I’d implemented in my hometown were grounded in sound principles. The courses also provided information and inspiration leading to new, refined and more focused approaches to community betterment. Maintaining the CEcD accreditation requires recertification every three years with continuing education and leadership activities at national, regional, state and local levels. Involvement in the Economic Development Association of North Dakota has also been extremely valuable to my career, much of which was spent as a one-person shop serving the community of Mandan. When you are a “jack of all trades, master of none,” or “chief of everything officer” in a community, you need to know at least a little about a lot. You have to know to grow. EDND provides resources and connections to people eager to share ideas and brainstorm solutions. “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn,” said Benjamin Franklin. Training for new employees, boards, committees, and elected officials about topics orrelated to economic and community development is among consulting services available through Community Matters, LLC. I can deliver training through workshops, small group sessions or one-on-one assistance.W For more thoughts, stories and updates about community betterment and small business development, please follow future blogs at www.communitymattersnd.com, or on social media: www.facebook.com/CommunityMattersND and www.linkedin.com/company/community-matters-llc-nd. |
About EllenEllen Huber is a country girl passionate about nurturing communities. She gets things done and welcomes opportunities to assist enthusiastic, committed community and business leaders in reaching their goals. Archives
April 2024
Categories
All
|
|
6/30/2023
0 Comments