Government & Economic Development Institute

The Intensive Economic Development Training Course is an annual two-week course presented by the Government & Economic Development Institute (GEDI).

The course is divided into two one-week sessions and introduces participants to all phases of economic development. Program leaders and faculty have proven success in economic development practices and techniques. Instructors represent the field’s most effective practitioners from throughout the state and nation.

The first week of the course is accredited by the International Economic Development Council. It fulfills one of the prerequisites for those who wish to take the examinations for the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation. It provides an intensive overview of general economic development concepts and principles. In 2025, week one will be held July 14-18.

The second week will be held September 8-11, 2025 and will focus on important issues and resources in our state. It is especially valuable to economic developers and community leaders practicing in Alabama.

With 40 years of experience, GEDI is the state’s leading provider of economic development education and training.

Who Should Attend

• Local, Regional, and State-Level Economic Development Professionals

• Economic / Industrial Development Board Members

• Chamber of Commerce Officials

• State / Local Elected Officials

• Community Leaders

• County Commissioners

• Utility Company Representatives

• Community / Regional Planners

Course Curriculum

Session I Topics

• Trends in Economic Development

• Workforce Development and Training

• Community Development Fundamentals and Success Models

• Marketing and Business Attraction

• Business Retention and Expansion

• Web and Social Media Marketing Strategies

• Strategic Planning for Economic Development

• Real Estate Development and Reuse

• Small Business and Entrepreneurship Development

• Economic Development Finance

• Site Selection Case Study Exercise

• Economic Development Ethics

• Building and Managing Economic Development Organization

Session II Topics

• The History of Economic Development in Alabama

• Alabama Government and Economic Development

• Economic Development from the Company’s Perspective

• Alabama Education and Workforce Development

• Recruiting Hyundai: The Montgomery Experience

• Retail as an Essential Economic Development Strategy

• International Trade and Investment

• Rural Development Strategies

• Alabama Programs and Resources to Support Economic Development

• Alabama Economic Development Roundtable

Certificates and Attendance Policy

Session I participants will receive a certificate of completion for the IEDC-accredited Auburn University Basic Economic Development Course. Participants who attend both Sessions I and II will receive a certificate of completion for the Intensive Economic Development Training Course. Only illness, a family emergency, or a business emergency constitute an excused absence.

Attendance and Participation: It is the policy of the Government and Economic Development Institute (GEDI) and IEDC that the entire course must be taken in order to receive full credit and/or qualify to take the exam at the end of the class. All program attendees are encouraged to benefit fully from the course by asking questions, relating experiences and thoughts, and otherwise ensure that they understand and can apply techniques and ideas offered by the instructors.