Aug. 17, 2016
CWU to Host NW Economic Development Course
Central Washington University will host the annual Northwest Economic Development Course next Monday through Thursday (Aug. 22-25), sponsored by the Washington State Department of Commerce and the Oregon Business Development Department.
“This year marks the 25th anniversary of the course [at CWU],” noted Linda Alongi, Washington State Department of Commerce program manager.
Alongi pointed out that it offers intensive training in basic concepts, methods, and strategies of local economic development, with course content geared to practical applications. Included in the topics to be addressed are:
• economic development finance;
• ethics in economic development;
• leadership “caves”;
• reuse and redevelopment of business sites and facilities;
• small business and entrepreneurship; and,
• top site location factors.
Among those taking the training will be Lindsey Ozbolt, from the Ellensburg Business Development Authority.
“I’m excited to have the opportunity to attend and think it is wonderful that CWU has been the host for 25 years.” said Ozbolt, about having the training conveniently available on the CWU campus.
Accredited by the International Economic Development Council, it fulfills a prerequisite for professionals seeking their Certified Economic Developer designation.
“We’ve also partnered with Carolyn Honeycutt at the Downtown Association to include a walking tour of Ellensburg as part of the course,” Alongi added. “It’s a great addition and allows participants the opportunity to learn more about the community.”
Ozbolt added, “It’s fantastic that we get to show off our community and all that we have to offer to others in the economic development field.”
Media contact: Linda Alongi, program manager, Washington State Department of Commerce, 360-725-4031, Linda.Alongi@commerce.wa.gov
August 17, 2016