Released August 5, 2005

HATTIESBURG – “Waves of Development” is this year’s theme for the annual New South Economic Development Course, which will be held Oct. 23-28 at The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Park campus.

Full- or part-time economic or community developers, planners, real estate developers, elected officials, utility and transportation personnel, and business leaders interested in improving their communities and states are ideal participants for this program, which will focus on exposing participants to the latest strategies and approaches to collaboration in a competitive environment. The one-week program will touch on issues such as community development, marketing, finances, business retention and expansion, as well as a case study that will bring real-world experience into the classroom.

The New South Economic Course is accredited by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). Participants who complete the course qualify for admission to the Economic Development Institute and the IEDC Professional Development series and earn points to take the Certified Economic Developer examination.

The cost of the program is $550 for noncredit or $150 plus tuition for academic credit, which is due by Oct. 7. For those who need accommodations, a room block has been made at the Grand Oasis in Gulfport.

For more information, contact Charlotte Batson, course coordinator, at (601) 266-5515 or by e-mail at charlotte.batson@usm.edu.

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