Trent Lott National Center
True South Basic Economic Development Course
This is an introductory course exposing participants to the fundamentals and practice of creating jobs, increasing wealth, improving the tax base and enhancing a community’s quality-of-life, and the first step in pursuing professional certification.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
The True South Basic Economic Development Course is designed for community leaders and stakeholders who participate in the process of community economic development.
Typical conference attendees include:
- chamber of commerce, economic, and community development organization professionals;
- elected and appointed officials (recieve 4 CMO credits);
- government agency staff;
- community planners;
- utility personnel;
- bankers;
- business leaders;
- real estate brokers and developers;
- community volunteers and;
- students enrolled in the Masters of Economic Development program.
LOCATION AND DATE
September 21 - 24, 2020, in Hattiesburg, MS at The University of Southern Mississippi Trent Lott National Center
COURSE FEE
The four-day course is $650 or can be taken for graduate credit through the Southern Miss Master of Science in Economic Development program. Early-bird registration is $600 if registered and paid before July 15. The registration fee covers course materials, instruction, selected meals and refreshment breaks. It does not cover hotel and other travel expenses.
Scholarships are available. Contact tasha.mayFREEMississippi for more information regarding scholarships or visit the scholarship page to apply.
COURSE TOPICS
- Managing an Economic Development Organization
- Ethics in Economic Development
- Business Retention and Expansion
- Workforce Development
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Development
- Marketing and Attraction
- Strategic Planning
- Real Estate Development
- Economic Development Finance
- Community Development
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Participants are required to be present at all classes offered in order to receive credit for the course. Elected officials must attend every session and sign-in to receive CMO credits.
CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY
Cancellations and refund requests must be made in writing to the True South Planning Committee. Requests must be received by August 31 to receive full refund less a $25 processing fee. Requests received September 1 or after will not receive a refund. Substitutions are allowed.
For course cancellation assistance, please contact Tasha May at 601-266-5507 or email at tasha.mayFREEMississippi.
DRESS CODE
The attire for the True South Basic Economic Development Course is business casual. You may want to bring a light coat or sweater as rooms may get cold.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
A block of rooms has been reserved for True South participants at the new Hotel Indigo, 103 South 30th Avenue, Hattiesburg, MS 39401 at a special course rate of $124 nightly plus tax. The hotel does not serve breakfast. However, several local restaurants are within walking distance. Participants should make their own reservations by visiting the reservation link at True South Economic Development Group and entering the True South group code of TRU. Reservations must be made by September 8 to receive the special course rate.
Visit the Hotel Indigo website to learn more about the hotel and local attractions. Also, visit the Visit Hattiesburg website to learn more about the area.
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.