CIEDA Staff Member Attends Mid-South Basic Economic Development Course

October 5, 2020

Story originally published by CIEDA

Caitlyn Ngare, of the Claremore Industrial and Economic Development Authority (CIEDA), recently completed the Mid-South Basic Economic Development Course offered through Arkansas Economic Developers and Chamber Executives (AEDCE). She joined thirty-nine other participants from four different states in the four-day fall program.  Offered annually in the spring, the Mid-South Basic Course provides an intensive overview of the process and practice of local economic development.  It features over thirty instructors who are recognized experts in their fields. It is one of twenty-five such courses accredited by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). 

According to Shelley Short, Course Director, “Caitlyn was an outstanding participant in this year’s course and shows tremendous potential as a player in the economic development process.  She contributed to the overall success of the course and by completing the course, and is better prepared to assist efforts to foster community and economic development.” 

Ngare’s completion of the course now qualifies her to attend a series of advanced training courses, ultimately leading to eligibility for designation as a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD).

"The Mid-South Basic Economic Development course was an excellent opportunity for personal and professional growth in my field,” said Ngare. “The course presented not only an overview of economic development but applied textbook concepts and processes to the work we do every day at CIEDA. Case study-based learning and networking with others in my field allowed me to better understand the necessity of organizations like ours. Coming out of this course, I have a renewed passion for my career after seeing the transformations economic development can produce throughout communities. I look forward to utilizing the lessons and skills I have gained to play a small role in ensuring Claremore’s success in the years to come."