Meggie Froman-Knight completes University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute (OU EDI)

October 29, 2021

The Claremore Industrial and Economic Development Authority

On Thursday, Meggie Froman-Knight graduated from the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute (OU EDI) during the OU EDI Fall 2021 session. Froman-Knight serves as the Executive Director for the Claremore Industrial and Economic Development Authority (CIEDA). OU EDI is designed to provide professional economic developers with up-to-date knowledge and tools to succeed in today’s constantly changing environment.

OU EDI is an intensive 117-hour certificate program that provides a broad spectrum of advanced education for the economic development professional.  

Classes focus on three major core areas, including Business Retention and Expansion, Real Estate, and Credit Analysis, as well as areas of concentration in Workforce Development, Strategic Planning, Community and Neighborhood Development, and Managing Economic Development Organizations. Students typically take 1 to 2 years to complete the program through a series of intensive in-person or online courses.

“This achievement would not have been possible without the support of the CIEDA board and staff,” said Froman-Knight. “Over the past two years, OU EDI enabled me to connect with and establish long-term relationships with economic developers, city planners and workforce professionals from across the United States. In addition to the incredible insights gained from the course work, we had opportunities to work through real-world scenarios on implementing these methods. I look forward to taking this training back to our region and applying it toward future certification pursuits.”

OU EDI began in 1962 and will celebrate 60 years of service to the economic development community next year.  Fully accredited by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the program has certified nearly 6,000 professionals and remains the world’s leading economic development teacher.

“OU EDI is the premier organization dedicated to training economic development professionals.” Said Mark James, OU EDI Dean. “These graduates represent some of the finest economic development practitioners in the U.S. working to support their local communities.  My congratulations to them.”

For more information about the OU Economic Development Institute, its courses and internationally recognized certificate program, please contact 405-325-3136 or edi@ou.edu.