On Thursday and Friday, thirty local community leaders and organizers have the privilege of attending a well-known, educational Economic Development Course. Participants are excited to have this rare opportunity to learn how to help the community work toward growth and improvement for local citizens, businesses and industries.


The International Economic Development Council is hosting "Economically Competitive and Resilient Communities," a two-day free course for elected and appointed leaders in Pine Bluff, Arkansas on August 7 and 8, and in Searcy, Arkansas on August 10 and 11. This is a unique opportunity to learn more about how to be a champion for economic development. Effective local leadership is crucial to economic development, disaster resilience, and economic recovery activities in Delta communities. Elected and appointed officials play a unique and critical role in coordinating public resources and agencies in your community.   Participants can learn how to make a difference in supporting job creation, acting as an effective bridge between the public and private sectors, responding to disasters, and helping businesses recover in the event of an economic or natural disaster. Participants will network with other leaders and explore how to support strategic and effective economic development for their communities. There is no cost to attend and lunch will be provided.  


With the generous support of the U.S. Economic Development Administration and in partnership with the Delta Regional Authority, IEDC offers this course exclusively to city, county, and regional leaders. Local community members are taking advantage of this valuable opportunity to learn more about the role they can play to promote a healthy economy for their constituents and community members.