Economic development course for local government officials to be held in November

Local government officials and volunteer community leaders can improve their understanding of the economic development process, thanks to the 24th annual Virginia Institute for Economic Development (VIED) to be held November 13-16, at The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center on the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg, Va.

The three-day course is a non-credit, certificate program in economic development that includes lectures by experienced professionals in the field. Topics to be addressed cover all aspects of the economic development process including analysis of current economic trends, planning, product development, workforce development, finance, and marketing, along with overviews of various industry niches and the roles of different state agencies in economic development.

The VIED outlines how the economic development process is used to benefit Virginia's cities, counties, and towns in furthering economic growth. This basic course has been specifically designed to serve the needs of local government officials and volunteer community leaders interested in economic development.

Sponsored jointly by the Virginia Department of Business Assistance, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Virginia Economic Developers Association, and Virginia Tech's Office of Economic Development, the VIED gives community leaders the opportunity to:

• Learn about each agency's specific programs.
• Learn from leaders at the regional and local levels about other economic development programs that produce results.
• Expand their network of key economic development leaders.
• Apply their knowledge of programs that work to enhance their community's economic development.

For more information, contact Tom Harned, Virginia Economic Development Institute, at (276) 632-6700.