LSU and LED partnering on economic development certification program

The LSU Stephenson Entrepreneurship Institute is partnering with Louisiana Economic Development to provide LSU’s Economic Development Certification Program. The two-year program is designed for economic development professionals, chamber of commerce staff, elected officials, local civic leaders and other business professionals interested in economic development. LSU Executive Education will administer the initiative as one of its open-enrollment programs, similar to the longstanding Executive Development Program. The Louisiana Industrial Development Executives Association will continue to advise the program in its capacity as the state’s professional association for economic development. LIDEA will work on curriculum development with David Kolzow, who continues as program dean. The International Economic Development Council certifies the program’s basic course. Program courses are offered multiple times a year on the South Campus of LSU, with the upcoming schedule as follows: Nov. 8-9—Entrepreneurship & technology transfer development; Feb. 7-10—Louisiana basic economic development; May 8-9—Marketing and attraction; Aug. 21-22—Strategic planning; and Oct. 2-3—Finance. “Gaining the resources of a major research institution and the visibility of Louisiana’s flagship university provides a permanent boost for professional training in this vital field,” LED Secretary Stephen Moret says in a statement about the certification program. Registration and more information is available by clicking here or calling 578-1190.