Economic Development Essentials for Leaders
Stop guessing: Implement the proven 8-step framework to transition your community from potential to prosperity.
Trusted by more than 1,200 community leaders who’ve completed the program and transformed the way they lead.
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You Can Strengthen Your Community and Support Sustainable Economic Growth
Learn the essential framework of economic development and use it to:
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Attract and retain quality businesses
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Strengthen workforce, housing, and infrastructure
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Improve community engagement and cross-sector collaboration
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Create systems that improve efficiency and outcomes
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Lead with clarity, confidence, and ethical integrity
You shouldn't have to navigate the world of Economic Development alone; with this program, you won't have to.
With Economic Development Essentials for Leaders, you'll learn how to confidently guide your community’s growth using proven strategies and real-world applications.
ENROLL NOW
After completing this program, you will…
- Build stronger partnerships with key business and community leaders
- Implement systems that streamline your organization’s economic development processes
- Lead workforce, infrastructure, and business development initiatives with clarity
- Make data-informed decisions that support long-term community prosperity
The right strategic moves can transform a community.
We cover them all in Economic Development Essentials for Leaders.
INTRODUCING
Economic Development Essentials for Leaders
This educational program with instructor expertise and ongoing support is a self-paced training that teaches you everything you need to know about the field of economic development — whether you're brand new to the profession or stepping into a leadership role.
You’ll learn how to:
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Understand the foundations and pillars of economic development
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Support community development through housing, workforce, and infrastructure
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Strengthen local businesses through retention, expansion, and entrepreneurship
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Build frictionless systems that improve productivity and decision-making
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Lead ethically and collaboratively with transparency and trust
With the right knowledge and the right framework, you can make an impact your community will feel for years.
What's Included In The Course...
MODULE 1
Introduction to Economic Development
You’ll learn:
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The 8 pillars of economic development
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The true definition of economic development
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The three-step approach
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How these approaches shape community success
You'll finish this module with a clear foundational understanding of the economic development industry and your role within it.
MODULE 2
Community Development
You’ll learn:
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Why community development is essential to economic prosperity
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Housing and neighborhood development fundamentals
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Social infrastructure and support systems
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Physical infrastructure and how it impacts quality of life
You’ll finish this module understanding the full scope of what supports a thriving community.
MODULE 3
Business Development
You’ll learn:
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The full business development framework
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Recruitment, retention, and expansion strategies
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How to support small business and entrepreneurship
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Tourism development and its impact on local economies
You'll finish this module ready to support a healthy, diverse business environment.
MODULE 4
Frictionless Internal Systems
You’ll learn:
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Why systemization matters for credibility and efficiency
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How to build a frictionless Development Services team and process
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Integration and management techniques for smooth operations
You'll finish this module with systems that save time and increase impact to maximize your community's reputation.
MODULE 5
Effective Communities in Economic Development
You’ll learn:
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Roles and responsibilities of key players
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How to build strong teams
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How to create awareness and education around economic development
You'll finish this module with a roadmap to maximize effectiveness and set your community apart from others.
MODULE 6
Ethical Considerations
You’ll learn:
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The 6 C's of ethical economic development
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Communication standards for leaders
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Confidentiality and commitment
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How to identify and manage conflicts of interest
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Code of conduct expectations and coalition building
You’ll finish this module fully aligned with professional standards that build community trust.
This Course Is For You If...
- You’re stepping into a new leadership or economic development role
- You want to strengthen your community with proven strategies
- You work in government, nonprofit, chamber, or economic development
NICE TO MEET YOU
I'm Alysia Cook
Alysia's clients include local and state governments, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, utilities, associations, and community nonprofits. For over 30 years, Alysia has trained thousands of economic development board and staff members, elected officials, and other community and tribal leaders.
She has extensive experience developing strategic plans for those clients to help them achieve their goals. She has designed and presented hundreds of training programs for elected officials, community leaders, adult and youth leadership groups, business owners, staff, and volunteers. Her programs are designed to improve operations and relations within organizations, as well as improve communities and help them attract and retain quality businesses and workforce.
"I completed the course and found it extremely informative and applicable to our community. We are sharing a few modules at a time during monthly board meetings, so everyone who has an interest in growing our community has useful knowledge of the economic development process." — Bobby M.
“I can’t wait to share this course with my board members. The more community leaders that are knowledgeable about the economic development process and how they can contribute based on their role, will benefit our community.” — Mary G.
“The Economic Development Essentials for Leaders course is just fabulous! This course will give new community leaders a jump start on their understanding of fundamental principles of economic development as well as a great refresher for those who are more seasoned. What a great way to unite your local ED team.” — Carlton S.