AKBEDC Course
Alaska Basic Economic Development Course
The Center for Economic Development offers professional development opportunities to economic development practitioners through its annual Basic Economic Development Course and other courses that lead to the International Economic Development Council’s Certified Economic Developer credential.
As an approved sponsor, CED is able to offer these educational opportunities to Alaskans at the IEDC member rate. Not only do you save on the cost of travel by attending these courses in-state, you also benefit from a reduced registration fee.
Basic Economic Development Course (BEDC)
This introductory economic development course is tailored to anyone working in the economic development field, including economic developers, elected officials, and community leaders – regardless of your level of experience. Participants learn best practices and latest trends and how they apply to Alaska’s unique circumstances. The BEDC offers attendees the opportunity to connect and collaborate with peers from every region of the state, from communities large and small and organizations of all sizes.
The BEDC covers the following topics:
- Business retention and expansion
- Strategic planning
- Marketing/attraction
- Economic development finance
- Small business and entrepreneurship development
- Community/neighborhood development
- Real estate redevelopment and reuse
- Workforce development
- Management of economic development organizations
Check out the AK BEDC Web site for more information.
Special Economic Development Topics
The Center for Economic Development collaborates with the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) to bring two-day and three-day courses to Alaska of special interest to practitioners in the state. These courses are taught by national instructors with expertise in the subject, with assistance from in-state experts.
In October 2008, CED brought IEDC’s Economic Development Strategic Planning course to Anchorage, the first special course to be offered in Alaska. If you would like to be informed of plans to offer future courses, check the BEDC website or email Linda Ketchum.
Special topics include the following:
Core Courses
- Business Retention and Expansion
- Economic Development Credit Analysis
- Real Estate Development and Reuse
Elective Courses
- Economic Development Finance Programs
- Economic Development Marketing and Attraction
- Economic Development Strategic Planning
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Development Strategies
- Managing Economic Development Organizations
- Neighborhood Economic Development
- Technology-Led Economic Development
- Workforce Development
Each course qualifies as a professional development training requirement needed to sit for the Certified Economic Developer examination.
Certified Economic Developer (CEcD)
The CEcD is the CPA and the MBA of the economic development field. The CEcD Program has been the “Gold Standard” of the profession for 35 years. A network of more than 1,200 CEcDs achieved this significant accomplishment by excelling in the qualification and examination process.
Employers who hire a Certified Economic Developer gain a well-connected individual who is well-informed of innovative strategies and industry trends.
Employers who want to retain talented employees might consider supporting their staff in obtaining the Certified Economic Developer designation. Your employees win recognition of their proficiency in economic development. Your organization wins added credibility, which can only enhance your local programs and partnerships.
For more information visit the International Economic Development Council's Web site.