May 13, 2015 - Economic development professionals from western South Dakota were among the 85 students from six states attending the 27th annual Heartland Economic Development Course. In attendance were Jeff Mizenko, city administrator from Summerset; Lori Frederick, director of the Deadwood-Lead Economic Development Corp; and Marsha Nichols, manager of external affairs for Black Hills Power.

The Heartland Economic Development Course, held April 19-23 in Blue Springs, Missouri, allowed participants to better understand the full range of economic development strategies. Course instructors taught participants how to maximize local and external resources. Participants also learned about the effects of global competition on local efforts.

"With fierce competition among communities and regions for new sources of jobs, income and labor, enhanced professional skills and understanding of economic development techniques becomes absolutely critical for success," said LaDene Bowen, course director for the Heartland EDC.

As the first economic development course targeted at professionals within the region, the curriculum for the Heartland EDC focused on economic development factors relevant to the Great Plains states. The Heartland Economic Development Course is one of 27 similar courses accredited by the International Economic Development Council. Completion of the course is the first step toward meeting the educational prerequisites for sitting for the certified professional economic developer exam administered by the IEDC. The Heartland EDC is developed and directed by the Institute for Decision Making, Business and Community Services Division, University of Northern Iowa in cooperation with the Kansas Economic Development Alliance; Professional Developers of Iowa; Missouri Economic Development Council; Nebraska Economic Development Association, South Dakota Governor's Office of Economic Development; and the Oklahoma Economic Development Association.

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