Jenks Chamber of Commerce President Josh Driskell and Director of Economic Development Zach Thomas recently completed the Mid-South Basic Economic Development Course offered through Arkansas Economic Developers and Chamber Executives.
The pair joined 36 other participants from four different states for the four-day program. The course was held Sept. 28 through Oct. 1.
Offered annually, the Mid-South Basic Course provides an intensive overview of the process and practice of local economic development. It features over thirty instructors who are recognized experts in their fields. It is one of twenty-five such courses accredited by the International Economic Development Council.
“Josh and Zach were outstanding participants in this year’s course and show tremendous potential as a player in the economic development process,” said Shelley Short, the program’s course director. “They contributed to the overall success of the course and by completing the course and are better prepared to assist efforts to foster community and economic development.”
Driskell and Thomas’ completion of the course now qualifies them to attend a series of advanced training courses, ultimately leading to eligibility for designation as a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD). Becoming a CEcD is a process that requires a minimum of four years of employment as an economic development professional in addition to continuing education and passing of an exam.