Session II Developing a Dynamic Economic Development Marketing strategy focuses on building a multi-faceted maketing program, community profiles & prepared materials, branding and promtions, using social media as a marketing strategy and a best practices panel.

Developed in 1993, this cutting edge economic development course has been sponsored by the South Plains Association of Governments, the Panhandle Regional Planning Commission, Xcel Energy and the High Ground of Texas over the past 16 years. Trainers for the course include experienced economic development practitioners, industry experts, consultants, site selectors, agency representatives and more.

This twenty-five hour program is designed to give volunteers, board members, city staff, practitioners, and other interested individuals, a basic, nuts-and-bolts understanding of the economic development process. We work particularly hard to help people understand the questions of "what do we do next" and we are dedicated to giving the information at a "how to do it" level. A training manual, collateral materials, and case studies are used in the instructional formats.

The course is open to anyone interested in the economic development process. One can register for sessions individually or receive a discount for registering for all four sessions together.

This dynamic 2009-2010 program is an initiative of the High Ground Education Foundation.

For questions, please contact the High Ground office at 806.366.7510 or higround@xit.net.

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Dave Quinn, Executive Director, Levelland Economic Development Corporation, Levelland Texas recently earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), a national recognition that denotes a mastery of principal skills in economic development, professional attainment and a commitment to personal and professional growth.

The CEcD exam was administered by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) on January 30 and 31 in Houston, TX at The Woodland’s Resort and Conference Center. Of the 32 economic developers taking the exam, Mr. Quinn was one of only 9 to pass and receive their certification.

The CEcD designation recognizes qualified and dedicated practitioners in the economic development field and sets the standard of excellence within the profession. Candidates must pass a rigorous and comprehensive three-part, two-day examination, which tests a practitioner’s knowledge, proficiency and judgment in the key areas of economic development, including business retention and expansion, marketing, finance, workforce development, community development, real estate, strategic planning, and management.

As highly competent economic development practitioners, Certified Economic Developers work with public officials, business leaders and community members to create leadership to build upon and maximize the economic development sector. Excellence in the economic development profession improves the well being, quality of life and opportunities for individuals, businesses and communities. There are currently more than 1,200 CEcDs in the United States.

The International Economic Development Council is the premiere organization for the economic development profession. Serving over 4,600 members, IEDC is the world’s largest professional membership organization providing a diversity of economic development services, including research and advisory services, conferences, professional development and legislative tracking. IEDC provides economic developers with the information and tools they need to build local economies and strives to draw upon and increase the collective expertise and influence of its diverse membership. IEDC also manages the Association of Defense Communities (ADC) which brings together public and private sector professionals involved with the redevelopment of closed military bases and privatization of military infrastructure.

Visit IEDC’s website at www.iedconline.org to learn more about membership, upcoming events and how IEDC can serve you.

“We’re excited to break ground on this new venture today,” said Dave Quinn, executive director of the Levelland Economic Development Corporation (LEDC). “We’ve used the tagline, ‘Progressive on Purpose,” here in Levelland for quite some time, and this is the epitome of our work – not only for our city, but for the entire West Texas region.”

The entire rail portion – which includes a 300-acre development for new businesses – is expected to be complete in 2010. The project is receiving $3.3 million in federal stimulus funds along with $1.5 million of the LEDC’s cash reserves. The remaining $3.8 million comes in the form of a loan through bonds sold by the city and repaid with LEDC sales tax revenues and Tax Increment Financing District Funds.

“We are thankful to have received this $3.3 million in stimulus funding from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act,” said Elgin Conner, LEDC chairman. “This is one of the nation’s largest grants in size and scope. And that says a lot for a town our size to receive recognition for a project such as this. Obviously our government sees the potential we have for growth – and we’ve only just begun.”

Once complete, the industrial rail park is expected to create 1,000 jobs and $100 million in new capital investment over its first 10 years. Four new businesses have already expressed interest in relocating to Levelland once the rail park is complete.

“We’re proud the public can now see evidence of the time and effort put in by our engineers, public officials and utility providers,” Conner said. “Chi Energy Inc. has been relocating flow lines and tank batteries, Xcel and Lamb County Electric are working with overhead power lines, while Atmos and Lubbock Gas gathering will move underground gas lines.”

In coordinated efforts, utility companies also will make way for Railroad Specialties, Inc., out of Littleton, Colorado to install more than 21,000 track feet of 132# rail and concrete crossties that will create the rail infrastructure of the industrial rail park. Aside from the rail line, the project also will include the addition of water, sewer and street improvements.
Upon completion, the industrial rail park will have 18 total lots, ranging in size from two to 20 acres. Each lot, Quinn explained, will have direct access to the rail line.

For more information, please visit their website at www.GoLevelland.com/rail or call (806) 894-0113.
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Here at the new Levelland Economic Development Corp. site, you can find all the same material, but with a new look and feel. Feel free to explore the new website and see all that the Levelland Economic Development Corp. has to offer!

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