Academy Graduates Commit to Economic Progress

Economic development continues to be a major topic in society with employment, income, and healthcare leading the conversation. The road ahead may be a challenging one, but graduates of the Georgia Academy for Economic Development are prepared for the journey.

On Nov. 20, after completing an intense development curriculum, a class of 43 graduated from the academy’s region three program. Class members, including three local community leaders, consisted of economic development professionals, elected officials, and private business representatives from 10 counties in metro Atlanta. The academy provided an opportunity for participants to gain a unique understanding of the complexities of economic and community development on the local, regional, and state levels.

“Economic development is essential to community success and that’s one of the biggest reasons I decided to participate in the program. When it comes to economic development, there are always new and changing trends to learn about. The academy’s instructors are among the best experts in the state, and I certainly wanted to draw from their expertise in the field,” said Douglasville Mayor Harvey Persons who not only participated in the program, but also serves as a board member for the Georgia Academy of Economic Development. 

In addition to Mayor Persons, Georgia Power Austell Area Manager John Sell, who also serves on the Douglasville Development Authority board, and Kimberly Weaver, Douglas County Chamber of Commerce Director of Membership and Events, joined more than 3,500 Georgians that have graduated the academy since it began in 1993.

The academy’s multi-day program, taught one day a month over a four-month period, includes training in the basics of economic and community development, plus specialized segments on business recruitment and retention, tourism product development, planning, and downtown development. The curriculum also features development in consensus building, ethics in public service, and collaborative leadership.

“The chamber deals with local and regional business issues on a daily basis. Being aware of what economic development means and how we need to work cohesively with our local development authorities, governments, community, and business leaders is important in keeping Douglas County on the forefront of development,” said Kimberly Weaver, Douglas County Chamber of Commerce Director of Membership and Events.

For the first time, the academy held classes at different locations for each session. “This year, we tried something a little different and we traveled to various cities within the region,” said Kimberly Carter, Downtown Development Revolving Loan Fund Program Manager for the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. The first course was held in August at the National Archives at Atlanta in Morrow, with the second class taking place in September at the City of Woodstock’s Chambers at City Center. Decatur was the host city for the third session held in October.

“It was good to see how economic development is being utilized across the region. Seeing examples such as Decatur’s vibrant downtown with its numerous eateries and hidden parking, to the tourism draw of the National Archives in Morrow, and how Woodstock has grown its downtown, were interesting and invaluable,” said Georgia Power Austell Area Manager John Sell. On Nov. 20, the fourth and final class, as well as the academy’s graduation ceremony was held at the Douglasville Conference Center in downtown Douglasville.

“The reason we chose Douglasville as opposed to other west metro Atlanta cities, is because of its excellent track record with hosting Georgia Department of Community Affairs events in the past. The Douglasville Conference Center has a state-of-the-art facility and the staff offers incredible customer service,” said Carter.

“I am very proud of the city and its employees. I’m always bragging about our community, and it was an honor and privilege to showcase our city and the Douglasville Conference Center through the program,” said Persons.

The Georgia Academy for Economic Development is strongly supported by more than 20 statewide organizations, with facilitators, coordinators, and program management provided by Georgia EMC, Georgia Power, and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. The academy is recognized by both ACCG (Association County Commissioners of Georgia) and GMA (Georgia Municipal Association) elected officials accreditation programs.

More information about the academy can be found online at www.georgiaacademy.org.