Mark Hawk Completes Comprehensive Economic Development Training

Mark Hawk, Assistant Director for the West Tennessee Industrial Association, graduated from the 10th Annual Tennessee Basic Economic Development Course (TBEDC) on May 5 in Nashville. Hawk joined a class of 48 economic development professionals from eight different states.

TBEDC is a four-day course that serves as the foundation for the Tennessee Certified Economic Developer training program administered by the University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services (UTCIS). The course is also one of 32 Basic Economic Development Courses in the U.S. accredited by the International Economic Development Council.

Participants learned from more than 25 expert practitioners from across the country on topics focusing on the fundamental concepts, tools and practices needed to succeed in a complex economic environment. Such topics included strategies for job creation, retention and growth; the importance of developing a competitive workforce; strategic planning for economic development; and community research and analysis.

“This comprehensive training will assist me in making West Tennessee better prepared for economic growth. It has given me a solid foundation in economic development best practices,” said Mark Hawk. “In this fast-changing economic environment, UTCIS is pleased to see economic development practitioners and community leaders from across the state and country investing in their professional development and exploring new approaches to growing jobs and investment in their regions,” said Beth Phillips,

Economic Development Programs Leader for UTCIS. For more information about University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services training opportunities, please visit www.cis.tennessee.edu/tced.

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