Intensive Course: Alumni Comments

What Others Are Saying

• "This course provides a comprehensive overview of of the economic development process for anyone involved or interested in economic development. It provides access to resources and contacts that will prove helpful to participants for years to come."
  – Greg Barker, President, Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA)
• "Auburn’s Intensive Economic Development Training Course is the starting place – whether you’re new to the economic development profession, or coming to Alabama from another economic development community, or a newly–elected local official who needs to understand the process and the contacts. I think it’s the most valuable training in the basics and the contacts you gain are icing on the cake."
  – Linda Swann, Former Assistant Secretary, Alabama Department of Commerce
• "The Auburn Intensive Course is the essential economic development primer if you are involved in community and economic development in Alabama. I continually promote this GEDI course to the counties and communities where I work, because I want them to understand the various avenues to prosperity, and I want them to be prepared for opportunities."
  – Nisa Miranda, Former Director, University Center for Economic Development, The University of Alabama
• "The GEDI Intensive Course at AU is a major component of the AIDT professional development plans for myself and many of my staff. As a course faculty member, I know the interaction between participants and presenters is an incredible learning exercise."
  – Ed Castile, Director, AIDT; Deputy Secretary of Commerce,Workforce Development, Alabama Department of Commerce

Alumni Comments

• "Great course! I got so much more of the experience that I expected!"
• "No other place would be able to give me all the information I have gotten over these two weeks."
• "This is the best professional development I've ever had. It will definitely help my in my job and my town/county/state."
• "Amazing course no matter the age, location in Alabama, job, or status. Great connections with other attendees and presenters."
• "This was well thought out. The speakers were well chosen. Great information. GREAT JOB STAFF!"
• "Really enjoyed this experience. The materials and networking opportunities were invaluable."
• "Great selection of topics and speakers."
• "Best course I have ever taken. "
• "Terrific experience! I cannot say enough about how helpful this has been."
• "Both the information and connections made are invaluable."
• "Very useful and informative!"
• "Well put together. Great job GEDI! Thank you!"
• "All instructors are clearly experts in the field and I truly appreciate hearing from them directly."
• "It was a great experience. Personally, this course opened my mind on a lot of things."
• "GEDI always does an exception job with top notch, nationally renowned speakers."
• "This program allowed me to connect the big picture. Great program!!! I am happy that my leadership allowed me to attend. I would definitely recommend this to anyone that wants to understand the dynamics of economic and community development!"
• "The case studies presented by guest speakers and the culminating project were the most beneficial for me in having real world applications to think through and discuss. Thank you for a great course that lives up to its name... INTENSE! Jam-packed with information."
• "Outstanding course! All material was relevant and provided by first–class faculty. I appreciate the many contacts I made."
• "Great information, so glad all presentations will be on a Google site for us to download and refer back to. Really enjoyed the entire conference."
• "This has been a tremendous learning opportunity…This experience has infused me with enthusiasm and a new confidence in where Alabama is headed. Thank you for providing this and for keeping it fresh and dynamic."
• "Excellent; best program I have attended; experts on the agenda; well–planned and organized; great networking."
• "This course was very effective in giving a strong foundation to a career in economic development. The speakers were both highly-qualified and passionate about their work, and this was reflected in their lectures."
• "I am fairly new in my position, and this course really helped me understand the process of economic development. I wish this course was mandatory for all community leaders."
• "This course has tremendous value for all Alabama citizens. The course material is well–chosen and targeted to the goal of economic development education."
• "Thank you for a wonderful program; I will recommend it to others."
• "Great class. Everyone who works in economic development needs to come to this."
• "Course was very helpful for me as a young person just entering the profession. I especially enjoyed hearing from practitioners in direct project management, financing, marketing, and site selection. Overall, GREAT week with GREAT people!"
• "Outstanding presenters, excellent 'take home' information participants may put to good use."
• "I could not have gotten these resources anywhere else."
• "The materials presented will be a valuable resource to use in the future. Very good overview and in–depth look at the various topics."
• "Excellent. Networking was a wonderful opportunity."
• "The course will serve as a valuable asset to my professional development."
• "I have really enjoyed this course. It has provided me with many tools, ideas and examples that will help me in my quest to become more productive in my community."
• "Great information all around. Very useful."