Jennifer McCurdy, Executive Director of the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce recently graduated from The Government and Economic Development Institute (GEDI) at Auburn University’s EDAA Leadership Institute program. A partnership program between The Economic Development Association of Alabama (EDAA) and GEDI.
The program is designed to educate and engage elected officials, economic development professionals and other community leaders regarding key issues in economic and community development. To earn an EDAA Leadership Certificate, McCurdy completed four core courses and attended the EDAA Summer Conference. Completion of this program underscores McCurdy’s commitment to furthering the economic development initiatives in Fort Payne.
The EDAA Leadership courses were very informative courses focused on; essentials of economic development, building community, building workforce and business and industry marketing. McCurdy also attended a GEDI forum in 2019 focused on Opportunity Zones.
“I plan to continue to expand my knowledge of economic development as it relates to business recruitment and retention, as well as fostering innovation, community engagement, developing a skilled workforce and public policy,” McCurdy said.
McCurdy plans to complete her Intensive Economic Development Training course through GEDI next year. Once complete she will have her prerequisites for taking the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) exam. McCurdy is entering her third year as Executive Director at the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce. For more information about the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce you may call 256.845.2741 or email info@fortpaynechamber.com.