Southeastern named LIDEA programming provider
Thursday, July 27, 2017
by: Rene Abadie
HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University has partnered with Louisiana Economic
Development and the Louisiana Industrial Development Executives Association (LIDEA)
to serve as the organization’s educational programming provider.
“We are pleased to serve as the educational provider for LIDEA’s diverse membership
and appreciate the confidence the association has shown in the resources we can offer,”
said William Joubert, director of the Louisiana Small Business Development Center
and the Southeast Louisiana Business Center at Southeastern.
LIDEA is a non-profit trade organization designed to increase the effectiveness
of individuals involved in the practice of economic development in Louisiana. The
group sponsors educational programs and policy advocacy. Membership includes representatives
of economic development agencies, chambers of commerce, and other organizations focused
on improving business growth in Louisiana.
Among the programs offered through the partnership are classes leading to certification
in economic development that include a four-day course and several two-day core classes
on business retention, marketing, finance and real estate. Certification also requires
individuals to complete a research paper. The association coordinates additional educational
programs, as well.
“Economic development in a global economy is fiercely competitive,” said Scot
Byrd, LIDEA program manager. “Our goal is to provide economic development practitioners
and community leaders with cutting edge best practices in attracting investment and
growing quality jobs. Our program offers instruction from nationally recognized experts.
“A unique, high quality program of this kind is expensive and would not be possible
without underwriting from generous sponsors,” he added. “We thank Louisiana Economic
Development, USDA Rural Development, Delta Regional Authority, American Electric Power,
and GNO, Inc. for being major sponsors of this program.”
The Southeast Louisiana Business Center is located near the university campus
in Hammond, the center helps communities, businesses, and individuals in the five-parish
area of Livingston, St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington Parishes.
