The 2022 Ball State University Economic Development Course is a basic E.D. 101 course that provides insightful information to help students better understand economic development and gather new information/ideas to help grow their communities.
The course includes lessons from a variety of speakers all throughout the state of Indiana, including Mayors, Economic Development organizations leaders, leaders of chamber of commerce, employees of utility companies such as NIPSCO, Duke Energy, Hoosier Energy, Indiana Michigan Power, and leaders from the state level.
Several topics were discussed including but not limited to: Economic Development; Concepts & Context, Managing Economic Development Organizations, Professional Ethics, Strategic Planning, Data Usage, Housing Considerations, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Development, Energizing Economic Development (Utility Companies), Economic Development Finance, Elected Leaders Perspective on Economic Development, Workforce Development, Community & Neighborhood Development, B.R.E, Marketing & Attraction, Indiana Arts Commission, Comprehensive Community Wealth Approach, and Real Estate Development & Reuse.
Lake County Indiana Economic Alliance (LCEA) attended this conference in hopes to gain knowledge to bring back to the Region. Along with LCEA’s Marketing & Special Projects Coordinator, Anna Mihajlovic, Director of Marketing and Memberships NWI Forum, Katie Holderby, Director of Economic Development for Town of Merrillville, Angie Chilcott, and Assistant for Economic Director with The Town of Merrillville, Joanna Guardiola all attended this conference and are sure glad that they did.
This conference has given LCEA important information about economic development.
“The Ball State Economic Development course has given me a better understanding on TIFs, Tax Abatement, and B.R.E, 3 things that are very important to economic development. Another great thing about this program is the long-lasting relationship you are able to create with people all throughout the state. I am excited to use the knowledge I have gained to grow Lake County and to continue my education and obtain my certification in being a certified economic developer,” Mihajlovic said.
Almost every speaker not only discussed, but stressed the importance of the quality of life/place.
“More mixed-use development is something I think Lake County would benefit from to enhance the quality of life/place. This brings a friendly environment to the community, lifestyle centers and is a great promotion of vertical vs. horizontal development. By focusing on the quality of life/place in Lake County, individuals will be attracted to our community, which will bring people to work and job creation will increase,” Mihajlovic said.
LCEA is always looking for ways to benefit Lake County and attending conferences is a way in which knowledge is gained and that practice is brought to the Region. Mihajlovic is not only glad to be a part of this, but grateful for the opportunity in the first place.
“Thank you to NIPSCO for allowing me to have the opportunity to further my education in Economic Development,” Mihajlovic said.
To learn more about Lake County Indiana Economic Alliance, please visit https://lcea.us/
