Tonya Lamia Completes Session II of the Economic Development Institute Conducted by the University of Oklahoma
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2008
Rockford, IL — Tonya Lamia, Vice President of Investor Relations for the Rockford Area Economic Development Council, has recently completed Session II of the Economic Development Institute conducted by the University of Oklahoma (OU/EDI) in Reno, NV. The Institute is a three-session program, each one week long, which provides a broad spectrum of advanced education for the economic development professional and is accredited by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
OU/EDI classes focus on the three major core areas of Business Retention & Expansion, Real Estate and Finance, as well as areas of concentration in Marketing, Strategic Planning, Entrepreneurship and Managing Economic Development Organizations. Students complete 117 hours of instruction selected from more than 50 seminars, workshops and discussion groups. Begun in 1962, OU/EDI now has over 3,400 graduates.
Lamia completed the Basic Economic Development Course through Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in October 2006, became a member of the International Economic Development Council in July 2007 and has now completed 78 hours towards OU/EDI Certification through the University of Oklahoma.
“The Economic Development Institute provides up-to-date knowledge and necessary tools to succeed in today’s constantly changing economic development marketplace,” states Tonya Lamia, Rockford Area Economic Development Council Vice President of Investor Relations. “Graduating from OU/EDI is also a prerequisite to sit for the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) exam. I plan to complete Session III of OU/EDI in 2009, sitting for the two-day CEcD exam shortly thereafter.”
Prior to joining the RAEDC in 2005, Lamia served as director of sales & marketing for Centre Events, promotions director for RadioWorks and communications director for the RAEDC from 2000-2002 (formerly known as the Rockford Area Council of 100). Lamia received her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees from Northern Illinois University.
About the CEcD Exam
According to the International Economic Development Council, the Certified Economic Developer exam tests a practitioner’s broad-based knowledge in economic development. Rather than testing an individual on their specialty, the test is intended to unite the field of economic development and establish a base line of what is considered the core body of knowledge for economic developers.
“IEDC Certification is one of the highest benchmarks of professional competence a practicing economic developer can attain,” states Thomas L. Harned CEcD, Chair of the Certification Committee. “The premier economic develop program was instituted over 34 years ago and is growing stronger every year. CEcDs are recognized for acquiring a broad knowledge and understanding of the tools and programs of economic development that will enrich any community.”
Key subject areas covered in the exam include: Business Retention and Expansion; Strategic Planning; Marketing/Attraction; Technology-led Economic Development; Real Estate Development and Reuse; Economic Development Finance / Credit Analysis; Workforce Development; Neighborhood Development Strategies; Management Economic Development Organizations and Entrepreneurial and Small Business Development Strategies.
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is the world’s largest membership organization serving the economic development profession.
About the RAEDC
The primary role of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council is to enhance wealth creation in the Rockford Region by marketing the area and helping employers retain and create quality jobs. The RAEDC works closely with many partners to serve as a one-stop resource for clients, to improve the competitiveness of the region and to engage the community in the work of economic development.
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For more information:
http://edi.ou.edu/about_OUEDI.html
Tonya Lamia, Vice President, Investor Relations
Rockford Area Economic Development Council
815.987.8118
tlamia@rockfordil.com