HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) – The Trent Lott National Center for Excellence in Economic Development and Entrepreneurship is serving as a hub for economic advancement training this week, bringing together professionals and students from across the Southeast. n nParticipants have arrived from states such as Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Florida to attend the intensive program hosted at the University of Southern Mississippi. n n”This initiative is tailored for learners and early-career individuals engaged in economic development, including local government representatives, real estate professionals, and organizational staff,” explained Brian Henson, director of the Trent Lott National Center. “It’s meant to provide a solid foundation on the interconnected elements of regional growth.” n nThis year marks the largest cohort in the program’s history, with close to 70 attendees, surpassing previous averages of around 40 participants. n nThe curriculum aims to clarify how various stakeholders contribute to shaping thriving communities. n n”Your involvement matters, whether you’re part of a school board, run a business, or simply pay taxes,” said Sawyer Walters, a National Guard Intelligence Officer currently pursuing a graduate degree. “Projects like the Broadway Drive renewal, the Eagle One initiative in the Pine Belt, or developments at the Jones County Industrial Park rely on community engagement.” n nOn Monday, Tray Hairston, a legal expert in ethics from Jackson, led a session on ethical practices in economic development. n nThe week continues with presentations from both local and national experts experienced in fostering economic resilience. n nAttendees plan to apply the insights gained during the course to benefit their home regions. n n”I’m here to acquire new methods and approaches that can help boost economic strength in my area,” said Kristal Rachal, who leads Healthcare Career Central in Alexandria, Louisiana. n nDespite being early in the program, one key message has already resonated clearly. n n”Advancing the economy is a collaborative effort,” Henson emphasized. “It’s a long-term process that requires participation from city officials, financial institutions, chamber of commerce members, and even volunteers.” n nThe True South Basic Economic Development course also functions as an entry point for those seeking professional certification or enrolled in graduate-level studies focused on economic development. n
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USM leading economic development course to inform regional growth
HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) – The Trent Lott National Center for Excellence in Economic Development and Entrepreneurship is slated to be an economic development classroom all week for business leaders and students from across the Southeast. n nStudents have traveled from several neighboring states including Louisiana, Oklahoma and Florida to the USM campus. n n“It’s really designed for students, entry-level professionals, whether they be in an economic development organization, local officials, real estate, anyone involved in economic development,” said Brian Henson, Trent Lott National Center director. “Its really to give them a good baseline of what all is involved and how they are linked together.” n nHenson said this was the largest class in the course’s history with nearly 70 enrolled. n nPrevious years averaged about 40, all traveling to USM’s campus to understand their role in economic development. n n“Whether you’re on a school board, or you’re a business owner, or just a taxpayer, your role and your identity helps create the community that you’re in,” said Sawyer Walters, National Guard Intelligence Officer who is pursuing a masters’ degree. “It needs your buy in, whether it’s the Broadway Drive revitalization that we’re doing here, whether you’re on the coast, the Eagle One project out here in the Pine Belt, all the way up to the Jones County Industrial Park. It needs your buy in.” n nMonday’s afternoon course featured Tray Hairston, an ethics lawyer from Jackson, for a lesson in the ethics of economic development. n nThe rest of the week’s agenda includes local and traveling presenters who understand what it takes to build an economy. n nTheir students hope to take the highlights of this week’s coursework back home n n“I’m attending this course to learn new tools and strategies to strengthen my region’s economy,” said Kristal Rachal, Director of Healthcare Career Central in Alexandria, Louisiana. n nAlthough its still early in the course, everyone agreed on the biggest takeaway of the week. n n“Economic development is a team game,” Henson said. “It’s a long game. You need everyone on your team, whether it’s a local official, banker, chamber member or just a local volunteer.” n nThe True South Basic Economic Development course is also an introductory class for people pursuing a certification in economic development as well as students in a master’s degree program. n nWant more WDAM 7 news in your inbox? Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.