Business Retention & Expansion
May 9 - 10, 2024
Ohio University - Dublin Integrated Education Center
6805 Bobcat Way | Dublin, Ohio 43016 | 614.793.5634
Course Description: The Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) Course focuses on how economic developers work with existing companies to help them succeed, grow and expand in their community. The Course utilizes instruction as well as experiential learning activities, panels, case studies, and guest speakers.
The BR&E Course interactive delivery model helps ensure participants will leave with immediately applicable knowledge and build their professional network through group activities. Unlike traditional lecture-style, this course focuses on participant engagement and interaction. And, it provides a forum for economic development professionals to share information and build relationship with the best in the industry.
• Knowledge: Participants will gain a strong understanding of how to create, implement and manage a new BRE program as well as how to refine and enhance an existing one to keep pace with business and industry changes that inform BRE strategies. This includes connecting companies to vital resources within the community and at the state level, leveraging JobsOhio sector team efforts, and collaborating with nearby communities
• Network: Through team activities and opportunities to dialogue with a wide range of local, regional, and state partners and stakeholders as well as best-in-class economic developers, participants will identify the correct contacts for BRE, grow their professional network and make important connections with leaders of the profession.
Course Topics: The course is constantly being updated to keep current with the changing business landscape and emerging trends and issues in economic development. Some of the past topics include:
• Objectives and Outcomes of BRE
• Your BR&E Bench: Leveraging Regional Resource Partners
• BRE and Industry Trends in Ohio: How your community fits into the overall Ohio Economy
• Workforce: Realities and Dynamics in Ohio That Impact BRE Strategies
• Branding, Marketing and Applying Social Media to BRE in your Community
• Global, Post-Pandemic Trends Impacting BRE
Who Should Attend: This course is specifically designed to deliver comprehensive training in business retention, expansion, and attraction programs—one of the most critical responsibilities for professional economic developers and those who are part of the local team.
In addition to the intermediate level professional who wants to broaden their knowledge and fine tune their skills, experienced practitioners can attend this course to stay current on emerging issues and trends, changes to Ohio’s coordinated BRE program.
Individuals who are part of the economic development ecosystem and regularly interact with their local business community such as those working for chambers of commerce and local elected officials can also benefit from this enhanced BRE training.
Pre-Requisites: Because of the program’s rigor, attendees must have completed The Ohio Basic Economic Development Course or have three years of economic or community development experience.
Faculty: OEDI Core Courses are taught by experienced local, state, and national economic development practitioners. In addition to these lead instructor(s), each course has a unique faculty group made up on individuals who have been hand selected because of their subject matter expertise, leadership role in Ohio economic development, or role in the case studies utilized in the course.
Past Institute faculty has included representatives from: JobsOhio, the Ohio Department of Development, the six regional JobsOhio Network Partners, the International Economic Development Council, and Ohio universities.
Course Fees: Early-bird registration allows participants to take advantage of last year’s course pricing: $499 for members and $599 for non-members.
The early-bird registration period ends 45 days before the course and all registration options increase $50. Members are encouraged to register for multiple courses to receive special discounted pricing.
Why OEDI: The Ohio Economic Development Institute (OEDI) is the premier training and professional development program for economic developers in Ohio. As a state-specific program, OEDI’s Core Courses focus on the practice of economic development in Ohio; including the state’s unique economic development structure and ecosystem. The Institute is made possible through the generous and continuing support of JobsOhio. OEDA’s academic partner is the Ohio University Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service.
Ohio Certified Economic Developer: OEDI courses are part of a comprehensive curriculum, but they can be taken singly. They also serve as the pathway to the Ohio Certified Economic Development (OhioCED) Credential. Individuals who successfully complete the five Core Courses, a project-based Capstone Course, and an additional 24 hours of electives, are eligible for the Ohio Certified Economic Developer or OhioCED.
Lodging information: A variety of hotel options to fit specific travel needs and budget are nearby. Visit VISIT DUBLIN for a full list of options. For those looking to stay close to the facility, the following hotels are recommended (all are within six miles of Ohio University’s Dublin Campus): Columbus Marriott Northwest, Crowne Plaza Dublin, Embassy Suites Columbus-Dublin, Residence Inn by Marriott. Please note that the start time for the first day is 9 a.m.
FOR INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER, CLICK HERE!
AICP members can earn Certification Maintenance (CM) credits for this activity. More information about AICP's CM program can be found at AICP Planning CM
Policies & Additional Information
1. Full attendance on both days is required for the course to count towards certification.
2. Cancellations must be requested in writing no later than 7 days prior to each course to receive a full refund. Please note that no refunds will be issued after this date and registrations not canceled and pending payment are responsible for full payment. As an additional option, you may submit a request in writing to transfer your registration to another student up to 7 days prior to the course.
3. Pre-registration is required as space is limited. Walk-in registration cannot be accommodated.
4. If the multiple course rate is selected, the registrant must register for and attend at least one additional OEDI core course in 2024. If the registrant does not register for and attend an additional course, a $50 fee will be assessed and an invoice will be sent to the registrant.