02-02-10 Main Street Director Completes Georgia Academy for Economic Development Program

Main Street Director Completes
Georgia Academy for Economic Development Program

Main Street McDonough Program Director Linda Schenk, along with other local businessmen and women, recently completed a Georgia Academy for Economic Development Program entitled Regional Economic & Leadership Development. 

Class participants represented a number of professional and non-professional economic development fields including:  elected officials, public servants, business leaders, educators, and social service providers, from ten counties in Metro Atlanta. 

The 2009 Region 3 Multi-Day Training Program was taught in four days over a four month period.  The program included training in the basics of economic and community development, plus specialized segments on business development, tourism product development, downtown development, quality planning, redevelopment, education, and other essentials for community success.  The curriculum also featured specific leadership skills such as consensus building, ethics in public service, collaborative leadership, and other segments needed for effective community leadership in economic development.

“The Academy is continually providing educational opportunities that allow participants to grow as government employees,” said Director Schenk.  “We were introduced to and worked on several interesting and informative studies aimed at making each of us a better employee.  It’s important to keep learning and improving oneself.”

Councilmember and Downtown Development Association (DDA) Chairperson Sandra Vincent commended Director Schenk on her accomplishment.  She stated, “As a 2005 graduate of the Georgia Academy for Economic Development and one eager to make a difference in the economic future of McDonough, I applaud Ms. Schenk for seeking out those tools which make us better at what we do.  I found the academy’s program comprehensive and beneficial.  As we move forward in developing strategic platforms for building our economic future, such skill sets are invaluable.  Congratulations on a job well done.”

The Mayor and City Council are always proud of employees who take the initiative to grow in knowledge and skills as they continue to serve the citizens of this historic city.