OPELIKA, Ala. (EETV) – The City of Opelika is pleased to announce that Tyler Chaffee, Project Manager for Opelika Economic Development, recently completed The University of Alabama Economic Development Academy. The Academy just finished its first Applied Economic Development Honors class with 18 young professionals from around the state participating in the program. Chaffee will receive his graduation certificate during the Economic Development Association of Alabama summer conference in July.
“Tyler is an integral part of our economic development team in Opelika,” said Lori Huguley, CEcD, Opelika Economic Development Director. “I’m proud of his commitment to our industries and businesses. His eagerness to grow and continue advancing his knowledge proves that he is a young professional who will do great things for our community.”
The City of Opelika and The University of Alabama are committed to supporting job creation and broad-based economic development throughout the State and the Applied Honors class focuses on Alabama’s emerging practitioners. The class curriculum highlighted areas of study that almost every local economic development organization faces including existing industry retention, recruiting new jobs, growing leadership skills, negotiation strategies, building local teams and working with elected officials.
UA’s Economic Development Academy also works with local communities and elected officials to develop workable strategic economic development plans. With many Alabama communities losing population the need for broad-based job creation is multiplied across the State. “These young professionals will soon become our economic development leaders and it was a privilege to work with them as they apply their skills in Alabama’s communities,” said Neal Wade, director of the Academy.
