How to Survive and Thrive sponsored by the Fanning Institute and the Georgia Economic Developers Association. The early registration fee is $295 until March 19. For more information contact Skip Teaster at 706-542-6691 or , or Amanda McKasson at 706-542-5532 or . This is recognized by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) as a professional development event that counts toward the recertification of Certified Economic Developers (CEcD).

What is the Executive Skills Institute?

This well-received program, affectionately known to its graduates as “DAESI”, is designed to strengthen the skills of community partners necessary to operate in a wide range of roles. It provides practical tools to integrate advanced skills and styles into an overall, balanced management practice, all within the unique organizational context of a community or economic development organization (EDO).

What are the benfits of the Institute?

• Unique, tight curriculum focused on skills crucial to the successful operation of a local development organization
• Leadership assessment
• Only three days out of the office
• Small class size results in strong and long-lasting peer relationships
• Mentor opportunities
• Strong combination of practical experience and cutting edge techniques
• Personalized plan for self-improvement and tips for implementation on the job
• Follow-up by Institute instructors or mentors to track participants’ progress
• GEDA scholarships available
• Recognized by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC)

Who should attend?

Professionals engaged in local community, economic, and leadership development; elected officials and their respective staff.

Tentative topics & instructors

The curriculum will include such topics as:

• Conflict resolution
• Negotiation
• Leadership
• Media relations
• Ethics & conflicts of interest
• Financial toolbox

Each of these topics will be broken down into in-depth classroom discussions. The topics will also be interconnected through the use of case studies that participants will work on throughout the Institute.

The instructors are experienced economic and community development professionals with years of experience as development practitioners, attorneys, consultants, and educators. Special guest lecturers and master practitioners with high profiles in the profession will have specific roles to play; class participants will be able to develop personal relationships with these master practitioners and, in some cases, develop a mentor-protégé arrangement.

Fees

The early registration fee is $295 and covers the cost of materials, two continental breakfasts, lunch, dinner reception and closing luncheon. Early registration is available until Monday, March 19, 2007. The registration fee as of Tuesday, March 20, 2007 is $365.

Lodging

If hotel accommodations are needed, we recommend the Georgia Center for Continuing Education on the beautiful University of Georgia campus, located less than a block from the Fanning Institute. You may call the reservation desk at 1-888-295-8894 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. When you make reservations, please indicate that you are with the DAESI Institute.