The Board of the Georgia Academy for Economic Development announces the local graduates from the 2007 Region 2 Multi-Day Training Program. Class participants included elected officials, public servants, business leaders, educators and social service providers from 12 counties in North Georgia.

The Academy provided each an opportunity to gain a unique understanding of the complexities of economic and community development on the local, regional and state levels.

Created in 1993, the academy assembles a cross section of economic development professionals and resources to provide this training in all 12 service delivery regions in Georgia.

Since its organization, the Academy has provided training for more than 3,000 local leaders interested in improving their communities.

The Academy’s multiday program, taught over a four-month period, includes training in the basics of economic and community development, plus specialized segments on entrepreneur and small-business support, tourism product development, downtown development, quality planning, and other essentials for community success.

Those from Hall County who completed the training were: James Riker, Flowery Branch planning director; Dow Douwsma, Flowery Branch Development Authority; Milton Turner, Lula mayor; Matt Tate, Gainesville planning manager; Debra Harkrider, Mainstreet Gainesville board of directors; Kim Savage, Gainesville State College; Pat Freeman, Legacy Link director; Wendy Thellman, Gainesville State College; Rosemary Totty, Lula city clerk; Ann Nixon; and Cheryl Vandiver, American Red Cross.