Published: Dec 21, 2023

Rowland and Vanderhoof Graduate from the Advanced Economic Development Leadership (AEDL) Program

Ocala, Florida (December 21, 2023) – Bart Rowland, Vice President of Job Creation, for the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership, and Tim Vanderhoof, Director of Business Attraction, for Lake Economic Area Development (LEAD) Partnership recently completed the Advanced Economic Development Leadership executive education program and have been awarded the Economic Development Master Practitioner certificate.

Tim Vanderhoof stated, “The AEDL program brought new economic development ideas and strategies to life and has helped to deepen and broaden my economic development acumen.” This program complements Tim’s 10 years of experience working in the field of economic development.

“Working with professionals from across the US and Canada expanded my network and my thoughts on the practice. The program surrounds participants with industry practitioners, business leaders, and the country’s foremost site consultants. I am honored to be awarded this certificate,” Bart Rowland shared. He has been working in area business retention and job creation for the Ocala Metro CEP for six years.

AEDL is a collaboration of four universities – Valdosta State University, The University of Southern Mississippi, Texas Christian University, and the University of New Mexico. These four universities are committed to excellence in economic development and advancing the knowledge, skills, and application of key job creation strategies in America’s cities, communities, and counties.

“I am very proud of our CEP and LEAD team members for completing this advanced certification program. Having earned my MEDP in 2021, I know the value it provided to me as I advanced in my economic development leadership role. To have this level of knowledge represented by three professionals in our region is a testament to the level of knowledge and experience we can provide to any business looking to start, relocate, or expand in Marion and Lake Counties,” said Heather Shubirg, MEDP, Chief Growth Officer.

The Advanced Economic Development Leadership course accepts mid and senior-level practitioners from across the U.S.  The State of Florida now has 24 graduates of this prestigious program, more than the State of Texas and other large states in the nation. It is an immersive and challenging program. The experiential curriculum enhances key skills necessary for leading successful community and economic development strategies. Led by experienced world-class faculty, program topics include negotiation; retail and commercial development; personal and professional leadership; navigating the new normal in the world of COVID; communications and media relations; marketing in a social media environment; strategic planning and application; successful teamwork; attracting new industry and entrepreneurship.