New program trains people to help spur economic development

In an effort to spark a more regional approach to economic development, the Center for Economic and Business Research at Southeast Missouri State University is piloting a new training program.

"Know Your Region" was created by funding through the U.S. Economic Development Administration, part of the Department of Commerce. Scott Sattler, business and industry manager for the Workforce Investment Board of Southeast Missouri, and Mitch Robinson, executive director of the Cape Girardeau Area Magnet, received training to bring the program to Southeast Missouri.

Sattler and Robinson will lead a daylong training session Tuesday at the Show Me Center. The program will draw elected officials and economic developers from more than 20 counties, Sattler said.

He said the training will help community leaders formulate plans to spur economic development in their area.

"Because of the current economy, you're looking at competing globally, and we have to come together regionally to collaborate," he said.

The training will focus on ways to cluster development efforts and use the region's advantages.

By pooling resources, city and county officials will be more effective, he said.

"It's basically just adding another tool to the economic development tool chest," he said.

He said communities should collaborate rather than compete to form a better economic base for the region.

"We've been getting that regional mindset in communities for a couple of years now and this brings that together," he said.

Sattler said the center is planning to hold additional programs in other parts of the region.

abusch@semissourian.com

388-3627

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