Garner Economic Development Director Nate Groover recently completed the Advanced Economic Development Leadership executive education program and was awarded the Master Economic Development Practitioner (MEDP) credential.

“The AEDL program is the single best professional development program I have had the opportunity to attend," said Mr. Groover, who been in the economic development field for 13 years. "The speakers, presentations and coursework were finely tuned to the issues and challenges we face daily to create meaningful opportunities for our communities.”

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.

The AEDL program is immersive and rigorous. 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, workforce development, personal and professional leadership, communications and media relations, marketing in a social media environment, artificial intelligence, successful teamwork, attracting new industries and entrepreneurship. The AEDL course accepts mid and senior-level practitioners across the United States.

Completion of the AEDL program and earning the MEDP credential are among several achievements for Mr. Groover recently. At the annual North Carolina Economic Development Association (NCEDA) conference in June, Mr. Groover received his North Carolina Certified Economic Developer credential from East Carolina University and the North Carolina Economic Development Association. This program is 84 hours long and covers seven subjects. A capstone project is required to receive the credential.

Mr. Groover also was elected to a three-year term on the NCEDA Board of Directors, furthering his dedication to professional development and leadership within the economic development field.

To learn more about Garner Economic Development, please visit the department's main landing page.