Continuing education for the KEDC staff does more than just build the resumes of our professionals. It keeps us current on the best ways to serve our constituents. I attended an excellent seminar recently on reinvestment zones and how to apply them to benefit our local economy. Lisa Denton, our assistant director, is a new board member for BREI, Business Retention and Expansion International. BREI is the leading international professional association for business retention and expansion. KEDC retention activities account for more than half our program of work. In other words, they are a fundamental strategy for economic sustainability and growth. And our newest staff member, Jana Russell, is an instructor at the Basic Economic Development Course, a professional certification course, where she hears best practices from throughout the state. Our goal is to serve our constituents smarter. Continuing education is one way we accomplish just that.
