Jennifer D. Brown graduates from OU EDI

Jennifer D. Brown, Director of Business Retention and Expansion for Charleston County Economic Development, graduated from the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute on May 4, 2017 at the OU EDI Spring session held in San Antonio, Texas.

OU EDI is an intensive week long, three-tier program which provides a broad spectrum of advanced education for the economic development professional.

OU EDI Dean Peter Abramo said, “As the premier organization dedicated to training economic development professionals, I am very pleased with this year’s graduates. They represent some of the finest economic development practitioners in the U.S. working to support their local communities. My congratulations to them.”

Charleston County Economic Development Director Steve Dykes commended Brown in her efforts, stating “continuing education ensures a high standard of professional service and quality here in Charleston County. We want our community to know that we are always seeking to enhance our knowledge base and competency in order to encourage Charleston County’s growth and vibrancy.”

OU EDI classes focus on three major core areas including: Business Retention and Expansion, Real Estate, and Finance, as well as areas of concentration in Marketing, Strategic Planning, Entrepreneurship, and Managing Economic Development Organizations. Students complete 117 hours of instruction with curriculum selected from more than fifty seminars, workshops and discussion groups.

Beginning in 1962, OU EDI is celebrating its 54th year of service to the economic development community. Fully accredited by the International Economic Development Council, the program has trained over 4,000 graduates and remains the world’s leading economic development teacher.

Brown has been with Charleston County Economic Development since 2013. She has a BS degree in Management from Clemson University and a MBA from The Citadel Graduate College.