Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) offers business and community leaders the opportunity to become an advocate for economic growth in their community!

 Energizing Economic Development is a self-paced online experience that equips leaders with the necessary tools to enhance the local economic development process. In a recent segment of Ways to Save with SWEPCO, Economic and Business Development Manager Eric Basinger discussed the course and its benefits for community leaders.

Eric said the two-hour course helps participants learn the foundational pillars of economic development, better understand their roles in the economic development process, and grasp the critical aspects necessary for success. With various lessons and modules, participants can progress at their own pace, whether completing the course in one sitting or spreading it out over multiple sessions. Accompanying the lessons are useful handouts, checklists, and graphs for download, ensuring participants have valuable resources for future reference.

“We can all play a part in the successful economic development of our community,” Basinger said.

The course targets a wide range of economic development partners in the communities that SWEPCO serves, including economic development organization boards, chambers of commerce, elected officials and staff members, workforce and education partners, and other allies such as utility partners and state agencies. This initiative provides a significant opportunity for business and community leaders to deepen their understanding of economic development, breaking down concepts from the very basics to provide a solid foundation for success.

Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate identifying them as “An Official Champion for Energizing Economic Development®”

Enroll today at SWEPCO.com/economicdevelopmenttraining

Each Tuesday, viewers can watch KTBS or KTBS.com/WaystoSave to learn proven tips, incentives and programs to help them reduce energy consumption and save money.