Ellis trains for PCED

Ellis

Kari Ellis, public information officer of JEDCO (Jasper Economic Development Corporation), and Carrie Edwards of Colmesneil recently spent a week training for PCED, Professional Community and Economic Developer.

Ellis said the most valuable thing she gained was a network of relationships and contacts.

"It helps to see what others are doing, and that we're facing the same problems," Ellis said.

Entergy Texas provides scholarships to enable area leaders like Ellis and Edwards to attend. Entergy's Michael Barnhill said, "Our community allies who attend these sessions always tell us they learn a great deal and are able to return to their hometowns with a lot of fresh ideas and creative ways to approach local challenges."

Ellis took level 1 classes and Edwards, the city secretary for Colmesneil, completed year three. The Montgomery Community College taught the courses which can lead to professional certification. Basic training includes learning community assessment, marketing and economic development strategies.

Ellis said part of the training is learning what is allowed by the legislature and what incentives communities can offer. They practiced creating new towns by breaking into groups. There were announced goals and hidden agendas. They elected city councils, voted on schools, tried to balance needs for things like pollution control against desire for growth and profit.

"We are facilitators," Ellis said. "We put different parties together. Tourism, economic and community development, it all ties together."