West Virginia University at Parkersburg is offering a "real world" primer on economic development next month as part of a joint partnership with the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley.

The college’s Business and Economics Division will offer ECON 311, Introduction to Economic Development, on Thursday evenings during the spring semester which begins Jan. 12, 2004. The class will meet from 7 to 9:45 p.m.

The three-credit-hour course will combine traditional instruction with the "real-world" experiences of five local business leaders who will serve as guest lecturers. The course is a broad introduction to the principles, practices and techniques of local and regional economic development.

"The objective of the course’s blended format is to provide future and current business leaders of the community and area residents with the practical aspect of economic development combined with theories," said Sy Sarkarat, chair of the Business and Economics Division.

Guest lecturers will include Judy Sheppard, chief executive officer of Professional Services of America, Inc.; Doug Kreinik, owner and secretary/treasurer of Kreinik Manufacturing; Michael Pifer, owner of Pifers Service Center; Leslie Pittenger, owner of Sweet Gestures Candy Boutique, and W.R. "Pete" Butcher, CEO of Williamstown National Bank.

"For the business community, the course offers an excellent opportunity to study and understand how economic development impacts a community or region," noted George Kellenberger, president of the Chamber of Commerce.

"Our guest business lecturers will share their experiences and expertise to bring the practical application of economic development into focus," he added.

If enough interest is generated in the course, officials indicated that a series of additional business-related courses with a local emphasis will be offered as part of the WVU Parkersburg-Chamber partnership.

Registration information regarding the course may be obtained by contacting the Business and Economics Division, 424-8289.

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For additional information, contact:
Connie Dziagwa
WVU Parkersburg
Executive Director
Communications/Public Relations
(304-424-8203)

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