Wayne J. Encalarde, Jr., Manager of Small Business Ecosystem Development at the New Orleans Business Alliance, graduated from the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute (OU EDI) on October 24, 2019 at its Fall session held in Denver, Colorado. OU EDI is the premier professional-level economic development program in the nation, accredited by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).

In the constantly-changing field of economic development, professionals must have access to relevant knowledge and up-to-date tools. OU EDI positions economic development leaders to best serve their communities by learning from comprehensive courses that align with IEDC manuals and stem from the latest trends in economic development. 

Top Training for Economic Development Professionals 

OU EDI began in 1962 and is celebrating its 57th year of service to the economic development community. Fully accredited by the IEDC, the program has certified more than 5,500 professionals and remains the world’s leading economic development teacher. 

The intensive 117-hour certificate program provides economic development professionals with a broad range of advanced education through a series of intensive in-person or online courses, focusing on the three core areas of Business Retention and Expansion, Real Estate, and Credit Analysis. Students may also pursue concentrations in Marketing, Strategic Planning, Entrepreneurship, and Managing Economic Development Organizations. 

Mary Ann Moon, Dean of OU EDI, said, “OU EDI is the premier organization dedicated to training economic development professionals. These graduates represent some of the finest economic development practitioners in the U.S. working to support their local communities. My congratulations to them.” 

Lessons to Bolster Opportunity for Local Businesses

“At the New Orleans Business Alliance, our team is continuously participating in best-in-class professional development to ensure that we’re the most valuable resource for our constituents in Orleans Parish. Wayne’s graduation from one of the most rigorous professional development programs in economic development, Oklahoma University’s Economic Development Institute, is a testament to that commitment. Wayne’s diligence and creativity in providing small businesses with information that helps them to grow profitably has been a true asset to the city and the Business Alliance,” says Quentin Messer, Jr., CEO of the New Orleans Business Alliance. 

As the Manager of Small Business Ecosystem Development, Encalarde works to create opportunities for small business owners to grow and thrive. His successful participation in the program will propel the impact of his efforts on the small business community, the driving force behind the New Orleans economy. 

“Oklahoma University’s Economic Development Institute has enhanced the foundation of my practical knowledge and expanded my network to the best and brightest minds in profession of Economic Development. Learning from this program not only furthers my capabilities to perform the duties in the growth of our small businesses here in New Orleans but allows me to contribute to our other workstreams with best practices and innovative approaches,” says Encalarde of his experience in the program. 

Visit our Small Business webpage to learn about the available tools for small business owners—such as the Business Insight Tool, Crescent City Biz Connector, Opportunities Portal, and Invest NOLA—and see Encalarde’s work in action. 

For more information about the OU Economic Development Institute, its courses and internationally recognized certificate program, visit its website or contact edi@ou.edu.