Your Instructor
Alysia A. Cook, PCED, IOM
Opportunity Strategies LLC
Alysia Cook with Opportunity Strategies specializes in customized training, professional facilitation, and strategic planning services. Clients include local and state governments, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, associations, and other nonprofits. Since 1993, Alysia has trained thousands of elected officials, economic development and chamber professionals, community leaders, leadership groups, and volunteers. She develops strategic plans and programs designed to grow communities, improve organizations, and achieve goals.
She is an international public speaker and serves on the faculty for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management, the Community Development Institute, and the Texas Basic Economic Development Course. Alysia is a graduate of LSU-Shreveport, Economic Development Institute, Community Development Institute, and Chamber Institute. Alysia has earned the Institute for Organization Management (IOM) designation and the Professional Community & Economic Developer (PCED) certification.
The Course Team
Special thanks to Janet P. Smith with AEP Economic and Business Development for creating the concept of this course and overseeing its development and implementation.
Special thanks to Jessika D. Leatherbury with Community Matters LLC for helping design, develop, and produce this course.
This Course was Designed to Share with the Many Partners that Shape Economic Development in AEP Texas Communities and Regions
including:
Economic Development Organization Boards
Chambers of Commerce
Elected Officials
City & County Officials, State Officials, Legislators, etc.
Tribal Leaders
City, County, & State Staff
Workforce & Education Partners
Workforce Boards, School Superintendents, Educational Institutions, School Boards
Other Allies
Department of Commerce, Utility Partners, other State Agencies, etc.
What You'll Learn
This course was designed for community leaders in the AEP Texas service area to provide you with tools to help make the local economic development process even more successful in your community. Please go at your own pace to complete the course.
Upon completion, AEP Texas will provide you with a certificate of completion identifying you as an official Champion for Economic Development.
Thank you for your public service as a community leader.
© This course is not to be recorded or replicated without express written consent of AEP and Opportunity Strategies LLC.
Michael Meek
President
Meek & Associates
Carlton Schwab
President & CEO
Texas Economic Development Council
Vee Strauss
Community Affairs & Customer Services Manager
AEP Texas
Course Content
- Introduction: Community Development Framework (0:46)
- Lesson 1: Leadership Development (2:51)
- Lesson 2: Workforce Development (13:59)
- Lesson 2 Download: Workforce Development Tools Checklist
- Lesson 2 Download: Workforce Development Resource Guide
- Lesson 3: Social Infrastructure (5:08)
- Lesson 4: Physical Infrastructure (5:34)
- Lesson 4 Download: AEP Texas Tips for Site Readiness
- Quiz
- Introduction: Business Development Framework (0:49)
- Lesson 1: Business Recruitment/Attraction (9:49)
- Lesson 1 Download: Incentives Options
- Lesson 1 Download: 100 Jobs Multiplier Table
- Lesson 1 Download: EPI Employment Multipliers for U.S. Economy Full Report
- Lesson 1 Download: EconDev Website Best Practices
- Lesson 2: Business Retention & Expansion (9:12)
- Lesson 3: Entrepreneurial Development (4:22)
- Lesson 3 Download: Texas Incubator Information
- Lesson 4: Tourism Development (4:39)
- Quiz
- Introduction: Why Teamwork Matters (1:32)
- Lesson 1: Roles and Responsibilities (3:29)
- Lesson 1 Download: AEP Texas Resource Guide
- Lesson 2: Team Engagement (1:32)
- Lesson 2 Download: Role of Community Leaders
- Lesson 3: Awareness/Education (3:10)
- Lesson 4: Strategic Plan (8:47)
- Lesson 4 Download: Strategic Plan Checklist
- Lesson 4 Download: Strategic Plan Dashboard Sample
- Quiz
If you need assistance with this course, please contact Alysia Cook at 512-963-2263 or [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. I was able to sign into AEP Economic Development on Teachable, but I couldn’t enroll in the AEP Texas Energizing Economic Development℠ Course. What do I do?
A. You must wait until you receive the second email confirming your enrollment in the course, then you may begin. The first email is a request for you to confirm. You must receive both emails before you can begin.
Q. I was able to log in, but I’m having trouble seeing the content. How do I fix this?
A. Are you sure you’re using Chrome, Safari, or Firefox as your browser? Teachable will not function on Internet Explorer.
Q: I downloaded the resources, but it doesn’t show “completed.” How do I get credit for the download to receive my certificate?
A: Make sure you hit the orange “Complete & Continue” button in the upper right corner after each download.
Q: I watched each video, but it doesn’t show “completed.” How do I get 100% credit for watching and receive my certificate?
A: Make sure you hit the orange “Complete & Continue” button in the upper right corner after each video and download. When you complete 100% of the course, your certificate will automatically be generated.
Q. The image on my computer screen looks distorted. How do I fix this?
A. Are you sure you’re using Chrome, Safari, or Firefox as your browser? Teachable will not function on Internet Explorer.
A. If you have verified that you’re using one of the approved browsers, adjust the zoom feature on your device to increase or decrease the screen size.
Q. I finished 100% of the videos and downloads, but the system didn’t seem to register each one. Can I still receive my certificate?
A. Yes, just email Alysia Cook at [email protected] and she will issue you your certificate.
Q. I’m having a problem that none of these FAQ addresses. Who do I contact?
A. Contact Alysia Cook at 512-963-2263 or [email protected]
This e-Learning platform and the corresponding downloadable documents are exclusively for the use of AEP Texas communities and their economic development allies.