News & Media Center

FloridaWest’s Danita Andrews Graduates from the Advanced Economic Development Leadership Program

by FloridaWest News

|

|

News, Success Stories

Pensacola, FL –  Danita Andrews, Chief Business Development Officer, FloridaWest EDA recently completed the Advanced Economic Development Leadership executive education program and was awarded the Master Economic Development Practitioner (MEDP) certificate from the four AEDL partner universities.

AEDL is a collaboration of Clemson University, The University of Southern Mississippi, Texas Christian University and the University of New Mexico.  These four universities are committed to excellence in economic development and advancing the knowledge, skills and application of key job creation strategies in America’s cities, communities and counties.

Danita Andrews stated, “it is an honor to achieve MEDP certification and participation in the AEDL program has been a highlight in my career in economic development.  Engaging with other leading practitioners from across the U.S encouraged deep exploration of contemporary issues, challenges and potential solutions surrounding current job creation and economic growth issues. Moreover, our diverse background and experiences not only brought focus to the differences, but how many similarities we actually share in serving to improve our unique local communities.”

Scott Luth, CEO, FloridaWest EDA added, “We are fortunate to have an accomplished economic development professional like Danita Andrews on our team at FloridaWest. The role of economic development is to build wealth by creating a strong economy with diverse businesses for a better quality of life for everyone in Escambia County. Her expertise contributes to the significant work we do on behalf of our board of directors, elected officials and our community. “

AEDL is an immersive and challenging program with an experiential curriculum that enhances key skills necessary for leading successful community and economic development strategies.  Led by an experienced world-class faculty, AEDL program topics include negotiation strategies; retail and commercial development; personal/professional development; navigating the new normal in the world of COVID; communications and media relations; marketing in a social media environment; strategic planning & application; successful teamwork; attracting new industry and entrepreneurship.

This intense professional development program accepts mid and senior-level economic development practitioners from across the U.S.
###