Each year Janus Economics hosts an interactive forum focusing on critical issues facing economic development and shaping the future of the profession. Attendance is limited to a few select leading practitioners (Forum Professionals) and returning alumni. With mentoring in mind and in conjunction with the Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC), this year the Janus Forum also hosted a select group of young economic development professionals.

The 2010 Janus Economics Forum was held August 29^th -September 1st in Lake Rabun, Georgia. The topic was "Tomorrow's Best Practices: The Economic Development Profession, Communities and Change." Thirty-five economic developers from seventeen different states were in attendance.  Wiley Blankenship, President/ C.E.O. of Coastal Gateway Regional Economic Development Alliance (CGEDA), was one of 5 representatives from the state of Alabama invited to participate.Other attendees from Alabama  included: Troy Wayman, Vice President of Economic Development at Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce; Robert Ingram, President/CEO at Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance; Tuscon Roberts, President and CEO of the Covington County Economic Development Corporation; and Dale Greer, Assistant Director of the  Cullman Economic Development Agency.

Lee Lawson, Economic Development Representative of PowerSouth; and Courtney Purvis, Assistant Director at the Center for International Business and Economic Development at Troy University, were among ten young professionals selected to attend.

Not only did the Forum yield a wealth of information, it also enabled Blankenship and other attendees the opportunity to network with one of the top three consulting firms in Atlanta, GA. Janus Economics is a world-class provider of site selection and real estate and economic development consulting services.  Janus Principals have experience with local, national and international site searches and comparisons as well as facilities evaluation, feasibility studies, market studies, and re-use studies. 

Please look for exciting information on the Janus Forum in the next Gateway News.

Janus Economics Forum Mission Statement

The Janus Economics Forum is a place where leading economic development practitioners gather to asses key issues and opportunities facing the industry.  The relaxed and scenic setting encourages deep and lively discussion regarding best practices in economic development, and invited participants to become part of a unique network of dedicated professionals.  Action plans resulting from Forum sessions help the industry to improve and excel.