Fort Mill, South Carolina – Jason Flora, Project Manager and Teresa Curtice, Existing Industry Coordinator with York County Economic Development were recently awarded a professional development scholarship from Friends Underwriting Economic Development (FUED). FUED, in partnership with the Charlotte Regional Partnership, is a group of individuals focused on supporting economic development initiatives in the Charlotte region. The group, in its eighth year, actively supports the education and advancement of economic development professionals in the area. 

Since its establishment, FUED has awarded $13,000 in scholarships to professionals in the 16-county region. York County is one of four counties in South Carolina that is a part of the Charlotte Regional Partnership (CRP). 

Proud recipients were recognized at the Board of Directors meeting for the Charlotte Regional Partnership in late April. Ronnie Bryant, Charlotte Regional Partnership president and chief executive presented individuals with the scholarships. 

“We appreciate FUED’s recognition of the critical role that regional economic developers play in growing a healthy economy,” Bryant shared. 

Each year sponsors fund the scholarships through a FUED golf tournament fund. This engaged group of professionals meet regularly to share information and discuss current trends regarding the region’s economic development efforts. 

FUED strives to seek out individuals throughout various economic development organizations within the region that have provided significant contributions, thus encouraging their growth and professional development.  

In a separate award, Jason Flora was awarded a scholarship through the South Carolina Economic Developers Association (SCEDA). The recipient of the Sloan W. Gable Economic Development Institute, Flora will attend the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute (OU EDI).

An executive development certificate program, OU EDI is the only professional level program of its type in the U.S. It provides professional economic developers with up-to-date knowledge and tools necessary to succeed in today's constantly changing economic development marketplace. The OU EDI experience is designed to immediately impact a participant’s professional career by providing comprehensive courses that align with the IEDC manuals, as well as the latest trends in economic development.

OU EDI is also a well-recognized economic development certificate program. To graduate and earn an OU EDI certificate, participants must complete 117 course hours. OU EDI is accredited by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). 

“We are fortunate to have a partnership with these organizations. These scholarships are vital in helping to provide professional development and educational advancement critical to the education of our economic development professionals.” shared David Swenson, Director of York County Economic Development. 

“These types of scholarships invest in an individual already dedicated to making a difference to their organizations, which in turn helps support efforts both regionally and locally in regards to economic development.”