With the move from campus, the Continuing Education (CE) department became a program within the Center for Economic Development (CED), a hub for entrepreneurs and business owners in Duluth’s Technology Village, 11 E. Superior Street, Suite 210.
“We are delighted to welcome the Continuing Education staff into the Center for Economic Development and the Labovitz School of Business and Economics during this transition,” says Labovitz School of Business and Economics Dean Amy B. Hietapelto. “We look forward to exploring more synergistic and innovative opportunities for faculty and staff to work closely with Continuing Education to meet the ongoing training and development programmatic needs of our region.”
The Integration’s Advantages
The integration is designed, in part, to strengthen the missions of both organizations.
“Merging these two units creates synergies among the professional training, workshops, and economic development missions of CE and CED,” says Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Fernando Delgado. “The efficiencies gained by the merger are thus both fiscally prudent and a strong platform for serving the region in a comprehensive way.”
These efficiencies include eliminating redundancies in courses offered by both CE and CED.
Another benefit of the move, says Roxanne Richards, director of Continuing Education, is that her program is better able to accommodate its customers. "The realignment of Continuing Education with the Center for Economic Development is a very positive move for us. It offers greater visibility in the downtown business community and provides us with onsite classroom space for our workshops."
Continuing Education in the Center for Economic Development offers workshops on many topics, including, tribal relations, leadership development, business communication, continuous improvement and more.
A Strategic Move
Providing business seminars and workshops through the Center for Economic Development and Continuing Education are part of UMD’s efforts to strengthen ties with Duluth and surrounding communities, a goal in its strategic plan.
Elaine S. Hansen, director of the Center for Economic Development, says the inclusion of Continuing Education amplifies its community work. “With Continuing Education becoming part of CED, our ability to provide advanced learning and training opportunities are greatly enhanced.”
In addition to the trainings, the Center for Economic Development offers business consulting, economic feasibility research, and experiential learning through the student-to-business Initiative where student teams work with businesses on a business topic.