FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 31, 2024
[SHREVEPORT, La.] – On July 29, 2024, North Louisiana Economic Partnership (NLEP) Vice President of Business Development Strategy, Sheena Bryant, received her certification as an Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) from Grow America. EDFP Certification is a professional credential given to individuals who successfully complete Grow America’s intensive economic development finance training series. The training provides individuals working in the field of economic development with instruction in business credit analysis, real estate financing, loan packaging, deal structuring and negotiating and the creation and implementation of development programs.
Each of the four EDFP Certification Program courses are five days in length and concludes with an exam. Upon successful completion of all four courses, the candidate is awarded EDFP Certification.
As Vice President of Business Development Strategy at NLEP, Sheena leads efforts to attract and support business expansions across an 11-parish region. She has a strong background in economic development, international relations, and public policy and has achieved the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation through the International Economic Development Council. Previously, she managed a division at the Guam Economic Development Authority and supported state-level public safety agencies, earning a Governor’s Award for her advocacy.
“Though we expect nothing less of Sheena, this accomplishment is very impressive,” says Justyn Dixon, President and CEO of NLEP. “The EDFP certification is highly regarded and part of an exclusive group. It is truly a sign of her commitment to NLEP, NW Louisiana and to herself, and it will certainly make us even more competitive in recruiting quality jobs and investment to North Louisiana. I could not be more proud!”
Grow America’s work focuses on homes, jobs and community. Founded as a national nonprofit in 1969, Grow America has worked 46 years at fulfilling its mission to increase the flow of capital for investment in low-income communities. Grow America directs capital to support the preservation and creation of affordable housing, the creation of jobs through training and small business lending and the promotion of livable communities through investment in social infrastructure. Grow America’s products and services are deployed for the benefit of our municipal and nonprofit partners in both urban and rural low-income communities.
Grow America has provided training to over 70,000 professionals working in the fields of economic and housing development. Participants come from diverse backgrounds including city and state governments, public agencies, community-based organizations, professional organizations and banks.
Grow America is headquartered in New York City with offices in Cleveland, OH and Dallas, TX. For more information about Grow America, please visit: www.growamerica.org/.
About North Louisiana Economic Partnership
North Louisiana Economic Partnership, an Accredited Economic Development Organization, provides professional economic development services to an 11-parish region of North Louisiana, including lead generation and prospect management. Its mission is to be a catalyst and connector advancing economic growth in the region. Visit nlep.org for more information.
Media Contact Lanier Thibodeaux, Director of Marketing & Communication
North Louisiana Economic Partnership
318.677.2514