Economic development and learning play a significant role in promoting economic growth. Learning provides individuals with additional skills and access to resources that foster positive change in communities.

Encouraging creativity and innovation, building problem solving skills, creating hands-on learning programs, and promoting a culture of risk-taking in our schools fosters entrepreneurial spirit and builds confidence in our young people.

Tech schools and other higher ed institutions expand upon that learning and hone skills specific to career focus. Beyond formal education, lifelong learning opportunities continue to expand our thinking, spark new ideas, and create common threads that build our connection to communities.

Lifelong learning opportunities are in our hands, literally and figuratively, as we can use our phones to find workshops, webinars, articles, and videos that teach us new skills and ways of thinking. There is no shortage of opportunity to learn. 

Being an organization that recognizes the value of learning, GCDC seeks out and shares opportunities that are relevant to our county. Sharing resources of local organizations like SCORE and SBDC help support entrepreneurs. Attending conferences and returning with new ideas and connections lead us forward in conversation and collaboration for new programs and projects to help us grow positively.

Projects and programs initiated by GCDC, like training workshops or the Home Construction Cooperative, provide opportunities to learn skills and gain knowledge, and at the same time, teach us what to do next.

Whether one chooses formal education, self-study or hands-on learning, the value to economic performance of a community is noticeable in the way we work together.  Coming together with open minds, with new ideas, and a willingness to learn from one another, propels us forward toward better solutions for issues in our communities.

We encourage you to continue to learn, to grow, and more importantly to share your knowledge, to help us promote and encourage economic growth in our community while maintaining the quality of life that makes Green County a great place to live and work.

— GCDC is a 501c3 dedicated to economic growth in Green County. You can reach them at gcdc@greencountydevelopment.com or 608-328-9452.