Ernie Cowart
Associate Director, Business Information
205.943.4732 phone
ecowart@edpa.org

Joined EDPA: 2000

Education:
The University of Southern Mississippi, M.S. Economic Development
The University of Alabama, B.A. History

Additional Training:

New South Economic Development Course
IEDC Business Retention and Expansion
IEDC Economic Development Finance
CDFA Tax Exempt Revenue Bond Financing
IEDC Real Estate Development and Reuse
University of Minnesota Community Leaders BR&E Visitation Consultant
IEDC Economic Impact Analysis
IEDC Workforce Development

Areas of Expertise/Responsibilities:
Taxes & Incentives
Existing Industry
Proposal Preparation
Foundations for Growth
AdvantageSite

Major Projects: ThyssenKrupp, EADS, Hyundai, Sitel, National Steel Car, Lone Star Plastics, Great Lakes Metal Stamping, Steel Dust Recycling, Berg Pipe

Professional Affiliations:
Economic Development Association of Alabama
Southern Economic Development Council
International Economic Development Council
Business Retention and Expansion International


Professional Certifications:
Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) - International Economic Development Council
BRE Consultant - Business Retention and Expansion International
Professional Community Economic Developer (PCED) – Community Development Council

Other:
Alabama Operations Management Institute graduate
Auburn University Intensive Economic Development Training Course faculty (2004, 2007-09)
Black Belt Action Commission – Marketing and Tourism Committee Chair (2004-07)

Previous Experience:
Maryland Communications Center, Associate Research Manager

• Marketed Maryland’s competitive strengths and advantages for economic development.