Fundamentals Course - Continuous Model
The BREI Fundamentals Course is designed to provide the participant with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop and implement a Business Retention and Expansion Visitation program as part of a viable and effective economic development program. A BR&E Visitation Program is an economic development strategy that is recognized and utilized across the world.
The BREI Fundamentals Course covers essential information needed to develop and implement a BR&E visitation program through an intensive, four session educational event. BR&E practitioners and academics worldwide have developed course materials by identifying the basic elements required to implement and maintain a successful BR&E program. A variety of visitation program types will be covered, and each type will be discussed with regard to its impact on community capacity building.
This course is built on components of different model strategies which are designed to identify common and specific issues that a community's businesses will face. Economic Developers will use this model to derive the ways to support, retain, and expand local businesses according to their needs.
After the BRE Fundamentals course, you will know:
- Whether your community is ready to implement a BRE program
- Understand the current environment in which your community's businesses operate
- How to develop an approach that best suits your community
- Techniques for effective program evaluation
- Next steps
The BR&E Fundamentals Course accomplishes its goals through the use of lectures, group discussions, group exercises and interactions with established BR&E practitioners. Upon successful completion of the course, attendees receive the BR&E Coordinator certification. This certification is a requisite to receiving BREI credit for continuing training in other BRE programs.
Dates of Fundamentals Course:
Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM Central
Thursday, May 14, 2026, 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM Central
Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM Central
Thursday, May 21, 2026, 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM Central
About the Speaker
Dr. Alan Barefield is a highly respected leader in economic development and a longtime champion of Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) initiatives in Mississippi and beyond. Through his distinguished career with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, he provided strategic guidance and technical assistance to communities seeking to strengthen local economies through business engagement and data-driven decision making. Dr. Barefield has been deeply involved with Business Retention and Expansion International (BREI), contributing to the advancement of best practices, training programs, and global collaboration among economic developers. His work has helped communities better understand employer needs, support workforce development, and implement sustainable growth strategies. Following his recent retirement, Dr. Barefield leaves a lasting legacy of leadership, mentorship, and impactful service in the field of economic development. He holds the Master BRE Professional certification, one of only a handful ever awarded to BREI members.