Economic Development staff earn ‘Destination Creation’ certification

Livingston County News

Two staff members within the Livingston County Office of Economic Development have earned a key certification which will bolster their ability to help small businesses thrive.

Director of Tourism Kelly Burns and Economic Development Specialist Molly Downey are now certified to teach the Destination Creation Course, a world-renowned class designed to assist small business owners in increasing revenue and driving customer traffic. The pair joins Maureen Wheeler and Louise Wadsworth from the Office of Economic Development who were the first in New York State to become certified to facilitate the course.

Developed by John Schallert, internationally-known business consultant who created these methodologies after three decades of coaching independent business owners on best practices, the Destination Creation Course teaches a 14-point business strategy designed to help small business owners attract customers from far beyond the typical geographic market of a business.

“Livingston County is committed to helping businesses succeed throughout our communities,” said William Bacon, director of the Livingston County Office of Economic Development. “With Kelly and Molly having been certified to teach the Destination Creation Course, our office now has four certified facilitators – more than any municipality in New York State. We will continue to use resources like this award-winning course and other similar initiatives to attract and support small business development in Livingston County.”