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Business Retention & Expansion International The BR&E philosophy originated in several U.S. universities and was quickly embraced as a viable economic development tool by industry and local communities alike. Over the past several decades, the BR&E process and methodology has been refined to the point where local BR&E initiatives follow a fairly well prescribed process. As the BR&E economic model evolved, a need was identified for a training and support mechanism for BR&E practitioners.Business Retention and Expansion International (BREI) is a U.S. based, international non-profit association. Though this organization is relatively new, it is following a well-developed association model. BREI has encouraged the development of state and provincial chapters, as an effective local support and delivery mechanism to encourage the use of the BR&E process by business and rural communities. BREI is dedicated to promoting existing business retention and expansion programs in communities, regions, states and provinces around the world. Anyone having an interest in providing technical, educational or financial assistance to communities, regions or states developing BR&E programs is eligible to become a member of BREI. As a professional organization, the association pursues its mission by facilitating scientific research, instruction, publications, meetings, and other activities designed to advance and disseminate knowledge of BR&E. BREI members represent various private and public organizations, universities, private consulting businesses, utilities and economic development practitioners from local and state governments. BREI offers extensive resources to assist members to reach their full potential as economic development professionals. These resources include an annual conference, newsletter, a research network, BREI certification and other forms of support to its international members. BREI is currently in the process of establishing bylaws for BREI regional chapters and strongly supports spreading the BREI concept in the Canadian provinces. Further information can be accessed from the BREI website. |
