FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Courtney Hall
Retail Strategies
chall@retailstrategies.com
BIRMINGHAM, AL (October 27, 2025) – The Hitchcock Economic Development Corporation (HEDC) has successfully completed the Retail Academy training program, a comprehensive two-day workshop held in Fort Worth, Texas. The program, designed by Retail Strategies, provides communities with the expertise and resources needed to effectively recruit retail and restaurant businesses. The training was attended by HEDC Executive Director Lance LaCour, Board President Allen Johnson, Board Member Jack Click, and Hitchcock City Manager Marie Gelles
Lance LaCour, CEcD, led the City’s participation in the program and oversees Hitchcock’s business recruitment efforts. He previously participated in Retail Academy during his tenure in another community and recognized the value it could bring to Hitchcock’s economic development strategy.
“Having gone through Retail Academy before, I knew firsthand how transformative this training would be for Hitchcock,” said LaCour. “The program provided us with detailed demographic data on our community, helped us identify which real estate opportunities make the most sense for new retail and restaurant brands, and equipped our team with the strategic tools we need to compete for quality development. This investment in professional development will directly benefit our ability to bring new businesses and jobs to Hitchcock.”
The Retail Academy program combines market analysis, site selection training, and recruitment strategies tailored to each community’s unique characteristics and opportunities. Participants learn how to leverage demographic data, understand retailer expansion criteria, and develop compelling recruitment packages.
“Hitchcock is exceptionally positioned for retail growth,” said Madeline Farr, Director of Retail Academy at Retail Strategies. “Located strategically between Houston and Galveston, the City offers expanding businesses access to strong market demographics while still having developable land available. Communities like Hitchcock that invest in understanding the retail recruitment process and come equipped with market knowledge are the ones that win quality projects. We’re excited to support their economic development goals.”
The training program covered key topics including retail market analysis, understanding national retailer expansion strategies, identifying and marketing available sites, and developing relationships with commercial brokers and retail decision-makers.
About Retail Academy
Retail Academy is a program developed by the leading national retail advisory firm, Retail Strategies. The program assists communities in strengthening their retail landscape. Communities will be trained and equipped with the tools and education necessary to attract new retailers to their markets, while providing support to their existing local businesses.
