International Economic Development Council

🚨 Last chance to register online for our 2024 Annual Conference! 🚨Denver awaits with groundbreaking sessions, including:

- Site Selector Guild's 2024 "State of Site Selection" deep dive
- Innovative "Breakfast Bar Camp" - your chance to lead the conversation
- Alejandra Castillo on transformative federal programs
- Just Added: Lyneir Richardson on community-based ownership in underserved spaces

Online registration closes TODAY, August 30th. Invest in your professional growth: iedconline.org/denver

We are deeply saddened to share news of the passing of Kwame Botchway, a visionary in equitable entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Kwame's work with IEDC's Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystem program transformed communities and opened doors for underrepresented entrepreneurs. His groundbreaking approaches and unwavering commitment to inclusive economic growth have left an indelible mark on our field.

"Kwame was a beacon in the field—a passionate champion for economic equity. His loss will be profoundly felt both personally and across the economic development community." - Dell Gines, Chief Strategy Officer at IEDC

Botchway's legacy will continue to inspire and guide us as we strive to build on the foundation he so passionately helped to create.

We honor Kwame's memory by continuing his vital work in fostering equitable economic opportunities for all.

Learn more about Kwame and his contributions here: iedconline.org/honoring-kwame-botchway

💰 The 2023 IEDC Salary & Demographic Survey is now available! Benchmark yourself, your organization, and your region with the most comprehensive data in economic development.

Download now and stay ahead in your field! iedconline.org/2023-salary-demographic-survey

📊 New EDRP Report: Strategic Planning for Economic Development

The economic development landscape is evolving rapidly. Our latest report explores how EDOs can adapt to:

- Technological advancements
- The rise of the knowledge economy
- Increased focus on sustainability and equity

Read the full report to learn how your organization can stay ahead of the curve! 🔗 iedconline.org/edrp-reports

Congratulations to our 41 newest Certified Economic Developers (CEcDs)! 🎉 This milestone marks a significant achievement and underscores each designee’s commitment to excellence in the field of economic development. They're leading the charge in building stronger, more equitable communities.

Interested in joining their ranks? Learn more: iedconline.org/cecd-august-2024-cohort

Huge props again to:
Adam Phillips, CEcD
Benjamin Vickers, CEcD
Billy Hamilton, CEcD
Bruce Armstrong, CEcD
Casey Bingham, CEcD
Casey Peterson, CEcD
Casey Stowe, CEcD
Christopher Buck, CEcD
Christopher Jacobs, CEcD
Colette Cox, CEcD
Crystal Connally, CEcD
Diane Drussell, CEcD
Ebony Stocks, CEcD
Eric Meyer, CEcD
Greyson Evans, CEcD
Holly Malish, CEcD
Ian Mills, CEcD
Isaac Lee, CEcD
Jamie Zastrow, CEcD
Jennifer Jones, CEcD
John Sherwood, CEcD
Julie Emslie, CEcD
Justin Heather, CEcD
Kaycee Bunch, CEcD
Kelley Chrisse, CEcD
Kurt Anderson, CEcD
Louise Marquez, CEcD
Maria Kuhns, CEcD
Mark Minnig, CEcD
Megan Duhon, CEcD
Melissa Dailey, CEcD
Merry Hunter Caudle, CEcD
Nickoles Clason, CEcD
Priscilla Cordero, CEcD
Richelle Johnson, CEcD
Rickelle Williams, CEcD
Shahid Rana, CEcD
Spencer Mitchell, CEcD
Teresa Morris, CEcD
Tina Garver, CEcD
Yvonne Zhao, CEcD

Join us for IEDC's ONLY live, in-person course for 2024! 🗓️ September 13-14, 2024 📍 Denver, Colorado ⏰ Register by August 30th!

Our Technology-Led Economic Development training course will teach you how to:

- Leverage technology in economic development
- Create integrated networks of innovation
- Partner with key sectors: government, industry, higher ed & private

🍻 Bonus: Enjoy a happy hour in beautiful Denver!

Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to boost your skills and network with peers: iedconline.org/technology-led-economic-development

As our 2024 Annual Conference in Denver (Sept 15-18) gets closer, we're excited to invite you to discover Denver’s economic landscape through a range of captivating tours that are selling out fast! ⏰ Register for a tour: denver.iedconline.org/tours

By exploring these diverse communities and speaking one-on-one with local innovators and leaders, you'll gain invaluable insights that can spark creative solutions and drive economic development in your own community and beyond.

There's no substitute for on-the-ground experience when it comes to understanding a city's unique challenges and opportunities. Sign up for a tour here: denver.iedconline.org/tours

See you in Denver, where the streets are paved with economic inspiration!

🌟 New Webinar! Join workforce visionary Mark C. Perna for a game-changing webinar on talent management in the Smart Machine Age! Sign up for "Mastering the Mega Trends Shaping the Next Generation of Talent" today.

Learn to:

- Build sustainable competitive advantage
- Foster passion-driven employment
- Create community rally points
- Develop education-employment pipelines

Unleash Gen Z potential and bridge the skills gap with fresh insights on workforce dynamics.

Don't miss this chance to revolutionize your talent strategy: iedconline.org/mastering-mega-trends-shaping-next-generation-of-talent

🎓 Announcing IEDC's 2024 Annual Conference Equity Scholarships!

We're committed to making economic development education accessible to all. That's why we're offering Equity Scholarships for our 2024 Annual Conference in Denver!

⏰ Scholarships are accepted on a rolling basis now through August 30, 2024 with only FIVE scholarships left. First-come, first-served.
💰 Scholarship rate: $375.00 (significant savings!)

Invest in your future. Invest in your community. Apply for an IEDC Equity Scholarship today: iedconline.org/equity-scholarship-application

🗞️ Hot off the press! The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) has announced $184 million in implementation grants for six Recompete Program Finalists.

This initiative aims to create opportunities in economically distressed communities by:

- Providing funding for good-paying, high-quality jobs
- Improving workforce access for Americans

The IEDC is thrilled to support this program which is part of the Investing in America agenda, targeting areas with lower prime-age employment rates compared to the national average.

Read more about the six awardees and their projects: https://www.eda.gov/news/press-release/2024/08/05/biden-harris-administration-announces-184-million-six-recompete

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $184 Million for Six Recompete Program Awardees | U.S. Economic Development Administration WASHINGTON, DC — Today, the Biden-Harris Administration, through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), announced $184 million in implementation grants for six Recompete Finalists. These awards will create renewed opportunity in economically distressed c...

: Meet Andrea Roshaven, CEcD, CPC, FRA-RP, a recent recipient of our Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) certification! 🎉

As a community redevelopment specialist in Tampa, Andrea recently conquered the challenging CEcD exam. Her journey taught her some valuable lessons:

- There's no single path in economic development - find your passion!
- The CEcD opens doors and boosts confidence
- Real-world application of course materials is crucial for success

In Andrea's own words, "The curriculum exposed me to facets of economic development I would not have ordinarily encountered, and it ultimately spurred a change in professional direction for me."

When she's not boosting Tampa's economy, you might find Andrea binge-watching Firefly or planning her next trip to NYC. Learn more about Andrea: iedconline.org/spotlight-andrea-roshaven

Way to go, Andrea! Your achievement inspires us all.

Development

🤖 Join us for an in-person (yes, we said in-person!) "Technology-Led Economic Development" course in Denver! 📅 September 13-14, 2024. Limited spots available.

Discover the impact of tech in economic development and learn to create integrated networks of innovation. Expert-led sessions, networking, and a happy hour await! Register: iedconline.org/technology-led-economic-development

Course highlights:
- Partnering with government, industry & higher education
- Creating tech hubs & innovation networks
- Leveraging marketing and business development for tech initiatives

A perfect way to start our 2024 Annual Conference!

Important: Full attendance required for CEcD and EDP credits.

🚨 Attention IEDC Members: This is your chance to lead!

The International Economic Development Council is seeking nominations for its Board of Directors. This is an excellent opportunity to shape the future of economic development.

Key Details:

- Deadline: August 5, 2024
- Term: 2 years (starting 2025)
- Responsibilities: Serve as a steward of IEDC’s vision, mission, values and resources
- Eligibility: All IEDC members in good standing

Nominate yourself or a colleague today! Visit iedconline.org/board-nominations to submit your nomination.

Double the learning, double the savings! 🤑 Register for both the IEDC 2024 Annual Conference AND the Economic Development Council of Colorado (EDCC) Partnership conference to unlock exclusive discounts:

🔹 Get 15% off EDCC registration
🔹 Save $150 on IEDC Annual Conference basic registration

Discount code: 2024IEDCEDCC ⏰ Offer valid until August 30. Register here: iedconline.org/denver

After purchasing with the discount code, you will be contacted about setting up your registration for the EDCC Partnership conference. Don't miss this chance to attend two powerful conferences and save!

🧩 Your path to inclusive prosperity starts here. Join our Equity Playbook webinar: "Institutional Partnerships: Anchoring Economic Prosperity in Black & Brown Communities."

Our free online webinar is taking place on August 1, 2024, and you will learn how to:

- Cultivate transformative partnerships with hospitals & universities
- Empower local black- & brown-owned businesses
- Build thriving ecosystems in historically underserved communities

Don't miss this chance to leverage anchor institutions and build economic bridges in Black and Brown communities. Register now: iedconline.org/institutional-partnerships-black-brown-communities

You speakers are: Peter Eberhardt and Aileen Boven.

Big news! We have expanded accessibility with new membership categories! We're excited to announce two new ways to join IEDC:

🌟 Individual Membership
🚀 Emerging Leaders Membership

Now, economic development professionals can join IEDC directly, even if their organization isn't a member. We've also introduced an affordable option for those newer to the field.

This is perfect for:
✅ Independent professionals
✅ Those new to the field
✅ Anyone passionate about economic development

BONUS: Start now, save more. Your membership fee is prorated for 2024!

Discover the benefits and join our community! Learn more: iedconline.org/new-membership-categories-individuals-emerging-leaders

This Disability Pride Month, the International Economic Development Council celebrates the essential role individuals with disabilities play in strengthening our economies and enriching our communities. Our goal as economic developers is to work together to build economies that work for everyone, regardless of visible or invisible disabilities.

Did you know that globally, 1 in 7 people live with some form of disability? In the United States, that number rises to 1 in 4 Americans.

By creating accessible workplaces and inclusive policies, we can tap into this vast pool of talent and drive innovation.

Resources to learn more and take action: iedconline.org/celebrating-disability-pride-month

🎙️ Dr. Dell Gines, IEDC's Chief Innovation Officer, joins Dennis on the Develop This Podcast for an insightful two-part series ( #505 & #506). Discover Dell's inspiring 15-year journey from the Federal Reserve Bank to IEDC, where he now oversees our $30 million Economic Recovery Corps program. As one of the first to earn our Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation, Dell exemplifies the expertise this certification represents.

Tune in to hear about Dell's passion for equitable economic development and get a sneak peek at our upcoming Annual Conference in Denver (Sept 15-18)! 🔗 Listen now: iedconline.org/develop-this-episode-505-506

Last chance to join our webinar, "Innovation Nexus: Where EDOs & University Research Centers Collide!" EDOs & University Centers unite for economic growth & job creation. Don't miss insights from Ciara Ristig, Martin Romitti, Jenny Mizutowicz, CEcD, Jim Woodell, and Linda Ufland.

Register now: iedconline.org/innovation-nexus. Happening tomorrow, July 25th!

Did you know? 💡 Diverse companies are 85% more likely to outperform competitors and 90% more innovative! Download our latest research on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) for EDOs. Enhance your EDO's impact now: iedconline.org/DEIA-Report

📢 New Advocacy Resources for Economic Developers!

IEDC has launched a new set of resources to empower economic developers in advocacy efforts. As the leading voice for economic development organizations worldwide, we're providing essential tools to navigate complex political landscapes and foster regional prosperity.

Key resources include topics such as:

Economic Development Policy
Rural Development Policy
Community Development, Workforce & Housing Policy
Infrastructure Policy
Plus, info on EDA reauthorization, Farm Bill, CDBG, and more!

Take action here: www.iedconline.org/iedc-advocacy

Don't miss out on our 2024 Annual Conference + Membership Bundle! 🔥 Interested in becoming an IEDC member? Register for the Annual Conference and get an IEDC membership for just $50 extra! Offer available until our early bird deadline, July 26th.

Join extraordinary professionals in Denver and save big! Register now at iedconline.org/denver

⏰ Early bird rates are about to expire! Register by July 26th for our IEDC 2024 Annual Conference in Denver, CO (Sept 15-18). Join fellow superheroes to explore:

Marketing & Storytelling
Talent & Workforce Strategies
Housing Crisis Solutions
Climate Change & Sustainability
Rural Prosperity
Entrepreneurship & Ecosystem Building

Learn, network, and drive positive change! 🔗 Register now: iedconline.org/denver

Featuring Pioneers on the Podium: Akeem Shannon, CEO of Flipstik, Jim VandeHei, Founder & CEO of Axios, Melissa Bradley, Founder of 1863 Ventures, Tra Williams, CEO of FleetForce and ParkPro, Victor Hwang, Founder & CEO of Right to Start, and Vanessa Roanhorse, Owner & CEO at Roanhorse Consulting.

Mark your calendars for July 23-24, 2024! Join us for "Economic Development Marketing & Attraction" - a game-changing online course that goes beyond the basics.

🔍 Uncover the do's and don'ts of ED marketing. Master the art of social media for regional promotion. Learn from real-world success stories: 🔗 iedconline.org/economic-development-marketing-attraction

Led by an all-star lineup of industry experts:

Clare Barnett, Brampton's ED & International Relations Director
Amanda Ellis, Livability's Editor-in-Chief
Dr. Trevor Johnson, CEcD, Prince William County's Deputy Director
Chris Knight, fDi Intelligence's Managing Director
Colleen Schwab, AWS's Global Digital Innovation Lead

Whether you're looking to attract FDI, boost local business, or put your region on the map, this course has you covered. Don't let your competition outshine you - level up your marketing game this July!

🪄 Our 2024 Annual Conference is ready to flip the script on economic development. We've assembled a league of extraordinary professionals from across the nation to take the stage as our keynote speakers.

This isn't just another conference—it's your launchpad to transform our field into a global powerhouse of innovation and impact. In the Mile High City, we'll elevate our profession to new heights, making it one of the most recognized, understood, and sought-after industries worldwide.

Get ready to:
✅ Learn from EconDev titans
✅ Sharpen your community-changing superpowers
✅ Network with fellow game-changers

🗓️ Date: September 15-18, 2024 📍 Location: Denver, Colorado 🔗 Tickets: iedconline.org/denver

Our Pioneers on the Podium are Akeem Shannon, CEO of Flipstik, Jim VandeHei, Founder & CEO of Axios, Melissa Bradley, Founder of 1863 Ventures, Victor Hwang, Founder & CEO of Right to Start, and Vanessa Roanhorse, Owner & CEO at Roanhorse Consulting.

Introducing Innovation Nexus: Where EDOs & University Research Centers Collide! 🎓 Imagine a dynamic ecosystem where academia meets industry, fostering collaboration that drives economic growth and job creation.

That's Innovation Nexus! Key benefits you will delve into:
✔️ Skilled workforce development
✔️ Tech commercialization
✔️ Infrastructure & policy advancement
✔️ Knowledge exchange
✔️ Expertise sharing
✔️ Resource leveraging

Ready to supercharge your region's economic development? Register now! 💡 iedconline.org/innovation-nexus

Your speakers are: Ciara Ristig, Martin Romitti, Jenny Mizutowicz, CEcD, Jim Woodell, and Linda Ufland.

On behalf of our entire organization and the economic development community, we are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear partner and friend, Inez Long, President and CEO of the Black Business Investment Fund (BBIF).

Inez was a trailblazing leader who devoted her career to advancing Black business enterprises across the country. She guided the BBIF with an unwavering dedication to creativity and quality. Throughout her three-decade tenure, BBIF reached countless significant achievements and broadened its influence within the sector.

Her creativity, quality, and unwavering commitment will be deeply missed.

Learn more about her impact:

A Legacy of Leadership: Celebrating the Life and Work of Visionary President and CEO of the Black Business Investment Fund, Inez Long - International Economic Development Council  On behalf of our entire organization and the economic development community, we are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear partner and friend, Inez Long, President and CEO of the Black Business Investment Fund (BBIF).