Connect Locally, Succeed Globally

The International Economic Development Council's 2011 Annual Conference, September 18-21, in Charlotte, NC, will discuss how economic developers are adapting to the new normal and rewriting the rules for economic development.

As Bob Dylan said, "the times they are a-changing." How an economic developer brings people, places and ideas together may determine a community's success in putting its people back to work stabilizing the local economy. This conference will explore the key questions facing the economic development profession as we work to connect locally and succeed globally:

• What are the current forces influencing economic development and the strategies needed to respond?
• What do you need to know about new forms of infrastructure investment in order to build foundations for economic growth?
• How can you catch the next wave of innovation and secure a place in the global economy?
• How do you connect to the right resources for career and organizational growth in the next decade?

As the nation's second largest banking center, the Charlotte region recently boasted the lowest center-city office vacancy rate in America. Today, they have emerged as a new leader in many sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, financial services and energy. The Charlotte region is home to nine Fortune 500 companies and over 850 foreign companies, making it a gateway to global markets. Win-win partnerships between government, business and institutions of higher learning make the Charlotte Region a rich landscape to showcase best practices for communities of all sizes.