ED Now

Consider the paper ceiling—when not having a bachelor’s degree prevents skilled workers from accessing jobs in a labor market that needs them. Between 2012 and 2019, 69% of new jobs in the U.S. required a bachelor’s degree, excluding 70 million workers from a significant portion of the job market. This phenomenon reflects the nation’s overreliance on college degrees as an indicator of job readiness. Businesses must shift their emphasis from requiring a bachelor’s degree to possessing key skills, and entrepreneurship education teaches these crucial skills. This shift requires the participation and support of economic developers.

Aaron N. Gruen of Gruen Gruen + Associates shares his 2024 Economic and Real Estate Outlook with ED Now.

IEDC has released its latest Economic Development Research Partners (EDRP) report titled "Leading and Managing Next-Level EDOs: Leveraging Technology," which encourages EDOs to devise intentional strategies for adopting new technology.

This Giving Tuesday, November 28, consider making a contribution to the Bollinger Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing scholarship grants to families who have lost a parent or guardian where the deceased or surviving parent worked or works in the field of public housing, community development, or economic development. This year the Bollinger Foundation has supported the education of 18 students ranging in age from elementary school to college. Over the past 30 years, the Bollinger Foundation has awarded more than $1 million to nearly 200 families. “Having a fund like Bollinger in place makes a huge difference for families struggling with the loss of a parent,” said Leann Hackman-Carty, CEO of ...

The Minnesota Economic Development Foundation is a private nonprofit corporation supporting economic development education, training, and outreach in Minnesota. Its initiatives are closely aligned with key partners such as IEDC and the Economic Development Association of Minnesota. The foundation has provided professional development scholarships to hundreds of economic developers in Minnesota and supported internships at dozens of Minnesota EDOs.

We are emerging from a period where there has been a notable increase in support and recognition of the vital role small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play in the global economy. However, as we move forward, it is crucial for policymakers, the media, and the corporate community to maintain their focus on SMEs and remember the significant impact these enterprises have on our economies and the world at large.

Registration is now open for the 42nd Annual Bollinger Open Golf Tournament which will be held on Friday, June 23 at The Courses at Andrews Air Force Base. The event raises funds for the Bollinger Foundation which provides financial support to families who have lost a parent or guardian where the deceased or surviving parent worked or works in the field of public housing, community development, or economic development. You can also become a tournament sponsor by completing a sponsorship commitment form. The Bollinger Foundation is accepting nominations for the 2023 grants. Grants are primarily awarded for educational expenses including school supplies and college tuition. The deadline for 2023 nominations is June 1. The Bollinger ...

Diana Goss, MBA, EDP, executive director of the DeKalb County (Ala.) Entrepreneurial Center, is part of the third cohort of certified Entrepreneurship Development Professionals. IEDC’s EDP credential is designed to build capacity for those supporting entrepreneurship in their communities, and demonstrates the skills and expertise to lead communities through entrepreneurship-led economic development (ELED). Why did you decide to pursue the EDP credential? I pursued the EDP credential to develop a strong foundation in and understanding of entrepreneurship for my new career at the DeKalb County Entrepreneurial Center. How will your EDP credential support your community's economic recovery? First, we are starting a countywide ...