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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.

IEDC is accepting submissions through May 30 for the 2023 Excellence and Leadership in Economic Development Awards. The Excellence and Leadership in Economic Development Awards recognize the world’s best economic development programs, partnerships, and marketing materials, and the year’s most influential economic development leaders. These prestigious awards honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban, and rural communities. Receiving an award showcases your achievements and impact in the field, and winners are recognized at IEDC's Annual Conference. Please email [email protected] with any questions. Battle Creek (Mich.) Unlimited’s DoubleTree Hotel Renovation ...

The following is a summary of the Disaster Recommendations Through a Pandemic Lens chapter of the updated Leadership in Times of Crisis Toolkit. This toolkit provides economic developers with tactics, resources, and examples to help recover from a disaster and build resilience. It was launched in August 2022 and funded by the Economic Development Administration. Summary In 2021, IEDC received a grant from the Economic Development Administration entitled Recovery and Resilience Strategies for Pandemics: What We’ve Learned from Covid-19. Through this grant, IEDC set out to understand two main priorities: 1) how communities can best respond and adapt to pandemics as conditions and impacts change; and 2) how communities can incorporate ...

The following is a summary of the Infrastructure chapter of the updated Leadership in Times of Crisis Toolkit. This toolkit provides economic developers with tactics, resources, and examples to help recover from a disaster and build resilience. It was launched in August 2022 and funded by the Economic Development Administration. Summary While enduring and recovering from a disaster is a difficult process, some communities find an opportunity for community improvement. Post-disaster redevelopment in the United States has been used to revitalize downtowns, reduce vulnerability to future damage, replace failing and inadequate infrastructure, build affordable housing, and preserve historic buildings. Economic development organizations (EDOs) ...

Does your organization have what it takes to be EDO of the Year? IEDC is now accepting submissions for the 2023 Excellence in Economic Development Awards. The following EDOs received the highest honor in 2022: Greater New Orleans, Inc., Investissement Québec, the Tulsa (Okla.) Regional Chamber, the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County (Fla.), Invest Newark (N.J.), and the Greater Sacramento (Calif.) Economic Council.

While the City of Tucson Office of Economic Initiatives continues to welcome large employers relocating or expanding to the area, including Sion Power and American Battery Factory, its work with small local employers is especially personal and innovative. Small, locally owned businesses make up a large swath of Tucson’s economy and contribute to the community’s vitality. But many of these are owned by soon-to-retire baby boomers—roughly 2,000 are legacy businesses more than 20 years old. The Office of Economic Initiatives has partnered with Project Equity, which fosters economic resilience through worker ownership, to hold workshops and meet-and-greet events on succession planning through employee ownership. Several ...

Will Warren, CEcD, EDP, a consultant with Vita Nuova LLC, 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? As the grandson of a small business owner in the coalfields of Central Appalachia, I saw firsthand the impact small business and entrepreneurship can have on a small rural community. I also saw the challenges my papaw faced due to the lack of a network and support for growth from within. After unknowingly working in ...

IEDC held its Annual Conference last week in Oklahoma City featuring dozens of sessions covering today’s most important economic development topics. Here are a few of the highlights.