ED Now

Libraries across the U.S. provide entrepreneur support resources of all kinds, from workshops to networking opportunities to market research. Working with a local library is a good way for small business owners to get the help they need—and a good way for EDOs to enhance the reach and impact of their economic development efforts.

Economic Recovery Corps fellow applications are now open! Are you, or someone you know, a community builder with an entrepreneurial spirit looking to do economic development differently? Join the inaugural cohort of the Economic Recovery Corps as a fellow, or help us share this opportunity with emerging leaders and practitioners. Launched in May to accelerate recovery from the pandemic in distressed areas, the ERC program connects host organizations with early- to mid-career professionals from diverse backgrounds and disciplines to build stronger, more resilient, and more equitable economies. IEDC, in partnership with EDA and six national and international associations, is seeking to place up to 65 ERC fellows at host organizations ...

IEDC is now accepting submissions for the 2023 Excellence and Leadership in Economic Development Awards. Take advantage of early-bird pricing and submit your entry by April 14. 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. Sync ...

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.

Cameron Law, EDP, executive director of the Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Sacramento (Calif.) State University, is part of the second 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 an entrepreneurial ecosystem builder, I look at economic development through the lens of entrepreneurship-led economic development. When I learned of the EDP credential, I knew it would bolster my work and also provide me with ...

IEDC honored Dr. Maury Forman, HLM, with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Economic Development in 2021. Dr. Forman served more than 30 years at the Washington State Department of Commerce and is an innovative economic development leader, prolific author, and passionate educator. Submit your nomination for the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award by May 13.

In 2020 the Edward Lowe Foundation launched the American Academy of Entrepreneurs® (AAE), a mentoring program for second-stage business owners. AAE pairs seasoned second-stage entrepreneurs with business owners who are in earlier phases of second stage. The program gives participants an opportunity to give back, learn from other leaders, and grow their networks and businesses.

ED Now asked IEDC board members to tell us their New Year’s resolutions. What are your resolutions for 2022? Share them with us! Ron Kitchens, CEcD, senior partner and chief executive officer, Birmingham (Ala.) Business Alliance: Our resolution is to challenge and change our best every day. Yesterday’s plans, programs, and execution belong in the past. The future of economic development is about being an agent of change, not a victim of change. David A. Leezer, CEcD, FM, vice president of business attraction, Wichita Falls (Texas) Chamber of Commerce: Be more focused on the key issues important to the success of our strategy and avoid the stuff that takes away from that strategy. Read 15 books. Make Wichita Falls ...