ED Now

Each new year brings new leadership to IEDC’s board of directors. Bryan Daniels, president and CEO of Blount Partnership in Blount County, Tennessee, will serve as IEDC’s board chair in 2025.

When we commit to living a life of positive influence—as we do in the economic development profession—we can end each day knowing we’ve changed someone’s life for the better. Still, even the most veteran among us could benefit from tips on how to maximize our potential for influencing others. In his book “The Gift of Influence: Creating Life-Changing and Lasting Impact in Your Everyday Interactions,” Tommy Spaulding explains that living a life of positive influence boils down to three key everyday behaviors: showing interest, investing in others, and being intentional.

In today's rapidly evolving economy, the traditional boundaries between academia and industry are becoming increasingly blurred. As businesses seek innovation and universities strive to produce job-ready graduates, the need for collaboration between the two has never been greater. For universities to effectively engage with businesses, careful preparation and strategic initiatives are essential. This article explores key steps that universities can take to prepare for fruitful partnerships with businesses.

ED Now recently caught up with Hezron Osano, an IEDC member based in Nairobi, Kenya.

IEDC’s Entrepreneurship Development Professional (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). Seven professionals passed the EDP exam held this month.

Michael Martella, CEcD, senior economic development project manager for the Town of Gilbert (Ariz.), recently became a Certified Economic Developer. By passing the rigorous, two-part exam, CEcDs prove their comprehensive knowledge of the field and readiness to tackle economic development challenges. What was the most important thing you learned while earning your CEcD? How valuable and strong of a network fellow CEcDs are. During my exam preparation I reached out to numerous CEcDs to gain insight and advice, and they were all so willing to help. How will your CEcD help you in your work? The knowledge I gained and relationships I made while earning my CEcD have already helped me tremendously. I’ve learned new skills, sharpened ...

IEDC's Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) program recognizes organizational excellence in the areas of internal and external operations, structures, and procedures. This series profiles recently accredited AEDOs, putting some of economic development's highest-performing organizations in the spotlight. This edition: Invest Newark (N.J.).

CEcDs are recognized worldwide as having achieved the pinnacle of excellence in the economic development field. Twenty-four professionals passed the exam held this month.