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The 2023 Survey of Rural Challenges found that rural residents were twice as likely to say that they were optimistic about their community’s future than pessimistic. The survey also uncovered big disconnects between what rural residents want and what services and assistance are commonly offered to them.

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 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. Tribal Chairman John Barrett received the Leadership Award for Public Service in 2022. This award recognizes a state or local elected official who has served as a committed advocate for economic development for at least 10 years. Nominees must have demonstrated sustained and effective efforts to mobilize community groups and industry leaders in the development of programs and projects, played a key role in the planning and designing of new economic development activities, and displayed dedication and commitment to their constituency as a leader and advocate for ...

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 President and CEO Nathan Ohle officially announced the launch of the Economic Recovery Corps on November 9. EDA is sponsoring the $30-million cooperative agreement with IEDC and its partners to create an economic recovery program that will increase the capacity of regional economic development ecosystems and provide guidance to support local economic developers. “The Economic Recovery Corps marks a unique, first-of-its-kind initiative in locally-led capacity-building that will accelerate the adoption of equitable economic development practices,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Castillo. The Economic Recovery Corps will recruit at least 65 fellows for EDOs in underserved communities ...

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.

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York hosted an Investing in Rural Prosperity event which highlighted and explored a new framework for advancing shared economic prosperity in rural communities across the United States. This framework was developed through a broad and comprehensive effort by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, and is the central focus of the recently published book, Investing in Rural Prosperity. This extensive, 600-page resource contains chapters on a wide range of issues, including entrepreneurship support, workforce development, energy-efficient manufactured housing, and digital inclusion. The event opened with a keynote address by Andrew Dumont, senior community development analyst at the Federal Reserve Board of ...

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.