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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.

Young Smart & Local (YSL), a groundbreaking national network dedicated to fostering diverse talent through attraction, inclusion, development, and retention, will host its third annual conference November 13–15 in New Orleans. This three-day event has become a valuable platform for leaders from various sectors to collaborate and share insights and best practices. Launched with a national conference in Philadelphia in 2019, YSL has rapidly grown to encompass more than 900 professionals in economic development, city government, higher education, and business. Co-founded and managed by Deborah Diamond, former president of Campus Philly, and Cecelia Thompson, executive director of Action Greensboro (N.C.), the network provides a ...

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 has partnered with the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) for more than four years through IEDC’s economic recovery and resilience program. The CNMI’s tourism- and agriculture-focused economy is unique, vibrant, and dynamic. IEDC’s current work with the CNMI economic development community addresses dual recovery from the pandemic and natural disasters. To kick off this phase, a team of IEDC volunteers visited the islands to conduct a needs assessment.

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: Avondale (Ariz.) EDGE.

As an economic development professional, you know that attracting businesses to your community is crucial to fostering growth and success. One of the most powerful tools at your disposal is your website. With the right content and features, your website can showcase all your region's offerings and entice businesses to choose you over the competition. This article explores five key ways to use your website to attract businesses to your community. From telling your region's story through engaging content to promoting workforce opportunities and optimizing your website for efficiency, these tips will help you create a powerful online presence that will set you apart from the competition.

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. Below ...

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. JoAnn Crary, CEcD, FM, HLM, received the Jeffrey A. Finkle Organizational Leadership Award in 2022. The Organizational Leadership Award recognizes individuals who have continuously led the same public or nonprofit economic development organization with integrity, tenacity, and a philanthropic spirit for at least 15 years. Nominees should demonstrate a vast knowledge of the intricacies of the economic development profession and play a pivotal role in the continued success of their organization. They have not only exhibited exemplary leadership but have also worked ...