On September 29, Sens. Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Tina Smith (D-MN, and Reps. Zach Nunn (R-IA) and Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN) introduced the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Act (RMAA) (S.2996 and H.R. 5284), showing bipartisan support for rural small businesses and entrepreneurs as Congress prepares to debate the nation’s next Farm Bill.

With so much going on in Washington, D.C., we wanted to share a quick update on the potential government shutdown beginning this weekend if the U.S. Congress is not able to agree to compromise or a Continuing Resolution to keep the government open. We know that many of you and your organizations work with the federal government on projects or rely on federal revenue streams to provide critical services and resources to your communities.

I’m excited to share that earlier this morning, the U.S. Department of Energy's (DoE) Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) program just announced the selectees for the State Manufacturing Leadership Program (BIL 40534)!

Contribute to the most comprehensive survey in the field, compiled from data collected from thousands of economic development professionals. I

On behalf of the entire organization and the economic development community, I am deeply saddened to share the loss of our dear partner and friend, Pava LaPere, Founder and CEO of EcoMap Technologies in Baltimore, Maryland. Pava was an emerging leader in economic development, a great partner and friend to so many in this profession, and her loss will be felt by the entire economic development field. The IEDC family offers our sincere condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones during this time. 

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is the world’s largest economic development association with a distinguished track record of providing learning, networking, research and other valuable offerings to economic development professionals in the US and throughout the world. The organization has undergone significant change over the past two years, including the appointment of a new president and CEO. With this transition comes an opportunity to renew the organization’s vision and chart a new strategic direction. 

Alejandra Y. Castillo, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development and head of the Economic Development Administration, received the Federal Leadership in Economic Development Programs Award for her excellence in economic development from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). U.S. Assistant Secretary Castillo was honored at the Opening Plenary of the IEDC 2023 Annual Conference in Dallas, TX, September 17. 

The Board of Directors of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) has selected 26 economic development leaders to serve on the organization's 2024 Board of Directors for a two-year term, including leadership for the coming year. The process took place during the annual board meeting on Wednesday, September 17, 2023, at IEDC's 2023 Annual Conference in Dallas, TX. All board terms will begin on January 1, 2024.