Economic development means progress, greater access, greener technologies, walkable cities, a great quality of life, and public-private partnerships.

Mark Litten has been a member of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) for 18 years.

Economic development means applying the tools and techniques of relevant programs and policies to support businesses with information, expansion and establishment or growth.

Economic development is a career where you get to make a difference in the local community by helping so many others. You are never done, there is always more that can be done or learned. That is the fuel for the industry.

David Leezer, CEcD, FM has been a member of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) for 25 years.

Economic Development is a marathon. High-performing organizations give themselves the grace and the space to plan for the future and pace themselves with sound strategy, tools and focus. 

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) received a $3 million grant for four years (December 2, 2022 – December 2, 2026) from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation to expand IEDC’s work in entrepreneurship-led economic development. Historically, the connection between economic developers and entrepreneurship ecosystem builders has not been as strong as required to ensure small businesses and entrepreneurship flourish.

Economic Development means shaping communities that thrive. The thrill of knowing I played some small part in bringing new jobs, fulfilled a need for more amenities or provided more avenues for talent to excel and grow - gives me a great feeling of purpose and gets me out of bed every day.