Dear IEDC Members, Friends, and Partners, I couldn’t be more excited to step into the role of Chair of IEDC’s Board of Directors during this incredible centennial year. What an amazing moment for all of us! As we head into 2026, I’m honored to represent our profession and this organization at a time when economic development truly matters

Dear IEDC Members, Friends, and Partners, As 2025 comes to a close, I have been reflecting on the past year and the conversations I have had with so many of you. I am deeply grateful for our economic development community, the meaningful progress we’ve made together, and most importantly, the way this community shows up in support of one another.

Chief Innovation Officer Dell Gines participated in a panel on brain drain in his hometown of Omaha, NE, on Tuesday, Dec. 2. He joined city officials, researchers, and business leaders at Creighton University to address Nebraska’s long-standing loss of educated talent. The City of Omaha hosted the forum to support the development of a new 20-year

On a full-day visit to explore Omaha’s development and civic planning, the Youth Leadership Omaha cohort, consisting of approximately 40 high school students, heard from local leaders, including Dr. Dell Gines, who led a foundational session on economic development. The event was hosted by Creighton University and featured presentations, tours, and

Washington, DC (December 16, 2025) – The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) today announced the release of its inaugural State of the Field report, which presents a panoramic view of how practitioners define and deliver economic development across diverse communities, organizational types, and geographies. "This report arrives at a

In Northwest Indiana, underutilized brownfields sit alongside newly laid quantum fiber lines, creating a rare opportunity to pair legacy land with next-generation industries. The choices we make now about land reuse, energy, and community engagement will shape whether this growth is sustainable, resilient, and inclusive. As an Economic Recovery Corps

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Foundation are proud to announce the fourth group of recipients earning the Certificate in Workforce Development Fundamentals. This cohort builds on the momentum of the previous groups, marking continued progress in advancing IEDC and ACCE's