IEDC Affinity Groups
Find Your Community in Economic Development
IEDC’s affinity groups offer members a place to connect, grow, and find community within the economic development profession. These groups bring together practitioners who share similar experiences, career stages, and areas of focus within the field. They create opportunities to build meaningful relationships, exchange ideas, and learn from peers who understand the challenges and opportunities you face.
Whether you’re looking to expand your network, gain new insights, strengthen your leadership skills, or connect with others who share your passion for economic development, affinity groups help you find your place within the IEDC community. IEDC’s current affinity groups include Women in Economic Development (WED), Emerging Leaders (EL), Rural Economic Development, Leaders of the Industry, and Certified Economic Developers (CEcDs). Explore the groups below to discover where you can connect, contribute, and grow.
Please note that membership is required for participation in affinity groups. If you are not a member, please reach out to [email protected] for more information.
Women in Economic Development (WED)
Connect with Women Leading the Future of Economic Development
The Women in Economic Development (WED) Affinity Group supports the advancement, visibility, and leadership of women across the profession. Through peer connection, shared learning, and mentorship, WED creates space for women at every career stage to grow their influence and expand their professional network.
WED provides opportunities to:
- Build connections with women across the economic development field
- Share career experiences and leadership strategies
- Discuss challenges and opportunities facing women in the profession
- Support mentorship and amplify women’s voices in economic development
Emerging Leaders (EL)
Grow Your Career in Economic Development
The Emerging Leaders (EL) Affinity Group is designed for professionals with five years or less of experience in economic development. This community helps early-career practitioners build relationships, strengthen skills, and find their place within the profession.
EL provides opportunities to:
- Connect with peers navigating the early stages of their careers
- Access skill-building discussions and professional development
- Learn from experienced leaders across the industry
- Discover pathways to volunteer leadership and deeper engagement with IEDC
Rural Economic Development
Connect with Peers Working in Rural Communities
The Rural Economic Development Affinity Group brings together practitioners serving rural and small-community markets. The group provides a space to exchange ideas, share resources, and explore strategies tailored to the unique needs of rural economies.
The Rural group provides opportunities to:
- Share tools, lessons learned, and successful rural development models
- Discuss workforce, infrastructure, and funding challenges
- Highlight innovative approaches to rural economic growth
- Build connections with professionals working in similar communities
Certified Economic Developers (CEcDs)
Advance Excellence with Fellow CEcD Professionals
The Certified Economic Developers (CEcDs) Affinity Group connects professionals who have earned IEDC’s CEcD credential and are committed to maintaining excellence in the field. This group provides opportunities to continue learning, share expertise, and elevate the value of the credential.
CEcDs come together to:
- Exchange best practices and emerging industry insights
- Contribute thought leadership to IEDC programs and content
- Mentor other professionals across the field
- Strengthen the recognition and impact of the CEcD credential
Leaders of the Industry (Coming Soon)
Engage with Senior Leaders Shaping the Profession
The Leaders of the Industry Affinity Group brings together experienced economic development professionals and senior executives who are helping guide the field forward. This group provides a forum for high-level discussion, thought leadership, and peer exchange.
Members come together to:
- Explore emerging trends and challenges shaping economic development
- Share insights and expertise with fellow senior leaders
- Mentor and support the next generation of professionals
- Strengthen the leadership network supporting IEDC’s mission
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