Celebrating economic developers - Economic Development Week and the Best Practices Conference!

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Main News Photo

Economic development plays a vital role in creating jobs, fostering innovation, and improving the quality of life in communities nationwide. Economic development professionals work tirelessly to attract businesses, support existing ones, and encourage entrepreneurship, all of which contribute to a community's economic growth. 

Economic Development Week (EDW) is an annual celebration of economic development and its significant role in promoting growth and prosperity in communities across the United States. By highlighting the work of economic developers, EDW seeks to create awareness of their role in helping communities to thrive.

This year, EDW will be observed from May 8th to May 12th to recognize the positive impact of economic development and its professionals on the communities they serve.

Economic Development Week and Economic Developers

IEDC created Economic Development Week - the International Economic Development Council in 2016 to increase awareness of local programs that create jobs, advance career development opportunities, and improve the quality of life in communities everywhere. More than 450 campaigns have been made throughout the United States and Canada, creating millions of impressions, hundreds of news stories, blog entries, videos, events, and other activities. Since 2016, technology has opened new doors for creativity, which EDOs have taken advantage of by creating and sharing videos, infographics, banners, and many other materials spread far and wide on social media, websites, and print.

On May 8th, Sioux Metro Growth Alliance in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, will lead a discussion at the Economic Development Roundtable about processes, successes, and challenges in development in their region. Regional Economic Development Professionals and municipal leaders will have the opportunity to ask questions and gather insights to further the growth and development of the Sioux Metro area. On May 9th, the Minnehaha County Bus Tour will be conducted, highlighting industry-leading businesses and manufacturers. The focus will be on the development work in Minnehaha County.

Sara DiRienzo, Executive Director of the Wyoming Economic Development Association, stated that to help their communities recognize the week, the Association has compiled a Wyoming - focused communications toolkit. The resources and information in the kit are meant to inspire and enable its communities to celebrate their work and accomplishments. 

Agnes Masnik, Northeast Regional Manager, Office of Regional Economic Development at the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, stated that Economic Development Week is a time to celebrate the excellent work put in by economic developers. She noted that the Department plans to host a webinar, make social media posts, and create a landing page highlighting the diversity of people and programs that make up the field of economic development across the State of Illinois. 
 
Masnik also said that toward this endeavor, the upcoming Best Practices Conference in May would prove to be a great resource and an opportunity for economic professionals to connect and share some best practices taking place in the industry. 

The Best Practices Conference: Bringing together the Best in Economic Development

The Best Practices Conference is an annual spring/summer conference organized by Mid-America EDC, a non-profit organization that promotes economic development in the Midwest. The conference rotates throughout the region and brings together economic development professionals, business leaders, and experts to discuss the latest trends and strategies in economic development.

The conference will feature keynote speakers, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities designed to equip economic developers with the tools and knowledge they need to drive economic growth in their communities. Attendees will also have the chance to experience the innovation and development that Kansas City has to offer.
 
Join us in Kansas City between May 10 and May 12 for the 2023 Best Practices Conference!  This conference rotates throughout the states in the region, and we are thrilled to have Kansas and Missouri as this year’s host states!

You won’t miss this opportunity to learn best practices from industry professionals and experts. There will also be plenty of opportunities for networking with your Midwest colleagues and the chance to experience the development and innovation that Kansas City offers!

For more information about the conference and registration details,  visit here.
 

Category: News