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The MAEDC Best Practices Conference 2025: A Regional Moment of Impact!

Sunday, July 13, 2025

The 2025 Mid-America EDC Best Practices Conference in Stillwater, MN brought together public officials, site selectors, utility leaders, and entrepreneurs from 13 Midwest states. The stakeholders spent three days in May discussing challenges and exploring what’s working in economic development.Best Practices Conference: 13 Midwest states; 1 goal: progress!Keynote speakers and featured panels dove into critical topics like workforce innovation and clean energy to revitalizing main streets and tourism. The sessions were as practical as they were inspiring, led by Stillwater’s idyllic setting for this energy and momentum. Learn more today about the conference and prepare to join us in 2026! 

Conference Recap: Best Practice Conference 2025

Wednesday, July 02, 2025

Hosted by the Mid-America Economic Development Council at the JX Venue in Stillwater, Minnesota. Economic developers, public officials, and industry leaders from across 13 Midwest states gathered in Stillwater, MN for the 2025 Best Practices Conference.Over three days, attendees explored cutting-edge strategies in economic development, workforce innovation, clean energy, public private partnerships, and placemaking.'With a strong emphasis on collaboration, community engagement, and sector-specific growth, the conference offered actionable insights, meaningful networking, and immersive learning experiences.Click Here to Download Complete Recap 

The Fuel of the Future: Area Spotlight on Minnesota

Friday, February 28, 2025

As America races toward a greener future, the demand for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) has never been higher. Minnesota is seizing the opportunity to break into this emerging industry before the competition, leveraging its agricultural strength to kickstart a hub that could establish the state as a pioneer in SAF production.The Minnesota SAF Hub, a coalition comprising the Greater MSP Partnership, Bank of America, Delta Air Lines, Ecolab, Xcel Energy and other stakeholders, is on a journey to develop a fully integrated SAF supply chain in Minnesota. Read more from our sponsors in Site Selection Magazine …Read More 

The Midwest: A Powerhouse of Economic Opportunity, Innovation, and Medical Excellence

Friday, January 31, 2025

By Brandon Marshall, President, MidAmerica Economic Development CouncilWhen we think of economic powerhouses, they often turn their attention to the coasts. But those of us who live and work in the MidAmerica know the truth: this region is the backbone of American industry, innovation, and resilience. From the vast energy resources of my home state, Wyoming, to the thriving medical and research ecosystem of Minnesota, the middle of the country is not just keeping pace — it's setting the standard for sustainable growth and economic vitality.As we look forward to the upcoming MidAmerica Best Practices Conference in Stillwater, Minnesota, just outside...

Board Member Spotlight: Anton King, Board of Directors (Indiana)

Monday, November 20, 2023

Your Name: Anton KingYour Organization: DeKalb County Economic Development Partnership, Inc. Your Title at Organization: President/CEOMid-America EDC Board Position: Director, IndianaHow long have you been a member of Mid-America EDC?Been a member of MAEDC since 2018.Tell us about yourself! How long have you been on the Mid-America EDC board?Since November 2022 (so about one year) About me? I enjoy facilitating investment into our community that creates high-quality jobs for our citizens.Tell us about your organization and your role there.I’ve been with the DCEDP since March 2016, became director in Jan. 2017. We’re a 501c3 private non-profit that is contracted with the...

A Jewel in the Heartland: Indianapolis

Sunday, November 19, 2023

2023 is the first year the MidAmerican EDC’s annual Competitiveness Conference won’t be held in downtown Chicago, and though we will miss the Windy City, we’re excited to explore another bustling city this region is fortunate enough to claim. Indianapolis, often called the Crossroads of America, has a rich history that mirrors the nation's journey. From its humble beginnings as a trading post in the early 19th century, the city has evolved into a thriving metropolis known for its economic prowess, cutting-edge industries, and welcoming atmosphere.The city's economic landscape is diverse, with major industries ranging from advanced manufacturing and life sciences...

Meet Donna Walker, Board Member and Economic Development Manager, Dairyland Power Cooperative

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Donna WalkerDairyland Power CooperativeEconomic Development ManagerGeneral Board MemberHow long have you been a member of MAEDC?8 years. I am completing my first year on the MEADC Board of Directors. I was honored to be elected in December 2022, and so far, I have enjoyed helping the organization grow and represent the economic development profession.Tell us about Dairyland and your role there.Dairyland, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative, was formed in December 1941. Our headquarters is in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Dairyland provides the wholesale electrical requirements for 24 distribution cooperatives and 27 municipal utilities, who, in turn, supply the energy needs of members...

Forging the Future: A Spotlight on Manufacturing Month in Mid-America

Sunday, October 22, 2023

In the heart of the United States lies the Mid-America region, a powerhouse of manufacturing and economic activity. Comprising thirteen states, this region is home to a vibrant and diverse industrial landscape, and it plays a pivotal role in shaping the nation's economy. October is a particular time for the region as it joins the nationwide celebration of Manufacturing Month. This occasion underscores the importance of manufacturing in the US and highlights the innovation and dedication of the workforce that keeps this vital sector alive.The Mid-America EDC: Leading the WayThe MidAmerica Economic Development Council, a professional association representing Illinois, Iowa,...

Meet Anton King, Board Member and Director, Indiana, Mid-America EDC

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Anton KingDeKalb County Economic Development Partnership, Inc.President/CEOMAEDC Board Position: Director, IndianaHow long have you been a member of MAEDC?Been a member of MAEDC since 2018.How long have you been on the Mid-America EDC board? Since Nov. 2022 (so about 1 year) About me: I enjoy facilitating investment into our community that creates high-quality jobs for our citizens.Tell us about your organization and your role there. I’ve been with the DCEDP since March 2016 and became director in Jan. 2017. We’re a 501c3 private non-profit contracted with the local municipalities & county to lead economic development efforts. We were founded in 2005 and...

Elevating Economic Prosperity: The Transformative Power of Higher Education in the Mid-American Region

Sunday, September 24, 2023

Higher education catalyzes economic development as a reservoir of knowledge, a hub of innovation, and a training ground for a skilled workforce. Universities impart essential skills and knowledge to students and provide a platform for groundbreaking research and development. This research, often conducted in collaboration with industries and government agencies, creates new technologies, products, and services that can transform entire industries. Additionally, higher education institutions serve as engines for social mobility, helping individuals from diverse backgrounds access personal and professional growth opportunities. As they equip students with the tools to succeed in the modern economy, higher education institutions fortify the...

Board Member Spotlight: James Caraway II, Board Member and Director, Nebraska, Mid-America EDC

Tuesday, August 29, 2023

Your Name: James Caraway IIYour Organization: Omaha Public Power DistrictYour Title at Organization: Senior Economic DeveloperMid-America EDC Board Position: Nebraska DirectorHow long have you been a member of Mid-America EDC?I’ve been a member for about one year.Tell us about yourself!I’ve had a fulfilling economic development and sports journey over the past ten years!  Before joining the utility, I worked for the Greater Omaha Chamber and Grow Sarpy Economic Development, where I honed my skills and contributed to significant community growth. Before that, I was involved in economic development in South Dakota (Vermillion Area Chamber) and Kansas (Greater Topeka Partnership), gaining...

Meet Brittany Ashby, Board Member and Mentoring/Scholarship Committee Co-Chair at the Mid-America EDC

Tuesday, July 25, 2023

Meet Brittany Ashby, Board Member and Mentoring/Scholarship Committee Co-Chair at the Mid-America EDC. Your Organization: The Align Team with the Wyoming Economic Development Association and the Laramie County Economic Development Joint Powers Board. Your Title at Organization: Vice President MAEDC Board Position: Board Member and Mentoring/Scholarship Committee Co-Chair How long have you been a member of Mid-America EDC? 4 or 5 years. Tell us about yourself! How long have you been on the Mid-America EDC board?  I have been a member of the Mid-America EDC board for just a couple...

Meeting Climate Goals: Midwest's Clean Energy Workforce Gains Momentum

Monday, July 24, 2023

As the world takes critical steps towards mitigating climate change, the Midwest is making strides in transitioning to clean energy. The energy efficiency sector has the largest share of the clean energy workforce in the Midwest, accounting for over 67 percent of the region's clean energy workforce. The Midwest region is actively preparing its workforce to meet the demands of emerging industries such as electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy. The clean energy sector in the Midwest has seen significant growth, with energy efficiency, EV manufacturing, and solar power leading the charge. According to the 2021 U.S. Energy Employment...

Meet Ian Vincent, Director of Business Development with the Area Partnership for Economic Expansion

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Meet Ian Vincent, Director of Business Development with the Area Partnership for Economic Expansion and Mid-America’s EDC’s Minnesota Representative since 2022.  How long have you been a member of Mid-America EDC? Almost ten years! Mid-America EDC has always held a special place in my heart. It was a very welcoming and inclusive group as I began my career. The first presentation I ever gave on a national stage was at the 2016 Best Practices Summit in Columbus, OH. The topic covered was digital place marketing and talent matching. I was wildly nervous and didn’t sleep the night before, but I knocked...

Revitalizing Rural Communities: Fostering Economic Growth through Entrepreneurial Support

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has witnessed a remarkable surge in new business formations, with a significant portion of this entrepreneurial activity occurring in rural areas. Minnesota, for instance, experienced a notable 30% increase in unique business formations between 2020 and 2021, primarily in counties outside the Twin Cities metro area.  Unleashing Entrepreneurial Potential: The Montrose Report  Rural communities face unique economic challenges, such as job creation and population retention in today's knowledge-driven economy. Organizations like Mid America EDC are actively working to promote and support the growth of rural businesses. Entrepreneurs in rural areas often need more awareness...

Meet Tim Holvorson, Vice President of Economic Development & Entrepreneurship with the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce and MAEDC Board Member for Kansas Since 2011

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

How long have you been a member of MAEDC? 2011 Tell us about yourself! How long have you been on the Mid-America EDC board? I started on January 1, 2019. I’ve worked in chamber and economic development since 1995 in Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, and North Carolina. I got involved because I saw the difference economic development could make in improving lives and the quality of life in my hometown and surrounding areas  that the farm economy had crushed in the mid-1980s. When I’m not working, I stay very busy as a single parent working on my house...

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

Sunday, May 21, 2023

The Best Practices Conference, organized by Mid-America EDC, is an eagerly awaited annual event that gathers economic development professionals, business leaders, and experts from the Midwest region to share insights, discuss the latest trends, and explore strategies in economic development. The conference, which took place this year in Kansas City from May 10 to May 12, was an exceptional resource for attendees. Hosted at the magnificent Hotel Kansas City, in the heart of downtown, the conference welcomed participants from 22 states across the United States and international representation from Quebec. The agenda was carefully crafted to cover various topics,...

Meet Jennifer Klus, City Administrator North College Hill, Ohio Board Member & Chair of the Competitiveness Conference

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

How long have you been a member of MAEDC? 3-4 years Tell us about yourself! I have over 25 years of economic development experience in a number of communities in southwest Ohio. Throughout my career I’ve had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects including redevelopment, industrial, housing and workforce development. In fact, one of my recent workforce development initiatives won a MAEDC award last year.  Tell us about your experience with MAEDC? My experience with MAEDC has been so wonderful for my professional development. I really enjoy my fellow board members and...

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

Monday, April 17, 2023

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...

Board Member Spotlight: Corry Shevlin, Jamestown/Stutsman Development Corporation

Friday, March 24, 2023

Your Name: Corry Shevlin Your Organization: Jamestown/Stutsman Development Corporation Your Title at Organization: Chief Executive Officer Mid-America EDC Board Position: At Large Board Member How long have you been a member of Mid-America EDC? I have been a Mid-America EDC member since 2018 Tell us about yourself! How long have you been on the Mid-America EDC board? I am fairly new to the board, since September 2022 Tell us about the Jamestown/Stutsman County Development Corporation and your role there. I just transitioned into the CEO, previously I was responsible for business development, primarily with...

Board Member Spotlight: Karl F. Franzen, City of Rockford, Illinois Director of Community & Economic Development and Illinois Director

Friday, March 24, 2023

Your Name: Karl F. Franzen Your Organization: City of Rockford, Illinois Your Title at Organization: Director of Community & Economic Development Mid-America EDC Board Position: Illinois Director How long have you been a member of Mid-America EDC? December 2019 Tell us about yourself! I came to Rockford in 2015 after a decade of work at various institutions in Wisconsin.  I spent a year with the Rockford Area Economic Development Council, the region’s EDC, before transitioning to work directly with the City on its economic development efforts.  I became Director of Community & Economic Development in 2018 under Mayor...

Powering Economic Development: The role of Electric Utilities in communities

Thursday, March 09, 2023

Electricity is a critical component of economic development. The availability of a reliable and affordable power supply is essential for attracting and retaining businesses, supporting industrial operations, and improving the overall quality of life for residents. However, with the increasing demands and changing expectations of modern consumers, electric utilities face mounting pressure to meet the needs of their customers while also transitioning to more sustainable energy sources. Today, companies are more aware of their environmental impact and demand greater transparency and accountability from their suppliers. As a result, many businesses have set ambitious sustainability goals, including reducing their carbon...

Mid-America EDC Board Member Spotlight: Wendy Lopez

Thursday, January 26, 2023

Meet Wendy Lopez, Business Recruitment Manager, Wyoming Business Council  Wendy has been on the MAEDC Board since January 2022.  Q1. Tell us about yourself! How long have you been on the Mid-America EDC board? After 22 years in the newspaper industry, doing marketing and advertising, I decided to make the jump to economic development and joined the Wyoming Business Council in 2018 as the Business Recruitment Manager. I attended my first Mid-America EDC Competitive Conference in Chicago two weeks later. It was an eye-opening experience and gave me valuable foundational knowledge to jump-start my new career. In...

National Financial Wellness Month & The Mid West region: On a path to financial wellbeing

Thursday, January 26, 2023

January is National Financial Awareness Month, an excellent time of the year to take stock of your financial fundamentals and set realistic goals for the year ahead. Sound business health means you have the ability to reach your goals and take advantage of opportunities, as they can give you the flexibility to pursue your dreams. The only way to achieve financial health is through financial awareness. The beginning of the year is a good time for business owners to take a look at their spending, determine their goals for the year, and set saving plans to achieve them. But financial...

Mid-America EDC Board Member Spotlight: Timothy Robinson

Sunday, November 27, 2022

Meet Timothy Robinson, CEcD, EDFP, Michigan Director and Director of Operations, Lenawee Now Timothy Robinson has been a Member of Mid-America EDC for ten years, and on the board for five years. Tell us about yourself! What are your economic development specialties and main areas of focus?  I have been an economic developer for 25 years and my entire career has been spent in my home state of Michigan working in countywide private/public economic development organizations. I earned the CEcD certification from IEDC in 2004 and the EDFP certification from NDC in 2014. I have had the...

Mid-America EDC Board Member Spotlight: Jesse Fonkert

Wednesday, November 16, 2022

Meet Jesse Fonkert, South Dakota Director and President & CEO, Sioux Metro Growth Alliance Tell us about yourself! How long have you been on the Mid-America EDC board and a member? I’ve been on the Mid-America EDC board for a little over a year, and I've been a member for two years. My friend and colleague, Dean Dziedzic, encouraged me to join the organization and apply for a seat on the Board. I’ve been working in economic development for the vast majority of my professional career and got started in it thanks to an internship with the Sioux...

Shop Local on Small Business Saturday, and Beyond

Sunday, November 13, 2022

With the holidays approaching, we’d like to remind everyone to support your local independent businesses this holiday season. Small Business Saturday is a great initiative, but we’d love to see that enthusiasm for small business extend well beyond the last Saturday in November. I dare you to imagine what your community would look like if all your small businesses ceased to exist. Now imagine trying to pitch that community to a site selector. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy but rarely get the attention or public financial support that their corporate counterparts receive. We may have little...

Mid-America EDC Board Member Spotlight: Mark Seckman

Sunday, October 23, 2022

Meet Mark Seckman, Iowa Director Tell us about yourself! How long have you been a member and on the board of Mid-America EDC? I have been involved in economic development for 30 years starting at the community/regional level before transitioning to Alliant Energy 6 years ago, where I am currently the Senior Economic Development Manager. I have been on the Mid-America EDC board since December 2020. Tell us about Alliant Energy and your position there. Alliant Energy provides regulated electric and natural gas service to approximately 985,000 electric and approximately 425,000 natural gas customers across Iowa...

Mid-America EDC Hosts 2022 Competitiveness Conference in Chicago

Sunday, October 23, 2022

Join us in Chicago November 30-December 2 for the 2022 Mid-America EDC Competitiveness Conference and learn from those who touch economic development projects! You will hear from experts, as well as your colleagues who are ready to share their successes and knowledge!   How You'll Stay Competitive:  Gain insights on unique perspectives covering many topics timely to the economic development profession. Learn about best practices to address workforce and talent shortages that we are all challenged with. Rural communities, we got you covered with beneficial and exciting resources that are specific to your communities! As today's economic...

MAEDC Board Member Spotlight: Horton Hobbs IV

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Meet Horton Hobbs IV, President Elect What have been some of the greatest advantages of being part of Mid-America EDC? The quality and caliber of Mid-America EDC's presentations have been incredibly beneficial to me, but the most valuable aspect for me of being part of Mid-America EDC is the peer-to-peer networking with fellow board members. Mid-America EDC speakers have been out in front of economic development issues before we even know what we didn't know. Thinking that far ahead, really made me more engaged and interested in these big-picture economic development issues. Mid-America EDC also provides a way to share best practices...

September is Better Breakfast Month!

Monday, September 19, 2022

Did you know September is Better Breakfast Month? Mid-America contributes so much to the breakfast industry, including the production of breakfast staples like cereal, eggs, and bacon. In addition to just breakfast, Mid-America states are among the largest in overall agriculture output nationwide. Seven of the top ten agriculture-producing states are in Mid-America: Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Indiana, and Wisconsin.  According to statistics from the USDA, agriculture, food, and related industries contributed $1.055 trillion to the U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) in 2020, a 5-percent share, and in 2019 the U.S. food and beverage manufacturing sector employed...

American Artists and the Role of Public Art in Economic Development

Tuesday, August 16, 2022

This August, we’re celebrating Mid-American Artists as part of American Artist Appreciation Month. Many of America’s incredible artists come from Mid-America. Just a few of the notable artists from Mid-America include Georgia O'Keeffe, a painter from Wisconsin; Joan Mitchell, a painter and printmaker from Illinois; Maya Lin, a designer and sculptor from Ohio; and Grant Wood, a painter from Iowa. Art is an intentional expression of creativity and it has the power to affect our emotions. From Lin’s moving, historical memorials to Wood’s paintings of midwestern life in the early 1900s, each artwork tells a story and gives viewers...

MID-AMERICA BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Clarence Hulse

Tuesday, August 16, 2022

Meet Clarence Hulse, Indiana Director Tell us about yourself! How long have you been on the Mid-America EDC board? One year plus as a board member but have been a member for  a while – over 13+ years for sure – I see myself as a change agent and love to make improvements and push the envelope in my community where I have worked. Tell us about your organization, Economic Development Corporation Michigan City, and your role. As a private nonprofit, the EDCMC is best able to serve the business community. We are dedicated to attracting...

Mid America EDC Celebrates Independent Retailers Month

Sunday, July 10, 2022

This July, we’re taking a look at the important role of independent retailers in economic development, and how we can support the retail stores in our communities and encourage people to shop local. Indie retailers create more sustainable towns, cities, and communities and are part of what makes a downtown thriving. Our Annual Best Practices Conference is in Springfield, Ohio this July 13-15, and is a perfect opportunity to celebrate unique retail shopping experiences. Springfield is the Antique Capital of the Midwest and has incredible shopping, including: Heart of Ohio Antique Center - With 116,000 square feet and...

Mid-America Board Member Spotlight: Tina Chitwood

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

Meet Tina Chitwood, Wisconsin Director Tell us about yourself! How long have you been on the Mid-America EDC board? I’ve been on the Board of MAEDC for 1 ½  years. I’m a collaborator. I find the most joy in my life and work when I’m able to connect the dots to make the most complex economic development deals come to life, as well as when I’m able to manage the busy social and sports calendars of my three children, husband, dog and myself!   Tell us about the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and your role as Senior...

Mid America EDC Celebrates National Rivers Month

Sunday, June 12, 2022

Mid America’s Rivers and Inland Ports Play a Significant Role in Supply Chain Management June is National Rivers Month, and all of us at Mid America EDC recognize the vital role our rivers play in our region’s prosperity. Mid America is home to several of the largest and most iconic American rivers including the Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, and St. Louis, just to name a few. These rivers make the swift and efficient distribution of goods all over the country possible. Inland ports are also an important contributor to the economic prosperity of Mid America. Mid America is home...

Mid America EDC Board Member Spotlight: John Hall

Monday, May 23, 2022

Meet John Hall, Iowa Director How long have you been a member of the Mid America EDC? I have been a member of Mid America EDC for the last 6 years. How long have you been a member of the Mid America EDC Board? I have been on the board since December 2019 What’s one of the best things about the Mid America EDC and what’s something everyone should know about the Mid America EDC? As a young economic developer I view Mid America EDC as a great opportunity to network with other folks in...

Mid America EDC Celebrates National Inventors Month in May

Monday, May 23, 2022

May is National Inventors Month, and utilizing Inventors & Entrepreneurs (I&E) Clubs in our region is a great economic development strategy for many reasons, including that I&E Clubs provide a cost-effective way to cultivate new businesses and business ideas. In addition, these clubs provide valuable contributions to the local economy in every community, regardless of size, location, or budget. The exchange of ideas, resources, and networking opportunities that are available through an I&E club makes it an effective way to turn ideas into thriving businesses, creating jobs and a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. According to existing club organizers,...

MAEDC Board Member Spotlight: Cathleen Flournoy

Tuesday, April 19, 2022

Meet Cathleen Flournoy, Missouri Director Tell us about yourself! How long have you been on the Mid-America EDC board? I’m a proud graduate of Missouri State in Springfield, MO, and a die-hard Kansas Jayhawks fan!  I’ve worked in economic development since 1999 when I started with the City of Kansas City, MO.   I am wife to Dan (almost 25 years) and mom to Grace, Jack, Thad, Catie and Ellie – along with 3 dogs (Phoggy, Nikita and Luna).  As you can imagine, we have a busy life but we love it!  I love to run and cook,...

This Spring Celebrate Mid America’s Incredible Natural Resources

Tuesday, April 19, 2022

April is Keep America Beautiful Month, and with warmer weather, spring flowers, and longer days, it’s the perfect time to take action to make sure the communities in the thirteen states that comprise the Mid America region are safe and clean spaces. The Mid America region has vast natural treasures, including Yellowstone, the Black Hills, and the Great Lakes. Overall, National Parks in the Mid America region made a huge economic contribution to their state economies.  In 2020, there were 24.2 million visitors to National Parks in Mid America, with combined spending of $1.8 billion. In addition,...

August’s Spotlight is on Matthew Marshall, Economic Development Administrator, Minnkota Power Cooperative

Tuesday, August 03, 2021

Who can believe it’s August already?  We hope you’re enjoying the ongoing Olympic coverage while getting in a few last minute summer vacations! For those who enjoy our newsletters each month, we apologize as we took July off.  But, we are back at it here in August and we can’t wait to introduce you to our North Dakota board member, Matthew Marshall. Matthew has been involved with Mid-America EDC for nearly 10 years. He brings extensive experience to the Mid-America board as he’s had careers in economic development at a local level, marketing executive, and now he helps...

Mid-America Economic Development Council Board of Directors Call for Nominations

Sunday, July 18, 2021

The Mid-America EDC board of directors would like to announce a call for nominations for two (2) board of director vacancies as of December 31, 2021.  An election will be held in December at the annual Competitiveness Conference in Chicago for the position of:   Director, State of North Dakota Director, State of South Dakota   All Mid-America EDC members from the above-listed state are encouraged to consider self-nominations to serve as a Board member to assist Mid-America EDC in its mission.  Mid-America EDC members are also encouraged to nominate qualified and motivated...

June’s Board Member Spotlight is on Erin Sparks, Economic Development Lead, Great River Energy

Monday, May 31, 2021

Greetings Mid America EDC Members! Summer has arrived! And with that so has construction season. We hope that you are experiencing some great economic development projects breaking ground in your respective communities. Stay tuned for upcoming free Webinars – there are some good ones in the works! And mark your calendars for December 1 – 3, 2021 yes the Mid-America EDC Competitive Conference is happening! In-person, in Chicago! Stay tuned for more information as we confirm up the agenda. This month we get to know Erin Sparks, Economic Development Lead at Great River Energy...

May’s Board Member Spotlight is on Dean Dziedzic, Vice President of Economic Development, Sioux Falls Development Foundation

Friday, April 30, 2021

Greetings Mid America EDC Members! We hope that you were able to join us for our Virtual Best Practices Conference last week.  If you want to re-visit any of the sessions, you can do so via the Whova Website  - https://whova.com/portal/webapp/mebpc_202105/Agenda Our current Mid America EDC Board President, Dean Dziedzic welcomed us at the conference.  Outside of leading Mid America EDC, he’s a pretty busy economic developer in Sioux Falls, SD.   We hope you enjoy getting to know Dean and hearing about his experiences.       Q.1     Tell us about...

April’s Board Member Spotlight is on Valerie Christofferson, Director, Business Customer Growth and Sustainability at Consumers Energy

Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Greetings Mid America EDC Members! Spring is always an exciting time for new construction projects taking off. We hope that you are experiencing some great economic development projects breaking ground in your respective communities. A quick reminder that our upcoming Best Practices Conference will be virtual (May 12-13). If you haven’t had the opportunity to register yet, you can do that at the following link- https://www.midamericaedc.org/events-and-programs/best-practices-conference As many of you know, we were originally planning to have the Best Practices Conference in Flint, MI. So since we won’t be in person, we wanted to bring a little...

2020 Mid-America EDC Annual Report to the Membership

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

With the switch from in-person to virtual for the 2020 Competitiveness Conference & Site Selector Forum, the leadership would like to provide to you this year the attached written annual report/update.  We hope you have a wonderful holiday season, and we hope to see you (in person) in 2021!  2020 Annual Report   The Mid-America EDC Board of Directors

December's Spotlight is on Colleen Eddy, Economic Development Specialist at the City of Elk River, Minnesota.

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

It’s the most….. wonderful time….. of…. the year! Season’s Greetings Mid-America EDC Members.  We hope you were able to join us for our Virtual Competitiveness Conference and Site Selector Forum.   A reminder to those who were able to attend -  all sessions were recorded and you can access them anytime via the Whova app - https://whova.com/.   As we close the final chapter on 2020, we are excited to spotlight yet another one of our dedicated volunteer board members.   We miss seeing everyone in-person at our conferences, so we hope these...

November's Board Member Spotlight is on Chris McGowan, President, Siouxland Chamber of Commerce & The Siouxland Initiative

Sunday, November 01, 2020

Happy November Mid-America EDC Members! Big Ten Football is back, the election season is over, and Thanksgiving is right around the corner. It’s going to be a great month! We hope you enjoyed our very first edition of the "Board Member Spotlight" newsletter last month. These monthly short pieces are intended to provide insight on exciting economic development projects from around the Mid-America EDC Region while also providing virtual networking / get-to knows of the Mid-America EDC board members. This month, we are featuring Chris McGowan, President of the Siouxland Chamber of...

Mid-America EDC 2021 Events and Information Planning/Update

Monday, October 26, 2020

As we continue Mid-America EDC’s planning for 2021, we wanted to share the current plan from the Board of Directors, as we know many are working on budgets for next year. We are happy to report that our membership and sponsorship rates will NOT increase in 2021. Visit our website at www.midamericaedc.org to renew today! Check out updated membership benefits, including monthly educational webinars that will be FREE to members, and that will offer additional sponsor exposure. At this time, we do plan to hold both conferences in-person next year (and are truly looking forward to it)!...

October's Board Member Spotlight is on Nathan Schneider, Vice President, Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

As fall is now here, and 2020 is getting closer to being in the rearview mirror (good riddance), we hope you and your families and respective economic development organizations are well! Mid America EDC like all other organizations has continued to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since we aren't able to network in-person quite yet, we wanted to share backgrounds, experiences, and advice from our volunteer board members from across the Mid America EDC Region. So, today is the first edition of our "Board Member Spotlight" newsletter that we plan to send out monthly (hopefully this is more...

Extended deadline and NEW category for the Mid-America EDC 2020 Awards Program!

Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Submit your Entry for the 2020 Annual Economic Development Awards The Mid-America EDC invites you to participate in the The Mid-America EDC Economic Development Awards program. These awards recognize outstanding endeavors in development of marketing materials, marketing events and economic development efforts in our thirteen Mid-America region states. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our 2020 awards deadline will be extended to January 31, 2021 – AND, we have added a new award category “Overcoming Adversity”! Winners will be announced at the 2021 Best Practices Conference May 12-14, 2021 in Flint, Michigan. Award recipients will be recognized...