Generate New Revenue: Sell Your EDO's Research, Consulting & Marketing Skills

Date: Wednesday, August 28

Time: 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. EST

It's time to think out of the box. Faced with reduced public funding, many economic development organizations (EDOs) are augmenting revenue through research and consulting services. Drawing on two case studies from IEDC's Financing EDOs report, IEDC's August webinar will explore the efforts of two different EDOs that developed novel strategies to generate additional revenue through contractual research, consulting and professional services. Attendees will explore how these EDOs determined the services they offer, price structure for these services, when to work with other research firms, and how to avoid competing with members.

By attending this web seminar, you will learn how to:

• Make sure your EDO has the right tools in house to help respond to research questions.
• Understand if your EDO has a sustainable base to establish a research program and define the audience for research, consulting, technical and professional services.
• Understand the necessity and sources of capital to establish a research and consulting program.

Speakers:

Ron Kitchens
CEO
Southwest Michigan First
Kalamazoo, MI

As CEO of the Southwest Michigan First Group of Companies Mr. Kitchens has over three decades experience in economic development. Mr. Kitchens serves Southwest Michigan First, Southwest Michigan Partnerships, Southwest Michigan First Life Science Fund, Michigan Medical Device Accelerator, First Angels and the Catalyst Leadership Series. Kitchens’ teams were recognized by the Wall Street Journal, Winning Workplaces, Fast Company magazine and Best and Brightest Companies for excellence, professionalism and leadership.

Bill Popp
President & CEO
Anchorage Economic Development Corporation (AEDC)
Anchorage, AK

Mr. Popp has spent over 35 years in Alaska’s private and public sectors. As AEDC’s president and CEO, Popp strategically markets Anchorage and Alaska to global companies and international industries looking to Anchorage as a place to locate and expand businesses. Prior to his work with AEDC, Mr. Popp was special assistant to the Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor’s office, offering expertise on pertrochemical policies. Mr. Popp was also an elected municipal government official for the Kenai Peninsula Borough (KPB) and presided over the KPB Assembly as president in 2000. Mr. Popp’s expertise also derives from private industry experience with large national and regional businesses, and from experience as a small business owner and as project coordinator of the Challenger Learning Center for Alaska.