Annual Conference
Register: http://www.iedconline.org/AnnualConference/Registration.html

The International Economic Development Council's 2010 Annual Conference, "New Paradigms: The Practice of Economic Development in a Changed Landscape", September 26-29, 2010 in Columbus, OH, will explore the latest trends, the newest approaches and the most innovative techniques being utilized by the economic development profession.

What we do, how we do it and who we do it with are changing. As the economy gets its feet back on the ground, economic development and the industries within are getting a major upgrade. New industries, tools, strategies, and management approaches are enhancing the way economic developers get their jobs done.

Stay ahead of the curve in this rapidly changing profession! A series of our sessions will break down the newest trends, tools and innovative partners that you can replicate in your own community.

Trends
Sunday, September 26
4:00 – 5:30 pm
Industries in a Changed Landscape: Healthcare as an Economic Development Strategy
The healthcare industry is growing and for some communities it is the largest employer. This session will explore the role of the healthcare and medical industry sectors as a component of regional economy.

Monday, September 27
11:30 am – 2:00 pm
Economic Development Ethics Workshop
Economic developers encounter numerous situations on a regular basis that require sound judgment and strength of character. This session will provide basic instruction on ethics, the difference between ethics and legal definitions, as well as the use of case study examples to boost learning among participants on ethical decision making.

Monday, September 27
3:45 – 5:15 pm
Industries in a Changed Landscape: Renewable Energy
Ever increasing demand for energy and the need to decrease dependency on fossil fuels in addition to global environmental concerns are driving the development of renewable energy. This session will provide valuable insight into global renewable energy trends, key location factor and strategies economic development organizations should implement to successfully grow and/or recruit this growing industry.

Tools
Monday, September 27
10:00 – 11:30 am
Using Bonds to Finance Projects
The federal government has released some new bond programs within the past year or two. This session will explain municipal bonds including some of the newly created and how communities can tap into them to finance projects.

Wednesday, September 29
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Social Media: Linkage to Multiple Markets
As marketing budgets are tight, many communities are turning to social media as an inexpensive tool to complement their marketing plans. With multiple changes in technology and tools, attendees will learn the new social media applications to reach different markets.

Partnerships
Monday, September 27
3:45 – 5:15 pm
Partnering to Meet University and Community Real Estate Development Needs
Current budget cuts are connecting universities and communities to seek creative ways to work together on real estate projects for the benefits of both groups. This session will examine how universities and communities can work together on real estate projects that create linkages, provide services and generate revenue for both groups.

Sunday, September 26
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Regions at the Crossroads: Transforming Higher Education and Economic Development
Higher education institutions and economic development organizations engage on many projects, yet the understanding of mutual areas for collaboration between higher education and local and regional economic development organizations faces obstacles. This workshop will examine the power of collaboration between economic development organizations and institutes of higher education