Building a Competitive Future Through Innovative Partnerships
March 20-22 │ Washington, DC Metro Area
Register before Friday, January 14 and save $100 with our early registration rates!

http://www.iedconline.org/FederalForum/index.html

The 2011 Federal Economic Development Forum, March 20-23, in the Washington DC Metro Area will focus on the steps for building partnerships in federal economic development policy that are essential in the face of economic recovery.

The Obama Administration has placed a strong emphasis on breaking down silos and cultivating inter-agency cooperation, and simultaneously federal agencies are encouraging prospective funding recipients to work in teams of multiple stakeholders. The November election results have changed the balance of power in Washington, and the economic development profession is maneuvering to remain at the top of the list of the new Congress' priorities. A renewed focus on regionalism and innovation within federal agencies is leading more communities to collaborate to meet mutually beneficial economic development goals.

What are the implications of the federal push toward partnerships for economic developers? The Forum will examine the role that innovative partnerships between multiple public, private, and non-profit, actors will play in ensuring geographic and national competitiveness. Gain insight on federal economic policy with three days of informative sessions and a first-rate lineup of speakers.

SESSION TOPICS INCLUDE:
• Growing from Within: Supporting Small Businesses
• Sustainability for a Green Future
• Taking the Agriculture Industry to the Next Level
• Grasping Job Creation Programs
• Creating Jobs in the New Economy

SPEAKERS CONFIRMED THUS FAR INCLUDE:

Judith A. Canales
Administrator
USDA Rural Development
Washington, DC

Jonathan Coppess
Farm Services Administrator
US Department of Agriculture
Washington, DC

Robert Duncan
Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary
US Department of Housing and Urban Development
Office of DAS Economic Development
Washington, DC

Jess B. Knox
Associate Administrator
Office of Field Operations
US Small Business Administration
Washington, DC

Brian P. McGowan
Deputy Assistant Secretary
Economic Development Administration
US Department of Commerce
Washington, DC

Michael F. Northrop
Program Director
Global Sustainable Development Program
Rockefeller Brothers Fund
New York, NY

Victor Vasquez
Deputy Under Secretary
Rural Development
US Department of Agriculture
Washington, DC

WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND THE FEDERAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FORUM:

GAIN insight on how to position your community to take advantage of new tools and resources.

GROW your knowledge of federal policy to stay ahead on emerging issues.

NETWORK with other economic developers and representatives from federal agencies.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
• Economic developers focused on federal policy
• Federal, state and local government officials and policymakers
• Non-profits and associations
• Venture capitalists
• Private sector stakeholders
• Universities and research institutions
• Members of state and local economic development organizations