Federal Economic Development Forum
March 20-22
Washington, DC Metro Area

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

At the International Economic Development Council's 2011 Federal Economic Development Forum, March 20-23, in the Washington DC Metro Area, you will learn about the new federal partnerships and programs the Obama administration has created to help drive American innovation and job creation.

How does the federal government plan to help local economic developers adapt their workforce and industries to meet current and future demands? New industries and skill sets are needed for today's and tomorrow's industries. The Federal government has responded with initiatives such as collaborating with community and technical colleges for workforce education and retraining, supporting research and development in alternative fuel sources and sustainable practices, and leveraging developments in broadband to transform regions. Attend this year's Federal Economic Development Forum to learn how your community can benefit from federal programs to locally drive innovation and create jobs.

SESSIONS OF INTEREST INCLUDE:

Investing in American Competitiveness
Monday, March 21
10:15 - 11:45 am

In today's global economy, being competitive depends on the movement of goods and ideas on faster, smoother, and safer infrastructure. Innovations in broadband and high-speed rail promise to become even more critical to American businesses in the future. The current administration and the 111th Congress have made it a priority to improve the infrastructure in the United States and providing the funding and policies to do so. This session will explore the federal programs improving the flow of goods, people and information to be a champion in the global economy.

Innovations in Education Partnerships to Meet Workforce Demands
Monday, March 21
2:00 - 3:30 pm

Community and technical colleges present exciting opportunities for economic development alliances. Two-year post-secondary institutions are increasingly offering specific and relevant training to their students and partnering with companies to create degree programs that strengthen the local talent pool. Discover how your organization can partner with what President Obama has called "the unsung heroes of American education" to provide your local workforce the skills and knowledge it needs to be competitive in today's economy.

Sustainability for a Green Future
Monday, March 21
2:00 - 3:30 pm

Federal programs will provide communities with limitless opportunities for sustainable growth in the coming decades. Since taking office, the Obama Administration and the 111th Congress have enacted several laws and policies focused on sustainability initiatives including clean energy and climate change. New federal programs have been created to help communities and businesses incorporate sustainable practices, infrastructure, and create new jobs. Learn how to draw on available federal resources to integrate sustainable programs and point the way to a sustainable future for communities and businesses.

Taking the Agriculture Industry to the Next Level
Monday, March 21
3:45 - 5:15 pm

In this new decade, the agricultural industry will continue to play a pivotal role in supporting America's economy and job creation. From traditional roles such as supplying food supplies to innovative roles such as the development of new technologies and alternative fuel sources, the Administration and Congress are providing resources to continue to build a viable industry. Learn about the latest federal policies and programs to encourage innovation and job creation in the agricultural industry.

Dialogue with Federal Agencies: Grasping Job Creation Programs
Tuesday, March 22
8:00 - 9:30 am

Creating Jobs in the New Economy
Tuesday, March 22
9:45 - 11:00 am

The lack of good-paying jobs continues to weigh on the national economy. Creating the best possible environment for new employment opportunities is essential for economic recovery. Hear leading experts explore strategies for job creation and retention as America moves forward.

EXPERT SPEAKERS INCLUDE:

Walter Bumphus, PhD
President
American Association of Community Colleges
Washington, DC

Jonathan Coppess
Administrator
US Department of Farm Services
Washington, DC

Robert Giloth
Vice President
Center for Family Economic Success and Community Change
The Annie E. Casey Foundation
Baltimore, MD

David Lloyd
Director
Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalization
Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, DC

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

Mark Troppe
Manager of Strategic Partnerships
NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership
Department of Commerce

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