Connect Locally, Succeed Globally
Charlotte, NC
September 18-21, 20-11

Register before Friday, July 15 and save $100 with our early registration rates!

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

Do you have the support you need from your mayor, other elected officials and your board of directors for economic development efforts in your community?

The International Economic Development Council's 2011 Annual Conference, September 18-21 in Charlotte, NC, is your chance to build greater understanding and buy-in for your work. Bring your stakeholders for a learning experience that will increase trust, knowledge and capacity with the people who can make or break your success.

Ask yourself .
• Do your stakeholders understand the complexities of economic development?
• Are they able to clearly communicate your community's economic development goals?
• Can they make informed policy and resource decisions that align with your economic development strategies and priorities?

We have programming throughout the conference that will help your leaders understand the nuances of economic development and show them effective strategies. Attend the conference as a team and return to your community with renewed enthusiasm, focus and support for your work!

THOSE WHO TRY IT SAY, "IT WORKS!"

"They're how we get some of our funding, how we keep our jobs and, most importantly, how we get deals in the ground! I brought four elected officials with me to Columbus and will do the same for Charlotte." ~Brett Doney, President & CEO, Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.

"I have always believed that encouraging my board members to attend IEDC conferences and meetings adds greatly to their understanding of the value of meeting with your peers and keeping up with the ever changing world of economic development. The continued education of my board creates an atmosphere of understanding and encouragement for the work we do as professionals." ~Jim Griffin, Executive Director, City of Hornell Industrial Development Agency

SPECIAL NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR STAKEHOLDERS:

Elected Officials and Board of Directors Networking Lunch
Monday, September 19
11:45 am - 1:30 pm

Meet fellow elected officials and board of directors of economic development organizations attending this year's conference at an exclusive networking luncheon.

Price: Free, but registration is required.

Discussion Roundtables for Stakeholders
Wednesday, September 21
7:45 - 9:00 am

By request of past attendees, we have created roundtables especially for local elected officials and board directors to discuss economic development issues from their perspectives. This is a key opportunity for your stakeholders to engage with and learn from their peers in other communities.

SESSIONS OF INTEREST FOR YOUR STAKEHOLDERS:

Financing Tools for Times of Economic Turbulence
Monday, September 19
1:45 - 3:15 pm

In times of fiscal austerity, the need for economic development initiatives to spur growth cannot be understated. Communities must continue to invest in economic development projects and programs to not only ensure job creation in the short term, but also a speedy and healthy recovery for the long term. Cities adopt innovative financing programs to move their most important projects forward. This session will explore successful alternative strategies for financing different types of projects including leverage federal tools such as Federal bonds, New Markets Tax Credits, and EB-5 Program Investment with municipal programs such as Tax Increment Financing.

Beyond Jobs: New Methods in Measuring Return on Investments
Monday, September 19
4:00 – 5:30 pm

Economic development metrics typically focus on jobs created and taxes generated, yet these variables do not capture the impact of programs that aim to grow knowledge-based economies. In this session, panelists will present new tools and techniques for evaluating economic development efforts that include measures such as wealth creation, workforce talent, network development, innovation and entrepreneurial environment, and global competitiveness. Session attendees will leave with an understanding of these new measurements and how to implement them locally, leading to demonstrable results for their programs, leaders and communities.

Fostering Innovation in Small Communities
Monday, September 19
1:45 – 3:15 p.m.

Most discussion of innovation-focused economic development tends to emphasize the role of industry clusters as magnets for talent and entrepreneurship in large cities. Yet, the geography of innovation is not limited to big cities--innovation hotspots are popping up in communities of all sizes. Smaller cities and rural communities can and should actively embrace economic development policies focused on spurring local innovation. This session will explore how smaller cities and rural communities are succeeding in building their own homegrown innovation ecosystems.

Investing in the Arts and Culture Industry for Economic Growth
Monday, September 19
4:00 – 5:30 pm

A robust arts and entertainment industry can position your community to attract a young and energetic workforce and creatively related businesses; fuel downtown and neighborhood redevelopment and generates jobs. Strategically planning investment, programs and infrastructure to support the local arts and entertainment industry can result in increased economic returns including job creation, tax benefits and an increased quality of life. Learn how to leverage the arts and entertainment industry to drive tangible and intangible returns on investments in your community.

Locally Driven Approaches to Watering Your Food Desert
Sunday, September 18
3:45 - 5:15 pm

Access to healthy food and supermarkets can be challenging to underserved communities. The lack of grocery stores has inspired innovative, locally driven approaches to providing access to healthy food and developing supermarkets. At the base of successful food system programs are real estate, attraction initiatives, marketing and finance. This session will explore how economic developers and local leaders can strategically create successful food systems.

Leveraging Diversity for Your Community's Success
Tuesday, September 20
10:30 – Noon

In the 21st century, communities have become more diverse, creating differences in outlook, culture, values and expectations among its citizens. Newfound diversity within neighborhoods can directly influence economic and commercial vitality both positively and negatively. Incorporating diversity goals into strategic plans and collaborating with diversity-based organizations can lead to community revitalization and the attraction of knowledge workers. This session will discuss strategies to leverage diversity for your community's success.

REGISTER AS A GROUP AND SAVE MONEY!
Bundle four or more registrations and take 10 percent off the regular registration rate. Take advantage of this deal to make it more affordable for your fellow economic development leaders and elected officials to attend! Register today and save with our Early Bird Registration Rate – discount ends Friday, July 15.