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

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

Learn effective strategies for navigating the transitional economy at the International Economic Development Council's 2011 Annual Conference, September 18-21, 2011 in Charlotte, NC.

Economic developers must be able to understand global economic trends and how they impact local, regional and state economies. How can EDOs best operate in an environment of limited resources? How can communities stand out in a competitive global economy? Answering these questions and others, this series of sessions will explore the forces currently challenging and influencing economic development and the strategies needed to respond. Join IEDC in Charlotte as we help communities better shape their future and navigate the transitional economy.

Sessions to Help You Understand Current Forces Shaping Economic Development Include:

New Core Competencies around Modern Manufacturing
Sunday, September 18
3:45 - 5:15 pm
As modern manufacturing becomes more dynamic, innovative, and high tech, economic developers often must acquire new core competencies. Driving manufacturing growth today and into the future requires new programs to develop the needed workforce, to support research and innovation, and to help manufacturers to become more sustainable. This panel will discuss practical economic development tools that have been developed to assist manufacturers in the contemporary global market.

Powering Economic Growth Through The Energy Industry
Monday, September 19
10:00 – 11:30 am
Energy is a hotter topic than ever due to volatile fossil fuel prices, turmoil in the Middle East, the potential for growth in renewable power sectors and more. One of the attractive aspects of the energy industry is its ability to offer growth in a wide range of communities – urban and rural, those with high-tech assets and those more rooted in traditional manufacturing. This session will leave participants with more complete knowledge of the many different niche sectors that comprise the energy industry, how to better understand their own communities strengths in order to more effectively target this industry as well as successful examples of other communities' practices.

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.

Reorganizing Regions for the New Normal
Tuesday, September 20
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
What will it take for regional economies to compete globally in the ‘new normal'? A region's capacity to innovate and thrive will be increasingly driven by its ability to connect and leverage all of its technology-based assets. Regions must pursue a comprehensive strategy of strengthening their workforce skills, modernizing their physical infrastructure while tapping into strategic leadership, financial and entrepreneurial networks for the greatest gain. This session will examine the trends influencing innovation and R&D as well as present strategies that regions can pursue to nurture innovation, encourage economic clustering and attract world-class talent to create a competitive advantage for their regional economy.

Beyond the Bottom Line: Sustainable Business Practices
Tuesday, September 20
2:15 - 3:45 pm
Sustainability now factors into the way that many businesses measure success as firms increasingly take the "triple bottom line" into account, which measures not just profits but impacts on people and the planet as well. As this trend advances, some businesses are even formally incorporating as "benefit corporations," which allow them to pursue socially responsible goals in addition to profits. With Maryland and Vermont now formally recognizing these entities and several other states considering similar legislation, you don't want to be in the dark about key sustainability trends in the private sector. This session will explore how economic developers can play a role in helping to attract and incubate this burgeoning form of business.

Succeeding in the Age of Smart Phones and Social Media
Tuesday, September 20
4:00 – 5:30 pm
In the age of smart phones and social media, constructing messages that stand out in the rapidly expanding and new media outlets can be nerve-racking. The media environment is rich with outlets that enable both positive and negative communications about your community to quickly go viral and capture national attention. With limited time and resources, it can be difficult to know where to focus your efforts for your community to stand out. This session will help you navigate the current media landscape and effectively promote your community.

Our Expert Speakers Include:

Jose Beceiro
Director of Clean Energy, Economic Development
Austin Chamber of Commerce
Austin, TX

Gene DePrez
Partner
Global Innovation Partners
Sparta, NJ

Stan M. Kaplan
Director of the Office of Electricity, Renewables, and Uranium Statistics
US Energy Information Administration
Washington, DC

Betsy Keeler
Deputy Director
District of Columbia Government
Office of Economic Development Finance
Washington, DC

Michael W. Krajovic
President
Fay-Penn Economic Development Council
Uniontown, PA

Andrew Krueger
Author
Economic Development Online
San Francisco, CA

David Levine
Executive Director
American Sustainable Business Council
Washington, DC

April Mason Nichols
Marketing Director
GIS Planning Inc. & ZoomProspector.com
San Francisco, CA

Joshua T. Pack, PhD
Manager of Energy Technologies
Vectren Corporation
Evansville, IN

Michael R. Sears
Managing Principal
Global Capital Markets Advisors, LLC
Alexandria, VA

Ryan Shell
Director of Social Media
Development Counsellors International
New York, NY

Rick L. Weddle, FM, HLM
President & CEO
Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission
Orlando, FL