Connect Locally, Succeed Globally
Charlotte, NC
September 18-21, 2011

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

Learn how to identify, develop, and maintain infrastructure investments at the International Economic Development Council's 2011 Annual Conference, September 18-21, 2011 in Charlotte, NC.

The economic development infrastructure is more than just sewer lines, roads, and rail spurs. Infrastructure investment in the first decade of the 21st century has taken on various and new forms, including technologies, such as fiber and broadband, as we move from "softer" assets, such as labor force, cultural assets and systems of delivering capital. Communities making sound investments in this kind of "infrastructure" are gaining a comparative advantage in the marketplace. This series of sessions will explore infrastructure investments for the next decade.

LEARN TO BUILD THE FOUNDATIONS OF ECONOMIC GROWTH AT THESE SESSIONS:

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.

SUSTAINABLE BUILDING PRACTICES: COSTS AND BENEFITS OF GOING GREEN
Monday, September 19
10:00 – 11:30 am
The sustainability movement is transforming the real estate industry as businesses and communities demand more green buildings. New regulations have been established in response creating challenges in constructing new buildings and related infrastructure. In this session, hear the corporate real estate, developer and design firms' perspectives on the cost and benefits of going green. Learn how economic developers can partner with the private sector to erect green buildings while minimizing costs.

DETERMINING THE ROI OF QUALITY-OF-PLACE MARKETING
Monday, September 19
1:45 - 3:15 pm
Cost competitiveness is at the heart of business investment decisions, but when the hard data weigh in equally, a site decision often comes down to an emotional connection. This session will highlight research that shows how effective quality-of-place marketing delivers results as part of an overall attraction strategy. Come learn best practices for effective place marketing, site selection success stories that emphasize a high quality of life, and how to incorporate such initiatives into your community.

GETTING CREATIVE: NEW AVENUES FOR FUNDRAISING
Monday, September 19
4:00 – 5:30 pm
The recession and public-sector budget crisis have been a one-two punch to the funding of many local economic development organizations (EDOs). In response to tighter resources, EDOs have been exploring creative ways to fund their programs and projects, from reframing their value proposition to developing fee-based programs and more. This session will feature fresh insights and real-world examples of current approaches to EDO fundraising.

EXPANDING TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS TO DRIVE GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS
Tuesday, September 20
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
In today's economy, communities must leverage every opportunity to enhance the competitiveness of their business environment. The transportation needs of businesses are evolving, but reliability, connectivity and sustainability continue to be important in moving both goods and people. New strategies that build partnerships among communities, businesses and multimodal providers to improve transportation networks can result in real economic success. This session will provide a keen understanding of how businesses view multimodal networks, the roles and challenges of leveraging freight rail to attract major industrial investments and tactics to build transformative transportation-based partnerships and strategic plans to compete in the global economy.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES FOR DEFENSE COMMUNITIES
Tuesday, September 20
2:15 – 3:45 pm
Military installations and the defense contractor industry do not exist in a vacuum. While unique to the defense communities, tactics for protecting and nurturing bases and the industry; diversify the economic base; and redeveloping former military developments are an essential aspect of a community's overall economic development strategy. The speakers in this session will share three different perspectives-a base closure with a defense contractor cluster, a downsizing base and a growing base that is at risk for closure or downsize. Hear the lessons they have learned, the strategies applied in their communities and advice for defense communities.

ANCHOR INSTITUTIONS: YOUR FRIEND IN LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Tuesday, September 20
4:00 – 5:30 pm
Anchor institutions such as hospitals, universities, libraries and other type of establishments continue to employ many in communities where other investors have departed. Many economic development entities have strategies to support the financing revitalization and workforce needs of these businesses. This session will identify potential anchor institutions, review anchor institutions' potential for impact on community vitality, and provide a framework for applying these concepts and highlight best practices.