The International Economic Development Council’s 2013 Web Seminar Series

Diversifying Your Economy

Date: Wednesday, October 16
Time: 2:30 - 4:00 pm EST
Price: $95 for IEDC members, $135 for Non-members
Contact: [email protected]

While the Great Recession affected nearly every community in North America, locales with diversified economies were better able to weather the financial storm. As economies now begin to rebound, communities are starting to look for ways in which to reduce their vulnerability to future downturns. Economic diversification is a proven method of creating strong local economies that enjoy low unemployment rates and an expanded tax base. Webinar attendees will learn to identify their local and regional assets, ascertain effective industry and sector targets, and develop a plan for attracting companies and encouraging new businesses. In addition, attendees will know how to engage both the public and private sectors in order to build support for their diversification initiative.

Join us for a webinar on October 16 at 2:30 EST and learn how to:

• Inventory and assess your community and regional assets.
• Indentify which industries and sectors your community should target.
• Develop a plan for attracting companies and spurring entrepreneurial growth in those target industries and sectors.
• Engage their community and mobilize both public and private-sector support for the diversification effort.

Contact: [email protected]

Speakers:

Angelos Angelou
Principal Executive Officer
AngelouEconomics

Over the last two decades, Mr. Angelou and his team at AngelouEconomics have had significant experience helping EDOs develop comprehensive economic diversification plans. Toward that end, the company has produced detailed analyses regarding regional competiveness in numerous industries, including: aerospace, aviation, logistics, medical equipment manufacturing, and alternative energy parts manufacturing. Mr. Angelou will provide webinar attendees with insight into planning, developing, and implementing a successful economic diversification initiative.

Neil Everson, EcD
Director of Economic Development
City of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Mr. Everson has overseen the Hamilton's diversification efforts since they began in 2001. These efforts have resulted in the city transforming itself from a steel town into a hub for advanced manufacturing and the high-tech industry. Both Mr. Everson and the City of Hamilton's Economic Development Division have played a large role in this success, which has culminated in Hamilton being named the "Top Place to Invest in Ontario" for the past two years.