Leveraging Regional Strategies & Resources in Economic Development

March 16, 2017

2:30 p.m. ET

Member rate: $95

Non-member rate: $135

Registration Deadline: March 16 at 11:00 a.m. ET

Linking together communities of all sizes is an important economic development strategy you can use to build critical mass through your marketing and more. By pooling the resources of surrounding regions, you can create a more substantial presence in your communication with businesses, states, and investors. Businesses tend not to see jurisdictional borders, but instead, look at locations from the perspective of markets, trading regions, infrastructure and other assets. Communities that fail to think on a broader scale are at risk of over-competing with their neighboring communities. During this webinar, you will explore the topic of regional cooperation and present findings from the newest paper of IEDC's Economic Development Research Partners (EDRP).

Explore the following:

• Benefits and challenges associated with regional approaches to economic development
• Regional economic development best practices
• Case studies highlighting examples of successful regional economic development efforts

Speakers:

Cathy Chambers
S​enior ​V​ice ​P​resident​, Strategy & Business Development
JAXUSA Partnership ​
Jacksonville, FL​

Why Cathy?

- Twenty years of experience working for Chambers of Commerce, regional economic development organizations, and city government
- Coordinates strategic planning and partner activities for the seven-county Northeast Florida region

- Recruits high-wage jobs and private capital investment to Northeast Florida and oversees JAXUSA Partnership’s marketing and research initiatives

Brief bio: Cathy Chambers is Senior Vice President of Strategy & Business Development for the JAXUSA Partnership. Recently named as one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers, Cathy worked for Chambers of Commerce, regional economic development organizations and city government, with over 20 years of experience in the profession. In her role with JAXUSA, Cathy recruits high-wage jobs and private capital investment to Northeast Florida. See full bio.

Amy J. Clickner, CEcD, CFRM
CEO
Lake Superior Community Partnership
Marquette, MI

Why Amy?

- Leads the initiatives of LSCP, which was appointed by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's president Mike Finney to be the lead agency in one of ten regions in the state due to the organization's proven track record                                                                       - Chosen and completed a year-long Ford Fellowship on Regional Sustainable Development in 2008

Brief bio: Amy Clickner has worked for the Lake Superior Community Partnership (LSCP) since 1998, most recently serving as Chief Executive Officer. The LSCP, an Accredited Economic Development Organization, is a private-public partnership who fills the role of the countywide economic development organization. See full bio.

W. Kurt Foreman
Executive Vice President, Economic Development
Greater Oklahoma City Chamber
Oklahoma City, OK

Why Kurt?

- Has either CEO or senior staff level experience at local and regional economic development organizations in Louisiana; Pennsylvania; Washington, DC; and Wisconsin                                                                                          

- Led business recruitment/expansion, workforce marketing support, marketing/image enhancement, and government procurement efforts for the northern Louisiana region

Brief bio: Kurt Foreman currently serves as head of the Economic Development Division at the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, one of the nation’s largest and most successful chambers of commerce. Kurt and the Chamber’s 14-member economic development team focus on job creation and capital investment by attracting new businesses, growing and retaining existing businesses, supporting innovation and entrepreneurial development, and attracting destination retail businesses. See full bio.