There are limited seats and we typically sell out, so purchase your ticket early to secure your spot! 

Each year, AAED partners with the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) to provide the Basic Economic Development Course. This course provides attendees with a foundational understanding of economic development to grow and enhance community wealth, attract and retain jobs and investment, improve quality of life, and contribute to a strong tax base.

Your experience in this course will include the practical application of concepts through simulated case studies involving real-life challenges in real-life communities. Even more, this course counts as credit toward obtaining an IEDC Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation.

Case Study Component: Attendees are required to complete a group project, building a strategic plan for a fictional community and presenting to a panel of judges. Much of this work occurs outside of class time (i.e. evenings), so we encourage attendees to plan accordingly.

Your registration includes the BEDC course book, reception, lunches, and refreshments on course days.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

• Local, Regional, and State-Level Economic Development Practitioners
• Economic / Industrial Development Board Members
• Chamber of Commerce Officials
• Municipal and County Managers and Department Directors
• Community Planners and Developers
• State / Local Elected Officials
• Tribal Leaders
• Congressional Aides
• Community Leaders
• County Commissioners
• Utility Company Representatives
• Community / Regional Planners
• Real Estate Professionals
• Workforce Development Professionals
• Poverty Reduction Advocates

TOPICS COVERED

• Organizing, Planning, and Managing Economic Development Initiatives
• Finance and Budgeting
• Ethics
• Community Development
• Entrepreneurship
• Workforce Development
• Real Estate Development and Reuse
• Infrastructure
• Managing Economic Development Organizations
• Business Retention and Expansion
• Tribal Economic Development
• Equity & Inclusion