the ultimate leadership development experience explores key issues

of survey respondents say their #1 reason for attending IEDC’s Leadership Summit is to learn about key issues in economic development

MorE than

90%

IEDConLInE.org/LEaDErShIpSuMMIt

2017 IEDC LEaDErShIp SuMMIt IS froM January 29–31

concern of economic developers in 2009?

#1IEDConLInE.org/LEaDErShIpSuMMIt


ShrInkIng buDgEtS

concern of economic developers in 2013?

#1IEDConLInE.org/LEaDErShIpSuMMIt


InaDEquatE workforCE

what wILL 2017 brIng?



topICS SEnIor profESSIonaLS

wILL CovEr DurIng LEaDErShIp SuMMIt



StratEgy to IMpLEMEntatIon: EnSurIng your StratEgIC pLan IS

not a DuSt CoLLECtor

We all know that failing to plan is planning to fail, yet your community’s strategic economic development plan is only as good as the implementation of that plan. EDOs often spend

tremendous time and human resources developing an economic development strategy, but later become disappointed during the implementation phase. From dealing with limited internal

project management capacity to uncertainty on how to get the community truly engaged, this session will provide EDO leaders with winning strategies on how to ensure your plans do not die

on the bookshelf.

StratEgy to IMpLEMEntatIon: EnSurIng your StratEgIC pLan IS

not a DuSt CoLLECtor



EStabLIShIng work-LIfE baLanCE aS EConoMIC DEvELopMEnt

LEaDErS

Technology is blurring the lines between personal and professional lives. It is not unusual for economic developers to

work around the clock on SmartPhones and laptops as you strive to leverage your time. You are active members on the boards of local organizations doing volunteer work with key community

organizations, giving input into business associations, and participating in a myriad of other interactions that come with community leadership - not to mention the fact that you need to please your own board and local elected leaders, answering

their questions whenever they need attention. It is easy for lines to become blurred and stress to cause burnout or worse - conflict of interest issues with the economic developer. This session focuses on how economic developers can ensure they

have time for their primary work and develop a work-life balance in the face of this reality.

EStabLIShIng work-LIfE baLanCE aS EConoMIC DEvELopMEnt LEaDErS



a DISCuSSIon on InCLuSIvE EConoMIC DEvELopMEnt anD

gEntrIfICatIon

New corridors of businesses around a community are a welcome sight to an economic developer. However, new

activity in low income neighborhoods often means that the cost of living will rise and become unsustainable for long-time residents, leading to their displacement. This session

will look at how communities are revitalizing neighborhoods while ensuring that everyone feels welcome in the new

community and can contribute to its growth.

a DISCuSSIon on InCLuSIvE EConoMIC DEvELopMEnt anD

gEntrIfICatIon



EConoMIC DEvELopMEnt unDEr thE SEa: turnIng to thE oCEan for

nEw growth opportunItIES

Much attention is focused on space exploration these days, but the ocean is quietly providing rich economic development

opportunities for savvy investors. From the generation of sustainable energy to marine equipment to fishing and

aquaculture, coastal and marine environments are a new frontier for economic development. This session will walk you through

the things you should know about economic development opportunities under the sea, all while considering the health of

our oceans.

EConoMIC DEvELopMEnt unDEr thE SEa: turnIng to thE oCEan for nEw

growth opportunItIES



rEgIonaL EConoMIC DEvELopMEnt: organIzIng anD ExECutIng for

rEgIonaL SuCCESS

As local economies begin to explore the impacts of regional economic development, it is beneficial for communities to fully

understand its benefits and challenges.

EDRP’s new research examines how regional approaches to economic development fill a void within the traditional

economic development landscape, and how EDOs can effectively implement regional strategies within the communities

they serve. Additionally, this research explains why economic competitiveness and business climate improvements are greatly

enhanced by organizing and executing regional strategies.

rEgIonaL EConoMIC DEvELopMEnt: organIzIng anD ExECutIng for

rEgIonaL SuCCESS



turnIng arounD a CoMMunIty ExpErIEnCIng a DECLInIng workIng agE popuLatIon

Communities that are losing their working age population can enter into a vicious circle of population loss, difficulty in attracting new industries and creating jobs, and a decline in local revenue. While the situation can look bleak, recovery

is not impossible. This session will look at some resilient communities that have seen a decline in their working age

populations but have managed to rebound. We will examine some strategies for recovery.

turnIng arounD a CoMMunIty ExpErIEnCIng a DECLInIng workIng

agE popuLatIon



ExpECt thE unExpECtED: ContIngEnCy pLanS for your

traDE MISSIon

You have done all your research, have all your meetings confirmed, and your trade mission is off to a great start - until it isn’t. Political, social or economic upheaval can

derail a trade mission and put you and your delegation and its reputation in danger. This session will look at the safety,

security and publicity considerations you need to take in order to ensure that you feel prepared in an event of a

natural or manmade emergency.

ExpECt thE unExpECtED: ContIngEnCy pLanS for your

traDE MISSIon



bECoMIng thE “go to” rESourCE for your LoCaL buSInESSES

Economic development leaders must always do their best to anticipate, understand and respond to the needs of potential and existing businesses in their community. But as much as

you try, your EDO is not always sought out by businesses that are seeking support. In some cases, smaller to medium size

businesses may not even know that your organization exists and the services it can provide. This session will examine winning

strategies of how economic developers can promote a clear line of communication with local businesses.

bECoMIng thE “go to” rESourCE for your LoCaL buSInESSES



whErE arE thE MILLEnnIaL EntrEprEnEurS?

While much has been said of the millennial generation as being self-starters who are confident in their abilities and skills, it often appears that this seemingly entrepreneurial generation might just be entrepreneurial in mindset only.

According to various research works, this generation is the least entrepreneurial in recent history and baby boomers are starting up more companies than any other age group. What

does this mean for the future of entrepreneurship and how can your EDO make a difference?

whErE arE thE MILLEnnIaL EntrEprEnEurS?



aCtIvatIng EMpty SpaCES: rEIMagInIng thE forgottEn

SpaCES In CoMMunItIES for buSInESS anD MorE

From abandoned churches to empty alleys, the nooks and crannies of a community can provide interesting new locations

for businesses and community social events. By activating empty or forgotten spaces around the community, your EDO

can make the most of its unused assets and bring new life and memorable character to your community. This session will

examine some of the best examples of economic development outside the box of traditional real estate.

aCtIvatIng EMpty SpaCES: rEIMagInIng thE forgottEn SpaCES In CoMMunItIES for buSInESS anD MorE



rEvvIng up your CrEatIvE InDuStrIES wIth InCubatIon anD

aCCELEratIon SErvICES

When someone speaks of incubators and accelerators, the first thing that comes to most mind is tech companies. Creative industries -- such as design, music, or online apps

and games -- need the same support services and programs that help get tech companies off the ground. This session will look at how EDOs can support the creative industries

and their entrepreneurs to ensure a high-growth and dynamic local economy.

rEvvIng up your CrEatIvE InDuStrIES wIth InCubatIon anD

aCCELEratIon SErvICES



LIfE In thE faSt LanE: CaSE StuDy of fLorIDa’S tEChnoLogy hub

So much more than just a place for retirees and snowbirds, Florida has become a leading technology hub over the past

decade. Through a collaborative effort of multiple EDOs, the private sector and other institutions, South Florida is

home to the Network Access Point (NAP) of the Americas, an entrepreneurial hotbed, and a strong and growing IT and

bioscience cluster. This session will showcase Florida as a case study in building a world-class IT cluster.

LIfE In thE faSt LanE: CaSE StuDy of fLorIDa’S tEChnoLogy hub



EConoMIC DEvELopMEnt book CLub

Each year dozens of new books and articles come out on the latest economic development topics. This session will focus on a few good pieces of economic development literature to

build a lively conversation.

EConoMIC DEvELopMEnt book CLub



Support tEaM: rECruIt/rEtaIn or outSourCE?

A high quality support team for economic development - such as IT, event planners, training instructors, and

accounting - is essential to a high performing EDO in a competitive market, but finding the right people within

your budget can be challenging. Is it better to hire staff or outsource to local or national firms? This session will explore how to evaluate essential support staff hiring decisions, and

what criteria to use when outsourcing.

Support tEaM: rECruIt/rEtaIn or outSourCE?



ManagIng gEnEratIonaL DIffErEnCES In thE workpLaCE

There is much talk about how to manage differences between workers of multiple generations. It is important

that EDO leaders understanding how to mentor, manage and support the continued development of younger employees,

while also taking care not to discriminate against older workers. This session will highlight how one EDO leader is being especially proactive and successful in his approach.

ManagIng gEnEratIonaL DIffErEnCES In thE workpLaCE



InCrEaSIng your CoMMunIty’S roI froM SoCIaL EntrEprEnEurS

Channeling their can-do attitude towards creating social and financial returns on investment, social entrepreneurs can

make your community healthier, wealthier, and wiser through their ventures in the environment, enterprise development

and education. As an economic development leader, you have a role to play in helping these social entrepreneurs succeed,

and in turn, making your community more resilient.

InCrEaSIng your CoMMunIty’S roI froM SoCIaL EntrEprEnEurS



EMpLoyEE wELLnESS In your EDo anD CoMMunIty buSInESSES

There is a growing emphasis on promoting mental and physical health in the workplace, with the goal of keeping employees in top shape and productive on the job. EDOs of any size can bring these “employee care” benefits and

philosophies to the office, and should be equipped to help businesses in the community offer the same benefits. This

session will look at the most cost-effective and efficient ways of emphasizing wellness as a core value.

EMpLoyEE wELLnESS In your EDo anD CoMMunIty buSInESSES



what ELSE wILL 2017 brIng?



ExChangE IDEaS. gEt anSwErS. rEgIStEr now.



the ultimate leadership development experience explores key issues

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