WASHINGTON - May 5, 2020 - Communities across North America are marking this week as the fifth annual Economic Development Week (EDW), celebrating contributions by professional economic developers to create more economically vibrant and livable communities.
Created in 2016 by International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the largest international professional trade association for economic developers, Economic Development Week aims to increase awareness for local programs that create jobs, advance career development opportunities, and improve the quality of life in communities everywhere.
Over the past four years, more than 450 communities across the U.S. and Canada have participated in campaigns across all 50 U.S. states, eight Canadian provinces, and additional U.S. territories.
IEDC will host several events during economic development week, including:
Daily Salon Discussions: Led by IEDC board members, these discussions run from 4:30 - 5:30 PM ET.
Free Webinars: On May 4, IEDC hosted a free webinar as part of its ongoing series for economic developers navigating COVID-19. A second webinar will be held May 6.
#EconDevTalks: This digital media campaign will give those outside the profession a chance to connect with economic developers and learn more about the industry.
Economic Developers face a unique set of challenges this year, as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to move the global economy into uncharted territory. Yet with the impacts of the novel coronavirus trickling down into every level of the economy, the expertise economic developers possess will be critical in paving the way for a resilient recovery in the months to come.
"Economic developers and economic development organizations are essential — a question we are getting with increasing frequency. We are the voice of, and advocate for, economic well-being," says IEDC President & CEO Jeff Finkle of the importance of celebrating Economic Development amidst the current COVID-19 crisis. As such, "we must remain vigilant in the defense of our critical roles within our communities."
IEDC encourages all interested economic developers to visit our website at iedconline.org/edw to learn more and begin planning their 2020 Economic Development Week celebrations.
