Develop This: Economic and Community Development

In this episode, Dennis shares his thoughts on the 2024 IEDC Annual Conference that was held in Denver.

In this episode, Dennis laments how the seeds of distrust have been sown in our election process and how that distrust affects even local elections. Why is it so hard to disagree and still respect each other's opinions?

Mark Perna joins Dennis to discuss the power of saying no. Sometimes, saying no is the best strategy. Dennis and Mark talk about how and why to say no.

Dennis is joined by third-generation magician and award-winning entertainer Dennis Watkins from the Magic Parlour in Chicago. Dennis and his wife attended a show at the Magic Parlour, and Dennis was so impressed he asked magician Dennis Watkins to join him on an episode of Develop This! Listen in for a fascinating discussion of the behind-the-scenes world of magic and discover how economic development is like magic!

In this episode, Denis is joined by James Hoelscher, CEcD (Course Director) for The Heartland Economic Development Course (HEDC) and the Program Manager at the University of Northern Iowa's Institute for Decision Making. Dennis and James discuss the basic economic development courses and how they vary around the county. IEDC lists 25 basic economic development courses on its website.

The Heartland Economic Development Course (HEDC) offers intensive training in the basic concepts, information, methods, and strategies of local economic development. A diverse and experienced faculty, composed of both academicians and practitioners, gives an excellent blend of theory and practice. Graduation from HEDC fulfills one of the education prerequisites for those who wish to take examinations for Certified Economic Development (CEcD) designation.

Heartland 2025 is held at the Adams Pointe Conference Center in Blue Springs, MO, from April 29th through May 2nd. An evening reception is held the night prior on the 28th at the Conference Center. The format consists of interactive presentations, panels, and discussions facilitated by Heartland's expert faculty.

March 29 or April 5 (must attend one)

8:00 a.m. Strategic Planning for Economic Development

April 22

4-7 p.m. Optional evening reception and course check-in at the Adams Pointe Conference Center

April 23

7:00 a.m. Course Registration

8 a.m. Course opening

Managing an EDO

Ethics in Economic Development (Part 1)

Workforce Development & Talent Attraction

Networking Dinner!

April 24

Entrepreneurship

Economic Development Financing

Neighborhood/Community Development/Main Street (community tours)

KC Dinner & Networking!

April 25

7 a.m. Professional Development Pathways (optional)

Real Estate Development

Ethics (part 2)

Business Retention & Expansion (tour and mock BRE interview)

Dinner on your own

April 26

Understanding Site Selection

Responding to an RFI

State Partner Association Member:

$995.00

Non-Member:

$1,095.00

James Hoelscher, CEcD (Course Director)

Dennis is joined by Kirk Garton, program director of OUEDI - OU Economic Development Institute. OUEDI alumnus Dennis discusses the OUEDI curriculum and the process of completing the classes, which are available online and in person.

OU EDI Core Requirements

OU EDI has aligned its curriculum to meet the education standards and requirements set by the IEDC Education and Certification Committees. These committees and OU EDI have identified three core areas considered to be the building blocks of economic development: Business Retention and Expansion (BRE), Real Estate, and Credit Analysis.

Each OU EDI Participant Must Study these Three Core Areas by Completing the Following Courses:

Business Retention and Expansion (16 hours)

Real Estate Development and Reuse (16 hours)

Economic Development Credit Analysis (24 hours)

OU EDI Elective Requirements

In addition to the core areas, OU EDI has developed a curriculum intended to give the participants a broad-based education and to develop the skills necessary to be successful economic developers, while simultaneously covering four of the topic areas necessary to prepare for IEDC's CEcD certification exam.

Economic Development Marketing and Attraction

Economic Development Strategic Planning

Entrepreneurial and Small Business Development Strategies

Managing Economic Development Organizations

Community and Neighborhood Development

Workforce Development

OU EDI and IEDC have worked closely to ensure that OU EDI graduates will have fulfilled the necessary classroom contact hours in the three core areas and the elective areas of concentration to satisfy the education requirements necessary to sit for the CEcD exam.

Enjoy this classic Develop This! episode from 2021

Develop This! will be back next week with an all-new episode

Are you new to the business of economic and community development and wondering how to get started?

Whether you are brand new to the business or a seasoned economic developer looking to get back to basics, this episode is for you. Dennis and Jason share the 7 rules you need to follow to have early success in your career.

Enjoy this classic Develop! This episode from 2020.

Develop This! will be back with an all-new show next week.

Many projects require divergent groups to work together, so how can we reach consensus when there are very different opinions?

In this episode, Dennis and Jason share tips and strategies for identifying mutual goals, navigating compromise, and utilizing clear and consistent communication.

Dennis is joined by Mark Perna. In light of President Biden's dropping out of the presidential race, they discuss how old is too old and the power of having multiple ages working together.

Dennis is joined by Dell Gines, the Chief Innovation Officer of the International Economic Development Council. They discuss the upcoming IEDC annual conference, which will be held in Denver from September 15-18, 2024.

Early Bird Registration Deadline ends July 26th.

Discover The Mile High City

Calling all changemakers, visionaries, influencers, disruptors, and developers, the 2024 IEDC Annual Conference awaits! Your community, region, country, and world need you in Denver, CO, September 15-18, to join forces with thousands of economic development practitioners and thought leaders from around the globe as we celebrate and champion the unsung heroes of economic development.

This year's conference is more than just one of our standard gatherings; it's the premier platform to flip the script and transform our profession into one of the world's most recognized, understood, and attractive industries. By spotlighting the innovative work of economic development superheroes, we aim to inspire and equip you with the tools and knowledge to drive positive change and innovation in your community. This is your team's opportunity to unleash your inner economic development superheroes and elevate the economic development profession to new heights in the Mile High City.

Conference Theme: Championing Economic Development Superheroes

The conference will explore the following tracks:

• Marketing and Telling Our Stories

• Talent and Workforce Strategies

• Solving the Housing Crisis

• Climate Change and Sustainability

• Rural Prosperity

• Entrepreneurship and Ecosystem Building