Spotlight: IEDC’s National Economic Development Week Celebrations

National Economic Development Week (#EconDevWeek), which took place May 7 to May 12 this year, was created by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) in 2016 in order to increase awareness of local programs that create jobs, advance career development opportunities and increase the quality of life.

Over the span of two years, more than 500 National Economic Development Week campaigns have been created throughout the United States and Canada, creating millions of impressions, hundreds of news stories, blog entries, videos, events and many, many activities. Campaigns occurred in all 50 American states in 2017. More than 40 communities officially proclaimed the celebration week by signing resolutions, and many elected officials vocalized support for the profession and its contribution on their local economies. Technology has given rise to creativity, which communities took advantage of by creating and sharing videos, infographics, banners and many other types of graphics which were wide-spread on social media, websites and in print publications.

Many EDA partner communities proudly celebrate National Economic Development Week and we are excited to share their enthusiasm about job creation and an increased quality of life. Some of the campaigns to highlight from EDA partner communities this year are:

Wyoming Economic Development Association (WEDA)

La Grange, Wyoming citizens with a “That’s WY” flag to show support for Economic Development Week

The Wyoming Economic Development Association encouraged economic developers to grab orange “That’s WY” flags and plant them at local businesses and projects that have benefited from economic development efforts. They also took pictures in front of the flags to share on social media with #WYEconDevWeek and #ThatsWY hashtags. Photos on the WEDA Facebook page with the most likes and comments were given prizes.

Wyoming Economic Development Association infographic

In 2017, EDA awarded a $3 million grant to Northern Wyoming Community College District of Sheridan, Wyoming, to aid locally led efforts to expand the District’s Sheridan and Gillette workforce training facilities. According to grantee estimates, the project is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs, and spur nearly $6 million in private investment. The project will help to diversify the regional economy by supporting the purchase of equipment to train students in regional in-demand occupations such as machinists, welders, diesel mechanics/hydraulics, electrical and HVAC apprenticeships as well as construction technology. Northern Wyoming Community College District is the only public provider of higher education for all of Northeast Wyoming. Flag it!

Fairbanks North Star Borough (FNSB)

Fairbanks North Star Borough created awareness of local programs that support jobs, advance career development opportunities and increase the quality of life for Alaska's Golden Heart region. There was a full week of activities planned, including an Economic Development Week Kick-off Party; a Chamber luncheon to support FNSB’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) to “Actively support retention and expansion of the missions at regional military bases;” and a Visitor Industry Walk for Charity – a 4k graze on fabulous foods in downtown Fairbanks.

Over the past few years, EDA has helped the community’s efforts to lower and stabilize energy costs in the FNSB region. A $60,000 EDA planning grant in 2016 enabled a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the region that assisted two cities, four unincorporated communities and multiple native villages to bring public and private sectors together to create a diverse roadmap for strengthening the area’s economy.

Mississippi Economic Development Council (MEDC)

Governor Phil Bryant proclaims Mississippi Economic Development Week

The Mississippi Economic Development Council, Mississippi Development Authority, Mississippi Municipal League, Mississippi Economic Council, and Mississippi Manufacturers Association joined Governor Phil Bryant as he proclaimed May 7–12 as Mississippi Economic Development Week to recognize the contribution of economic developers.

In February 2017, Mississippi State University's Canton-based office received the Mississippi Economic Development Council's Community Economic Development Award for its work to bring advanced manufacturing jobs back to the United States. The program acquired its initial funding through EDA. According to the University, the initiative resulted in a nearly $11 million economic impact, with more than 33 direct investment opportunities identified and 333 jobs created or saved. Additionally, the program saw 262 industry certifications and 221 paid internships to address the high demand for advanced manufacturing skills.