MEDA Chesapeake Basic Economic Development Course – Guest Blog
MEDA achieved a milestone when we offered our signature Chesapeake Basic Economic Development Course for the 20th consecutive year in July. This year, we also reached record attendance numbers, with more than 80 students gathering to participate in the week-long session, where expert instructors shared their knowledge across more than nine disciplines.
About ten years ago, MEDA contracted with our partners at PPR Strategies for their services in producing this effective program, a required course of study for anyone seeking certification. This year, PPR Strategies had two of their staff members take the course, and we asked them to share their experiences.
Thank you to all the planners, instructors, attendees, and the Professional Development Committee who work throughout the year to ensure we provide a valuable program.
Pamela “Pam” Ruff, MEDA Executive Director
1. It’s Never Too Late To Get Certified (Hannah)
On our first day, attendees were buzzing with excitement about what the week would hold. What stuck with me this day is that it is never too late to get certified as an economic developer. Our group spanned from novices with just a few weeks of experience to veterans with several decades in the field, so it was interesting to see people at all stages of their careers take this course. It enhanced the value of the break-out sessions for me, as well. As someone with just a few months in the industry, I found it valuable to hear the perspectives of those with extensive experience in placemaking, community building, and more.
2. There’s More To Economic Development Than Meets The Eye (Mia)
Economic development touches nearly every aspect of our lives, extending far beyond economics. Its reach spans across placemaking, housing, marketing, and much more. From shaping communities and driving redevelopment projects to maintaining ethical standards and crafting effective workforce strategies, economic development is integral to building vibrant, resilient communities.
3. Don’t Gatekeep Your Compelling Data (Hannah)
The Basic Course participants attended the 2024 MEDA Summer Conference on Wednesday morning, which focused on site selection. Site selectors emphasized the importance of information-rich websites for economic development organizations. This approach provides the necessary details to advance conversations, rather than relying on site selectors to request additional information.
While the goal is to create relationships with consultants, EDO websites need to have easily searchable information for them in order for site selectors to find a community in the first place! As a writer, this was music to my ears! I’m excited by the challenge of using compelling data to showcase a community’s strengths and make its numbers stand out.
4. Keep Looking Forward (Mia)
In my role at PPR, I am devoted to highlighting the narratives behind communities, as well as the people and projects that shape their unique stories. During our Community Development session, the five panelists were asked about their favorite community development project. Kara Norman, Executive Director of the Downtown Frederick Partnership, answered, “The next one.” Kara’s forward-thinking mindset resonated with me. Her answer exemplified the dedication that economic developers and community advocates have for ongoing improvement and underscored their relentless commitment to making a meaningful and positive impact on communities.
5. Economic Developers Go All In (Hannah)
Throughout the week, our class worked in teams on a site selection project, serving as a practical application of our learning. Our teams prepared “pitches” for a local shopping center using what we learned throughout the week. At the end of the course, the pitches were presented to a panel of judges as part of a simulated site selection process.
Each team brought their enthusiasm to present their property and treated it as if they were talking to real site selectors! It was clear that economic developers pour their passion into every opportunity (even the fictitious ones), striving to drive economic prosperity no matter the context.
MEDA offers the week-long Chesapeake Basic Economic Development Course on an annual basis, and the PPR team was proud to participate in this lively session! To learn more about future courses and other MEDA’s educational opportunities, click here.
