PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IS THE CORNERSTONE OF THE ORGANIZATION AND A KEY BENEFIT OF MEMBERSHIP

Professional Development

Professional Development

The MEDA Professional Development Committee assists members in pursuit of their educational goals. The Committee delivers courses enabling members to become Certified Economic Developers (CEcD) and other courses enhancing professional skills. This committee also oversees the delivery of The Chesapeake Basic Economic Development Course, three IEDC courses in Maryland every year, mentor’s potential certification candidates, and works to include other courses throughout the year. This committee usually meets by phone on a bi-monthly basis.

In January 2014, the Performance Oversight/Monitoring Committee of IEDC passed a recommendation that all first-time candidates sitting for the exam after December 31, 2014, must participate in a “Preparing for the CEcD Exam Workshop,” either in person or via webinar. This workshop provides candidates with a complete overview of the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) exam process, from application to the oral examination. They will learn tools and techniques for preparing for the exam and witness a mock oral interview. The workshop is held at IEDC’s Annual Conference and Spring Conference each year, and they plan to hold at least one webinar each year in addition to the in-person workshops. Upcoming dates for the webinars are on the IEDC website, and are free of charge.

Scholarships

MEDA members are encouraged to take advantage of the Lofton Scholarship Fund for their professional development needs. MEDA’s board through the Lofton Scholarship Committee will award scholarships to members in good standing for approved courses. MEDA members may use the IEDC members rate for all courses held in Maryland. Late course registration fees may be omitted from the final scholarship award at the discretion of the committee.

2025 Maryland Course Schedule

Real Estate Development & Reuse (June 5 – 6, 2025 / Online)

  • This course covers the fundamentals of real estate development and reuse, including site selection, redevelopment strategies, public-private partnerships, and financing tools. Participants will also learn how to navigate zoning regulations, assess market feasibility, and structure deals to support economic revitalization.
  • A MEDA member can attend this training at a discounted rate of $535.00 by emailing Wilson Soares, wsoares@iedconline.org, for a unique promo code PRIOR to registering for the course via IEDC’s website.

2025 MEDA Chesapeake Basic Economic Development Course (July 28 – August 1, 2025 / Online)

  • This essential course is designed to prepare participants for the challenges they face in the practice of developing communities and assist them in gaining capacity-building skills, resources, and networks to accelerate economic development.
  • $640 for MEDA members (Lofton Scholarship available for full tuition to members) $815 for non-members (tuition includes MEDA membership for a year)

Neighborhood Development Strategies (August 5 – 6, 2025 / Online)

  • This course covers strategies for revitalizing neighborhoods through economic development, including community engagement, business retention, and equitable redevelopment. Participants will also learn how to leverage public and private resources, address housing and infrastructure challenges, and implement sustainable growth initiatives.
  • A MEDA member can attend this training at a discounted rate of $535.00 by emailing Wilson Soares, wsoares@iedconline.org, for a unique promo code PRIOR to registering for the course via IEDC’s website.

Entrepreneurial & Small Business Development Strategies (October 28 – 29, 2025 / Online)

  • This course covers strategies for supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses through economic development initiatives, including access to capital, technical assistance, and ecosystem building. Participants will also learn how to foster innovation, create supportive policies, and develop programs that drive business growth and job creation.
  • A MEDA member can attend this training at a discounted rate of $535.00 by emailing Wilson Soares, wsoares@iedconline.org, for a unique promo code PRIOR to registering for the course via IEDC’s website.

To learn more about these courses and the additional IEDC courses, please click here.

Certification

Visit the Certification page to learn more about the certification process, mentorship opportunities and study materials available for exam preparation.