As we reflect on our 2024 Annual Conference in Denver, we're filled with renewed purpose and inspiration. Over four transformative days, we've celebrated economic development superheroes and Hispanic Heritage Month, honored our Excellence in Economic Development Award winners, and explored cutting-edge forward-thinking strategies that will shape our communities for years to come.
From AI adoption to climate resilience, from empowering diverse entrepreneurs to addressing the housing crisis, each session sparked meaningful dialogues. Jared Smith, MBA, CEcD, emphasized, "If you're not using AI as your copilot, then you're behind," highlighting the urgency of embracing new technologies in our field.
Our discussions on cultural competency, workforce strategies, and overcoming small-town divisiveness highlighted the power of collaboration and adaptability.
The Women in Economic Development session, expertly moderated by Julie Curtin, created an intimate space for sharing experiences. Tracye McDaniel's reminder that "everything is negotiable" encouraged women to advocate for their worth, while Dr. Eloisa Klementich, CEcD shared her motivational practice of keeping thank-you notes to remind her of her impact.
We explored trailblazing solutions to workforce inclusion, with Next50 showcasing resources for equipping older adults with vital skills. And the climate resilience session, featuring James Kohnstamm, CEcD and Doug Adams, underscored the importance of patience and persistence in this crucial work.
As Sherrie C., one of our Economic Recovery Corps fellows, noted, this conference was more than just an event—it was a catalyst for change, growth, and collaboration. The relationships forged and lessons learned will continue to shape our work in the months and years to come.
As we return to our communities, we carry not just new knowledge, but a renewed commitment to driving positive change as we're equipped to make a real difference.
Thank you to our generous sponsors and to everyone else who made #IEDCDenver possible! Read more about the conference and access our photo album here: https://lnkd.in/gBrtTHna
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SeonAh K. Nathan Ohle Southwest Airlines