MEDA (Maryland Economic Development Association)

The Rhonda Ray Scholarship closes on Monday! 🎓 The summer 2025 application deadline is approaching! Maryland college students pursuing economic development, public policy, or related fields can receive up to $500 through the Rhonda Ray Scholarship. This scholarship honors Rhonda Ray’s dedication to higher education and economic growth. Encourage eligible students to apply before March 31, 2025! Learn more & apply now at https://lnkd.in/gwi9TeqP.

Add the 2025 MEDA Chesapeake Basic Economic Development Course to your calendar now! This year’s course will be hosted virtually from July 28th to August 1st, 2025. Whether you’re new to the world of economic development or you’d like to get an in-depth refresher, the Chesapeake Basic Economic Development Course is your ticket to the fundamental concepts, strategies, and tools needed to be successful in today’s complex economic environment. We hope to see you there!

This is a reminder that we are still accepting sponsors for this year’s MEDA Annual Conference, happening on April 27-29, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa & Marina! This is an incredible opportunity to showcase your organization by reaching a diverse audience of economic development decision-makers. National, local, and regional speakers representing business & government add impact to your visibility. Take advantage of this chance to share your story with various stakeholders and #EconDev professionals! Visit https://lnkd.in/dFN4Gv6X for more details on sponsorship.

Introducing our 2025 MEDA Annual Conference Keynote Speaker, Fran Weld! Fran Weld, Co-Founder & CEO of Baltimore-based Canopy Team, will join our Annual Conference as the Monday morning keynote to share her expertise in sports venue development and urban investment. A national leader in economic development and policy, Fran has championed regional collaboration, from leading the San Francisco Bay Area’s Regional Plan to overseeing the $2.6B Mission Rock project with the San Francisco Giants. Now co-founding a startup in Baltimore, she will highlight how strategic partnerships drive long-term prosperity in Maryland. This keynote is proudly sponsored by TEDCO, and Fran will be introduced by Troy Stovall, CEO of TEDCO. Register for the 2025 MEDA Annual Conference (April 27-29) today so you don’t miss this opportunity to learn from leaders shaping the future of economic development! ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eVD_w9df

Secure your hotel room for the 2025 MEDA Annual Conference!  Join us at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa & Marina for the 2025 MEDA Annual Conference, April 27-29. A special hotel rate is available for attendees from April 26-29, 2025, but the deadline to book is Friday, April 11.  For more information on the exclusive hotel rate for conference attendees, visit https://lnkd.in/eVD_w9df.

Happy #SBDCDay! Today, we recognize the vital role that Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) play in strengthening Maryland’s economy. From providing expert guidance to small businesses to driving local job growth, SBDCs are key partners in economic development. MEDA has welcomed many SBDC members over the years, and we’re proud of the work they do to ensure entrepreneurs have the resources they need to succeed. Thank you for your commitment to building a stronger, more resilient business community. Tag an SBDC that has made a difference in your region!

Date Change: 2025 MEDA Primer for Economic Development Please note the updated date for the 2025 MEDA Primer for Economic Development. The event will now be held on May 22, 2025 (previously May 29) from 9 AM to 3 PM at the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Headquarters in Lanham, MD. Mark your calendars and join us to deepen your knowledge of economic development in Maryland. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/exxv3sX7

Support MEDA’s 18th Annual Silent Auction! This is an opportunity to showcase your community while supporting economic development professionals across Maryland. Proceeds from the Silent Auction benefit the Lofton Scholarship Fund, helping MEDA members access professional development opportunities. You can also contribute directly to the Lofton Fund or the Rhonda Ray Scholarship, which supports educational growth in #EconomicDevelopment, #PublicPolicy, and related fields. Every donation matters! Learn more or contribute today: https://lnkd.in/eiXsx2ir

OPPORTUNITY: Host a future MEDA Fall Conference! MEDA is still accepting venue proposals for the 2025, 2026, and 2027 Fall Conferences! This annual event brings together hundreds of economic development professionals, industry leaders, and policymakers from across Maryland. Featuring keynote speakers, engaging panel discussions, and high-value networking, the conference is an excellent opportunity to highlight your community! Proposals for the next three Fall Conferences are due this Friday, March 21, 2025. Learn more about venue requirements and submit your proposal here: https://lnkd.in/eKcE9cmy.

Attention all 2025 Annual Conference attendees! Join us on Sunday, April 27, for exclusive pre-conference programming at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa & Marina. Choose from:  ✔ City of Salisbury, Maryland’s Main Street Tour (sponsored by Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)) – Explore “Maryland’s Coastal College Town” from 10:30 AM to 3 PM. ✔ Annual Golf Tournament (sponsored by Baltimore Gas and Electric) – Tee off at 11:45 AM on the award-winning, 18-hole course. First, second, and third-place prizes will be awarded, along with recognizing the longest drive and closest to the pin. ✔ Early Bird Reception (5 PM) and Welcome to the Eastern Shore Networking Dinner (6 PM) – Join these sessions for a kickoff to the 2025 MEDA Annual Conference! Register today for the Golf Tournament & Main Street Tour by going to https://lnkd.in/eVD_w9df!