International Economic Development Council

ERC Fellow Tiolora Lumbantoruan was recently recognized by Innovation+ on the 2026 INNOVATE100 list, honoring leaders advancing innovation and collaboration across New Jersey.

Through her ERC Fellowship, Tiolora has helped lead Broadway revitalization efforts in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, bringing together local businesses, government partners, transportation leaders, and community stakeholders around a shared vision for downtown investment and community-driven economic development.

The recognition reflects the collaborative and place-based approach Fellows are bringing to communities across the country through the Economic Recovery Corps.

View the full list here: https://www.roi-nj.com/2026/05/13/industry/new-jersey-innovation-leaders-to-be-honored-at-innovate100-celebration/

Join us on June 15 at 2 PM ET for “From Big Fish to Full Ecosystems: The New Industrial Revolution in Economic Development.”

Hosted by IEDC’s Emerging Leaders Affinity Group and open to all IEDC members, this webinar will explore how entrepreneurship can drive talent retention and long-term economic growth. Hear practical strategies and real-world examples from communities supporting entrepreneurs with limited resources.

Register now: https://iedconline-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/hRyXINNxR2-11BO9FVy13w

What can communities navigating disruption teach the rest of the field?

During an Economic Recovery Corps peer exchange across Hawaiʻi, Fellows explored disaster recovery, food systems, community resilience, and local stewardship. The experience reinforced that strong economies are built not only through projects and investment, but through relationships, community identity, and long-term care for place.

Read the full article here: https://economicrecoverycorps.org/beyond-recovery-pacific-island-peer-exchange/

Meet the instructors behind IEDC’s Neighborhood Development Strategies course.

Learn how to strengthen neighborhoods through placemaking, community engagement, strategic partnerships, and sustainable revitalization efforts with guidance from Maura Shenker, Marlin Eldred, CEcD, and Eileen Kennedy, CFC, Ec.D., CEcD.

📅 June 17–18, 2026
⏰ Early bird registration ends June 3

Register today: https://www.iedconline.org/events/2026/06/17/training-courses/neighborhood-development-strategies/

Explore the latest career opportunities from organizations across the country!

IEDC Request for Proposals, Membership Benefits Survey: https://www.iedconline.org/request-for-proposals/iedc-international-economic-development-council/4144/

Director of Event-Driven Economic Development, Oklahoma Department of Commerce: https://www.iedconline.org/career-opportunities/director-of-event-driven-economic-development/4148/

Economic development is entering a new era shaped by geopolitics, defense investment, and technological change.

In “Economic Development in a Dangerous World,” the latest installment of IEDC’s Centennial Thought Leader Series, Bruce Katz explores how rising geopolitical tensions, defense spending, and technological change are reshaping the economic development landscape. He discusses why cities, metros, and states must align strategies around innovation, workforce, infrastructure, and investment to compete in the modern global economy.

Read more on our website: www.iedconline.org/news

Then & Now: different decades, same purpose.

From a higher education roundtable at the 1991 AEDC Annual Conference to discussions on communications and consensus building at the 2025 IEDC Annual Conference in Detroit, one thing is clear: economic development is powered by connection, collaboration, and shared priorities.

Continue the conversation with us at the 2026 Annual Conference in New Orleans as we celebrate 100 years of impact.

Register: www.neworleans.iedconline.org

Strong regional economies are built through collaboration.

Earlier this month, IEDC kicked off Rally Your Region, a new centennial initiative launched with workforce and education expert Mark C. Perna with the first convening in partnership with Louisiana Central.

The event brought together economic developers, educators, workforce leaders, employers, philanthropy, and community stakeholders to align around a shared vision for the region’s path forward.

Read IEDC President & CEO Nathan Ohle’s reflections on why this work matters for the future of economic development: https://www.iedconline.org/news/2026/05/27/this-week-in-iedc-news/louisiana-central-spotlight-rallying-a-region-around-economic-opportunity/

📸 Photos courtesy of Louisiana Central.

The deadline to submit IEDC Annual Conference session proposals is one week away! Share your strategies, models, and proven solutions with economic development professionals from across the globe by Wednesday, June 3.

Submit a proposal: https://neworleans.iedconline.org/session-proposals

Thinking about applying for AEDO accreditation? Bring your questions to our next AEDO Office Hours on Friday, June 5, from 12:30–1:30 PM ET. Connect with reviewers and the program director for guidance on the application process.

Space is limited, so save your spot now: https://www.iedconline.org/events/2026/06/05/aedo-office-hours/aedo-office-hours-june-2026/