Federal Economic Development Forum
Building a Competitive Future Through Innovative Partnerships
March 20-22, 2011
Washington, DC Metro Area

http://www.iedconline.org/FederalForum/index.html

Keynote Address: Maintaining U.S. Competitiveness
Monday, March 21
8:00 – 9:15 am

The International Economic Development Council's 2011 Federal Economic Development Forum, March 20-22, in the Washington, DC metro area will feature Deputy Secretary of Transportation, and former economic developer, John D. Porcari, as he explains how the Department of Transportation (DOT) is now including economic development criteria in transportation investment decisions.

The Department of Transportation has announced changes to funding priorities for all transit projects. Previously focusing only on shortened commute times compared to project costs, Deputy Secretary Porcari will oversee the DOTs shift of priorities which now include economic development opportunities and environmental benefits. As the previous Assistant Secretary for Economic Development Policy at the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, Deputy Secretary Porcari has a unique perspective on transportation and its effects on economic development. Underdeveloped communities now have the chance to revitalize old roads and train lines, in order to bring prosperity to communities and maintain competitiveness. Join IEDC in at the Federal Economic Development Forum as Deputy Secretary Porcari unveils the DOTs new priorities and learn how your community can benefit from this shift.

JOIN YOUR FELLOW ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONALS AT THE 2011 POLICY DINNER: THE NEW CONGRESS

Monday, March 21
7:00 - 8:30 pm
Price: $85

Melinda Wittstock is an award-winning journalist, social media evangelist, and entrepreneur. She is the founder, CEO, and Bureau Chief of Capitol News Connection (CNC) and a leading expert on the ways of Washington. She founded CNC in 2003 as a way to turn the Beltway inside out by making politics and policy pass the "why should I care test" for people in local communities across the United States. CNC is now heard by 3.1 million people on over 200 public radio stations and plays an important role in ensuring voters can hold power to account.

The new Congress has come to Washington with new priorities, new goals and new ways of doing business. What can we learn from their early efforts? What are the implications for economic developers as the federal government makes its vision for American policy a reality? Join Melinda Wittstock at the 2011 Policy Dinner as we learn how the 112th Congress's actions can benefit your community.

RESERVE YOUR HOTEL ROOM BEFORE OUR SPECIAL RATES EXPIRE!
Westin Alexandria
400 Courthouse Square
Alexandria, VA 22314-5700
Phone: (703) 253-8600 or 1-866-837-4210

IEDC room rate: $209/single and double*
Group rate cutoff: Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Please refer to IEDC when making reservations in order to get the special room rate. All reservations must be made by February 23, 2011 in order to ensure the IEDC room rate.
Check-in time: 3:00 pm
Check-out time: 12:00 pm