Connect Locally, Succeed Globally
Charlotte, NC
September 18-21, 20-11

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

Learn about tools to finance your programs and projects at this year's International Economic Development Council 2011 Annual Conference, September 18-21 in Charlotte, NC.

Between tight public budgets and tough lending standards, communities and the private sector face many hurdles to financing new programs and projects. At times like these, economic development organizations may need to tap into financing tools they haven't used before, or try combining old tools with new ones. Federal programs such as bonds, New Markets Tax Credits, and the EB-5 investor program are just a few of the financing options available to move important projects forward.

Beyond project-based funding, EDOs also face a new and challenging environment for funding their own operations and communicating their value to stakeholders. As a result, the most successful EDOs will be the ones that can summon the vision and creativity to try new (and sometimes untested) strategies. Join IEDC in Charlotte, NC, this September to learn more about the tools and strategies that are out there for your EDO and your community.

SESSIONS OF INTEREST:

Financing Tools for Times of Economic Turbulence
Monday, September 19
1:45 - 3:15 pm
In times of fiscal austerity, the need for economic development initiatives to spur growth cannot be understated. Communities must continue to invest in economic development projects and programs to not only ensure job creation in the short term, but also a speedy and healthy recovery for the long term. This session will explore successful alternative strategies for financing different types of projects including leverage federal tools such as Federal bonds, New Markets Tax Credits, and EB-5 Program Investment with municipal programs such as Tax Increment Financing.

Getting Creative: New Avenues for Fundraising
Monday, September 19
4:00 – 5:30 pm
The recession and public-sector budget crisis have been a one-two punch to the funding of many local economic development organizations (EDOs). In response to tighter resources, EDOs have been exploring creative ways to fund their programs and projects, from reframing their value proposition to developing fee-based programs and more. This session will feature fresh insights and real-world examples of current approaches to EDO fundraising.

SPEAKERS OF INTEREST:

Howard C. Benson
Chief Executive Officer
National Community Development Services, Inc.
Atlanta, GA

Betsy Keeler
Deputy Director
District of Columbia Government – Office of Economic Development Finance
Washington, DC

Robert A. Radcliff
Managing Principal
Resource Development Group
Columbus, OH

Michael R. Sears
Managing Principal
Global Capital Markets Advisors, LLC
Alexandria, VA