Federal Economic Development Forum
Building Tomorrow's Economic Foundation: Innovation │Infrastructure │Investment │International
March 18-20, 2012
Washington, DC Metro Area

Register Today! Friday, February 3 is your LAST chance to save $100 with our Early Registration Rates

UNDERSTANDING FEDERAL PROGRAMS AND BUILDING YOUR FEDERAL TOOLBOX

In these times of economic uncertainty and political discord, understanding and fully utilizing the myriad federal programs and policies at your disposal can be a daunting task. The Federal Economic Development Forum is a great way to connect with program administrators, other economic development professionals, and thought leaders. Through the plenary sessions and panel discussions, you will hear firsthand what options are available to you and how you can begin utilizing them right away.

SESSION OF INTEREST:
Build Your Federal Toolbox to Support Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses
While entrepreneurship was not a common economic development focus 20 years ago, there is evidence that the majority of new jobs created in the U.S. over the last 25 years came from young entrepreneurial companies. This session will guide you through federal programs specifically designed to foster entrepreneurial growth in local communities by providing technical assistance and lending opportunities.

CONCURRENT SESSION SPEAKERS:
Paul Corson
Deputy Director, Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Department of Commerce

Michael A. Chodos
Associate Administrator, Office of Entrepreneurial Development, U.S. Small Business Administration

Ray T. Leach
Chief Executive Officer, Jumpstart Inc.

Our Forum kicks off with a plenary session featuring IEDC President and CEO, Jeff Finkle, who will share his knowledge of federal programs and how they can benefit your local community. His comments will also include updates on the FY2013 federal budget, the first budget to feel the impact of the Super Committee's failure to compromise on budget cuts, as well as updates on the President's plans to reorganize federal agencies that focus on business and trade.

SESSION OF INTEREST:
The Art of Understanding Federal Programs that Support Local Economic Development
The federal government has a large number of programs designed to encourage local economic development. Unfortunately, the programs and their administrators are not always aligned with each other. In addition, federal economic development programs are constantly changing as administrations come and go. Being an economic development practitioner, it can be overwhelming trying to gain access, stay informed of changes, and understand the processes necessary to take advantage of these programs. In this session, IEDC President Jeff Finkle will help you to understand how to identify and use the many economic development programs scattered throughout the many federal government agencies. Additionally, Mr. Finkle will discuss economic development policy and trends on the horizon.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
Jeffrey A. Finkle
President and CEO, International Economic Development Council