MEDA (Maryland Economic Development Association)

On behalf of everyone at MEDA, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of MEDA Board Member, Lori Ratzburg, who was serving as MEDA Program Co-Chair when she passed away on July 10 after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Lori was a bright light that shone for everyone with whom she came in contact and we will miss her very much. https://lnkd.in/dR4W8gbG

Meet the 2024 MEDA Summer Conference speakers! - Robyn Domber, the Senior Vice President of Research at Development Counsellors International (DCI) - Lara Fritts, CEcD, FM, the Division Director of the Frederick County Government, Maryland Division of Economic Opportunity and MEDA Program Development Committee Co-Chair - Jeannette Goldsmith, the Vice President of Strategic Development Group, Inc. - W. Ford Graham, IMBA, Esq., a Senior Vice President on McGuireWoods Consulting’s national infrastructure & economic development team and a partner with McGuireWoods LLP - Ann Harts, the Senior Vice President of Site Selection at Cresa Dallas - Alicia Janesko - Hutchings, the Director for Site Selection and Incentives at Cresa Dallas - Ron Spencer, Principal at Cresa - Nicholette Ross, a Managing Consultant at Global Location Strategies It’s not too late to register for the 2024 MEDA Summer Conference, happening virtually next week on July 24th from 9 AM to 12:15 PM! Go to https://lnkd.in/exCvVBj7 to reserve your spot and read more about each speaker’s session.

If you are attending the Chesapeake Basic Economic Development Course next week, today is the last day to apply for the Lofton Scholarship! Applicants must be MEDA Members living and working in Maryland, demonstrate dedication to the profession and intent to continue within the economic development field, and plan to give back to the organization in a meaningful way. Go to https://lnkd.in/d7EgJvb for more information and to apply for the Lofton Scholarship Fund! And, while you’re on the MEDA website, don’t forget to register for the MEDA Summer Conference: https://lnkd.in/exCvVBj7

TOMORROW is the last day to apply for MEDA’s Rhonda Ray Scholarship for the fall 2024 semester! Visit our website at https://lnkd.in/gwi9TeqP to learn more about eligibility requirements and to submit your application. Don’t miss this opportunity to fund your #EconDev education!

July 24, 2024, from 9 AM to 12 PM is the 2024 MEDA Summer Conference! This year, the conference will focus on “Best Practices for Economic Developers in Site Selector Engagement,” highlighting the state of site selection, strategic economic development trends, and insights on effectively leveraging locational advantages. Join us for this virtual event to learn more about #EconDev and discover new ideas to improve your community. Register for the 2024 MEDA Summer Conference and view the draft agenda now by going to https://lnkd.in/exCvVBj7!

The 2024 MEDA Chesapeake Basic Economic Development Course (100% online) will kick off in less than two weeks! It’s not too late to register and join us from July 22nd to 26th: https://lnkd.in/e8jBJMiC If you want to improve your knowledge of the fundamentals of economic development, this course will cover essential #EconDev strategies and tools for success. Completion of this course is also the first step toward earning your Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) certification through the International Economic Development Council. Register for the 2024 MEDA Chesapeake Basic Economic Development Course today at the link above!

We’re excited to announce the launch of the first round of our 2024 Energizing Small Business Grants program, in partnership with Hello Alice. Small businesses in the BGE service area can apply for a $20,000 grant from now through July 12, and funds can be used for any business operations, including hiring of new employees or capital improvements. Global Entrepreneurship Network Apply by July 12 at: https://lnkd.in/eGg2dCRN

This is the last call for fall 2024 MEDA Rhonda Ray Scholarship applicants! Submit your application now at https://lnkd.in/gwi9TeqP. This scholarship honors the legacy and life of Rhonda Ray and her 20-year dedication to economic development and public policy advocacy. Eligible applicants for the award must be: 🦀 Maryland residents attending in-state community colleges or universities 🎓 Enrolled in public policy or economic development credit courses 📚 Using these funds for specified college courses Applications are due by the end of this week—Friday, July 12, 2024. Visit our website for more information and to apply! #EconomicDevelopmentScholarship #PublicPolicyScholarship #MarylandScholarship

Our final MEDA 2024 Award feature is the SCIF Capital Grant in Charles County and St. Mary's County, which won this year’s Economic Development Program Award (Small Community) through a nomination from the Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO)! Capital grant funding from MEDCO in Maryland's Innovation District accelerated the development of these critical Secure Compartmentalized Information Facilities (SCIFs), which will attract businesses and workers while fostering research and innovation. By creating a conducive environment for collaboration between private companies and government contractors, the initiative not only ensures the retention of skilled workforce but also generates substantial economic growth and long-term positive impact for the communities involved. Want to learn more about this project and why it received the MEDA 2024 Economic Development Program Award (Small Community)? Watch the full video below! [Video Credit to Little Bean, LLC] #SCIF #EconDev #EconomicDevelopment

The MEDA Jobs Board features opportunities in #EconomicDevelopment and related fields like business innovation and specialized industries. Current listings include roles focused on supporting small and minority businesses, grant writing, marketing communications, rural business innovation, and more. Looking for your next #EconDev career? Head over to the MEDA Jobs Board (updated frequently) at https://lnkd.in/dh8-p2D to find the opportunity that best fits your passion and experience! Photo credit: JTG Media