Illinois Economic Development Association Announces Recognition of 2023 Economic Development Week

May 8, 2023

The international event will highlight local efforts to increase the quality of life in every community over the course of May 8 to May 12, 2023

Springfield, IL- The Illinois Economic Development Association marks the week of May 8 to May 12, 2023, as Economic Development Week. During this week, communities across North America will celebrate and recognize the contributions made by professional economic developers to create more economically vibrant and livable communities.

Created in 2016 by International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the largest international professional trade association for economic developers, Economic Development Week aims to increase awareness for local programs that create jobs, advance career development opportunities, and improve the quality of life in communities everywhere.

“As local and regional economies evolve, the role of economic developers and development organizations are crucial in energizing, preparing, and promoting local economic growth,” says Michael Cassa, IEDA Chairman. “The 2023 Economic Development Week recognizes the innovation and leadership of economic development leaders that are building a sustainable and resilient economy. I hope communities everywhere will join us in celebrating the accomplishments and important work economic developers perform in their communities year-round.”

IEDA members can use the IEDC Tool Kit to promote Economic Development Week.

About the Illinois Economic Development Association

In 1980, a group of economic developers came together to collaborate on economic development in Illinois. They saw the importance of forming partnerships between economic development professionals to help accelerate growth in the State of Illinois. As the only statewide professional economic development association, we not only advocate for and educate our members, but we also work together to enhance Illinois’ economic growth. Our elected Board members communicate with our members and partners to promote economic development throughout the state. Promoting economic development throughout the State of Illinois for the last 42 years, IEDA has a presence at the Illinois State Capitol. Our lobbying firm reviews all bills and amendments introduced each year. They notify our members about pending legislation, educate policymakers, and coordinate testimony when needed. Some of our industry partners include the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and Intersect Illinois. Find more information at ileda.org.

About the International Economic Development Council

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 4,300 members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities, by creating, retaining and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IDCs members are engaged in the full range of economic development experience. Given the breadth of economic development work, our members are employed in a wide variety of settings including local, state, provincial and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities and a variety of other institutions. IEDC’s members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities and improve the quality of life in their regions. www.iedcONLINE.org.