The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) recognized May 9 to May 13, 2022, as Economic Development Week. During this week, communities across North America celebrated and recognized contributions made by professional economic developers to create more economically vibrant and livable communities.

Created in 2016 by 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.

"Economic developers play essential roles in promoting the economic health and vitality of their communities — a fact that has only been proven further by the events of the past two years," says IEDC President & CEO Nathan Ohle. “The 2022 Economic Development Week will serve to recognize, honor and celebrate the ingenuity and leadership practitioners have shown in working to create a more equitable and prosperous future for everyone. I encourage everyone to begin planning their own celebrations that will lift up the important outcomes economic developers facilitate in their communities.”

Dairyland and some of its member cooperatives in northwest Wisconsin helped sponsor a reception on May 12, which recognized and thanked economic development organizations in the Chippewa Valley. Supporting cooperatives included: Barron Electric, Chippewa Valley Electric, Clark Electric, Dunn Energy, Eau Claire Energy, Jump River Electric and Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services.

Dairyland's team of three economic development experts are available to support Dairyland's 24 member cooperatives with their next economic development project. Be sure to check out Dairyland's Economic Development site to learn more about available programs and opportunities.

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, IEDC’s 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. 

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