The BEDC is designed to provide an understanding of the basic concepts, theories, methods, and practice of economic development and will be taught by many of Wisconsin's top economic development professionals. Graduation from the Basic Economic Development Course (BEDC) fulfills one of the prerequisites for those who wish to pursue the Certified Economic Developer Designation (CEcD) through the International Economic Development Council. The course will begin mid afternoon on Monday, May 1, and end at 12:00 P.M. on Thursday, May 4. 

We don’t have the itinerary finalized yet, but here’s an idea of timeframe--Check in opens Mon May 1st approx. 2pm.  ED Ethics is the first class and goes 3 to 5pm followed by a heavy appetizer reception – Tues and Wednesday May 2-3 run from 8 to 5.  Continental breakfast and lunch in classroom both days.  There is potentially a hosted dinner or reception on Tuesday.  Thursday May 4th runs 8 to noon.

Location: Classes will be held in Green Bay, WI at the Oneida Nation-owned Radisson Hotel and Conference Center. Call hotel directly 920-494-7300 for special group rate of $129. Ask for a room in the Basic Economic Development Course room block.

Who Should Attend? Economic developers, public officials, young professionals in economic development or related industries, ACRE alumni, members of Wisconsin’s EDB Coalition, and others who want an intensive "basic" overview of economic development concepts, methods, strategies, and practices.  

What Will Be Covered:

  • What is economic development and what is the role of an economic developer
  • Managing a local economic development organization
  • Ethics
  • Growing from within - small business development & entrepreneurship
  • Marketing & attraction
  • Community & neighborhood development
  • Strategic planning for economic development
  • Workforce development
  • Business finance
  • Real estate development & reuse

BEDC Tuition: The fee for the four-day course is $749 for WEDA members and $999 for non-members. A limited number of BEDC scholarships of up to $400 may be available for the 2023 course. For more information about scholarships, please contact WEDA at mperry@weda.org

Hosted by: The BEDC is hosted by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and Wisconsin Economic Development Association.

Hotel Information: Special Group Rate: $129 Call the hotel direct at 920-494-7300. In order to receive the group rate, ask for a room in the Basic Economic Development Course room block.

NOTE: A 75% withdrawal penalty will be charged for cancelations made after March 31, 2023. Substitutions are accepted WITHOUT penalty. 

2023 Basic Economic Development Course

  • May 1 - 4, 2023
  • Radisson Hotel and Conference Center
    2040 Airport Drive
    Green Bay, Wisconsin
    United States
    54313