The Basic Economic Development Course (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 BEDC fulfills one of the prerequisites for those who wish to pursue the Certified Economic Developer Designation (CEcD) through the International Economic Development Council.

Who Should Attend? 

Economic developers, public officials, and others involved in economic development 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

The course will begin mid afternoon on Monday and end at 2:30 pm on Thursday. In order to receive full IEDC certification credit for this course and a certificate indicating course completion, participants must attend the entire course and stay through the final session on the last day. Please make travel plans accordingly.


BEDC Details:

  • WHEN: Monday, September 12 – Thursday, September 15  
  • WHERE: Classes will be held at VJS Construction in Pewaukee, WI – W233N2847 Roundy Cir W, Pewaukee, WI 53072
  • REGISTRATION: Click here to register. The fee for the four-day course is $749 for WEDA members and $999 for non-members.
  • SCHOLARSHIPS: BEDC scholarships of up to $400 have been offered in the past and may be available for the 2022 course. For more information about potential scholarships, please contact Mary Perry at mperry@weda.org
  • PROGRAM HOSTS: The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and Wisconsin Economic Development Association.
  • HOTEL: Holiday Inn Pewaukee-Milwaukee West  - Address: N14 W24140, Tower Pl, Pewaukee, WI 53072; Phone: (262) 506-6300).

NOTE: A withdrawal penalty of $749 will be charged for cancellations made after August 31, 2022. Substitutions are accepted WITHOUT penalty.  

2022 Basic Economic Development Course

  • September 12 - 15, 2022
  • VJS Construction
    W233N2847 Roundy Cir W
    Pewaukee, Wisconsin
    United States
    53072