The Wisconsin Basic Economic Development Course (BEDC) is 10-part series of courses that provides professionals with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to build a career in the economic development field and will be taught by many of Wisconsin's top economic development professionals. The Wisconsin BEDC is also part of the required coursework to apply for the International Economic Development Council's (IEDC) Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) Exam. The course will begin mid-afternoon on Monday, May 6, and end at 12:00pm on Thursday, May 9, 2024. 

We do not have the itinerary finalized yet, but here is an idea of timeframe -- Check in opens Monday, May 6th approximately 1pm.  The first class first class is an elective and runs from 2 to 4pm.  You will have your evening on your own.

Tues and Wednesday May 7th and 8th run from 8am to 5pm. Continental breakfast and lunch are served in classroom on both days. (by the way, If you are staying at the  Hampton by Hilton, you receive a complimentary continental breakfast with your lodging). There is a reception hosted by Ayres on Tuesday after class at a location tbd.  It will feature pizzas and beverages. Thursday May 9th runs from 8am to noon followed by a reception with heavy appetizers and beverages.  

Location: Classes will be held in Eau Claire, WI at the Chippewa Valley Technical College Business Education Center located on the Eau Claire Clairmont Campus, which is ¾ of a mile from the hotel. The classroom building address is 620 West Clairemont Avenue, Eau Claire WI 54701. Parking is available on campus. A parking permit will be emailed to you on May 1st.

Lodging: A discounted room block has been established at the Hampton by Hilton Eau Claire, 2622 Craig Road. Call hotel directly 715-833-0003 for special group rate of $94. Ask for a room in the Wisconsin Economic Development Association room block for the May 4-9th Basic Economic Development Course. Your hotel stay includes a complimentary hot breakfast buffet, complimentary internet access, indoor pool and hot tub, and 24-hour fitness facility.

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

What Subject Areas Will Be Covered:

  • Core competencies in economic development as identified by IEDC.
  • Information about IEDC membership and the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) exam.
  • Economic Development Ethics
  • Strategic planning for economic development
  • Marketing/Attraction
  • Business Retention and Expansion
  • Managing a local economic development organization
  • Small business & entrepreneurship development
  • Community & neighborhood development
  • Workforce development
  • Economic development finance
  • Real estate development & reuse

BEDC Registration Fees: The fee for the four-day course is $799 for WEDA members and $1,149 for non-members. 

Scholarships: A limited number of BEDC scholarships may be available for the 2024 course. Discounted registration fees may be requested by individuals or entities with financial need, ACRE students and alumni, university students with financial need who are interested in economic development as a career, members of Wisconsin’s EDB Coalition, non-profits, and individuals serving rural areas or underserved neighborhoods in Wisconsin. Download the scholarship application here:  https://weda.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/WEDA-SCHOLARSHIP-APPLICATION-FORM-1.docx.  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), Wisconsin Economic Development Institute, and Wisconsin Economic Development Association.

Hotel Information: Special Group Rate: $94 Call the hotel direct at 715-833-0003. To receive the group rate, ask for a room in the Wisconsin Economic Development Association Basic Economic Development Course room block.

NOTE: A 75% withdrawal penalty will be charged for cancellations made after April 6, 2024. Substitutions are accepted WITHOUT penalty. 

2024 Basic Economic Development Course

Register Now

  • May 6 - 9, 2024
  • Chippewa Valley Technical College
    620 West Clairemont Avenue
    Eau Claire, Wisconsin
    United States
    54704