PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IS THE CORNERSTONE OF THE ORGANIZATION AND A KEY BENEFIT OF MEMBERSHIP

Professional Development

Professional Development

The MEDA Professional Development Committee assists members in pursuit of their educational goals. The Committee delivers courses enabling members to become Certified Economic Developers (CEcD) and other courses enhancing professional skills. This committee also oversees the delivery of The Chesapeake Basic Economic Development Course, three IEDC courses in Maryland every year, mentors potential certification candidates, and works to include other courses throughout the year. This committee usually meets by phone on a bi-monthly basis.

In January 2014, the Performance Oversight/Monitoring Committee of IEDC passed a recommendation that all first-time candidates sitting for the exam after December 31, 2014, must participate in a “Preparing for the CEcD Exam Workshop,” either in person or via webinar. This workshop provides candidates with a complete overview of the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) exam process, from application to the oral examination. They will learn tools and techniques for preparing for the exam and witness a mock oral interview. The workshop is held at IEDC’s Annual Conference and Spring Conference each year, and they plan to hold at least one webinar each year in addition to the in-person workshops. Upcoming dates for the webinars are on the IEDC website and are free of charge.

Scholarships

MEDA members are encouraged to take advantage of the Lofton Scholarship Fund for their professional development needs. MEDA’s board, through the Lofton Scholarship Committee, will award scholarships to members in good standing for approved courses. MEDA members may use the IEDC members’ rate for all courses held in Maryland. Late course registration fees may be omitted from the final scholarship award at the discretion of the committee.

2026 Maryland Course Schedule

  • Foreign Direct Investment & Exporting (April 8–9, 2026 / Online)
    • This course explores strategies for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and supporting export growth as part of a community’s economic development strategy. Participants will learn how to engage international investors and help local businesses expand into global markets.
    • A MEDA member can attend this training at a discounted rate of $535.00 by emailing Wilson Soares, wsoares@iedconline.org, for a unique promo code PRIOR to registering for the course via IEDC’s website.
  • Business Retention & Expansion (September 1–3, 2026 / Online)
    • This course explores strategies for supporting existing businesses through proactive outreach, workforce development, and coordinated services. Participants will learn how to strengthen relationships with local employers, identify expansion opportunities, and foster long-term economic growth in their communities.
    • A MEDA member can attend this training at a discounted rate of $535.00 by emailing Wilson Soares, wsoares@iedconline.org, for a unique promo code PRIOR to registering for the course via IEDC’s website.
  • Managing Economic Development Organizations (December 16–17, 2026 / Online)
    • This course focuses on the leadership, management, and organizational strategies needed to effectively run an economic development organization. Participants will learn how to strengthen governance, manage resources, and build high-performing teams that support long-term community growth.
    • A MEDA member can attend this training at a discounted rate of $535.00 by emailing Wilson Soares, wsoares@iedconline.org, for a unique promo code PRIOR to registering for the course via IEDC’s website.

To learn more about these courses and the additional IEDC courses, please click here.

Certification

Visit the Certification page to learn more about the certification process, mentorship opportunities, and study materials available for exam preparation.