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, mentor’s 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.

2023 Maryland Course Schedule

Business Retention and Expansion – March 9-10, 2023 (IN BALTIMORE)

  • Interested MEDA members who are interested in participating in any of the above training courses receive early-bird member rate at $520.00 should reach out to Cherrika Gordon at prodev@iedconline.org to receive a special code to register for a training course. If you plan to apply for a Lofton Scholarship, please use this form.

Neighborhood Development Strategies – April 13-14, 2023 (VIRTUAL)

  • Interested MEDA members who are interested in participating in any of the above training courses receive early-bird member rate at $520.00 should reach out to Cherrika Gordon at prodev@iedconline.org to receive a special code to register for a training course. If you plan to apply for a Lofton Scholarship, please use this form.

MEDA Chesapeake Basic Economic Development Course – July 24-27, 2023 (VIRTUAL)

  • If you plan to apply for a Lofton Scholarship, please use this form.

Marketing & Attraction – August 28-29, 2023 (VIRTUAL)

  • Interested MEDA members who are interested in participating in any of the above training courses receive early-bird member rate at $520.00 should reach out to Cherrika Gordon at prodev@iedconline.org to receive a special code to register for a training course. If you plan to apply for a Lofton Scholarship, please use this form.

Certification

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