2023 "An Afternoon with the Districts" Presentation Materials

The NADO Research Foundation hosted “An Afternoon with the Districts” on March 15, 2023 as part of the Economic Development District Community of Practice.   This event brought together nearly 70 participants representing EDDs, the U.S. Economic Development Administration, EDA community of practice partners, and other national organizations for an afternoon of networking, training, and conversations that explored how best to position EDDs for success in achieving regional economic development and resilience.  

The full agenda is available here and presentation materials are linked below (PDF).  To learn more about the EDD CoP and how to get involved, click here.  Thanks to everyone who participated this year and we look forward to seeing you at future events!    

  • Welcome and Introductions
    Brett Schwartz, Associate Director, NADO Research Foundation

  • Building Communities and Capacity: An Update from EDA
    Brittany Sickler, Networks Program Manager, Office of Regional Affairs, U.S. EDA
    Tori Brown, Communities of Practice Coordinator, U.S. EDA
    Bernadette Grafton, RNTA Coordinator, U.S. EDA

  • Keynote: Latest Trends and Opportunities in Regional Economic Development
    Brian Kelsey, Manager, Economic Development Advisory Services, Ernst & Young LLP

  • Lightning Round Partner Presentations
    Grace Blanchard, Program Manager – Resilient Economies and Communities, National Association of Counties (Coal transition communities)
    Matt Bogoshian, Executive Director, American Manufacturing Communities Collaborative (Manufacturing)
    Bob Isaacson, Senior Vice President for Economic Research and Policy, Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness (State-EDD partnerships)
    Sarah Kackar, Director, Rural Initiative, NeighborWorks America (Rural Housing)
    Mary Louk, Program Manager, National Development Council & Patrick Davis, Senior Vice President, Strategy, CRF USA (Revolving Loan Funds)
    Jason Rittenberg, Vice President, SSTI (Technology-Based Economic Development)
    Betsey Suchanic, Inclusive Economic Development Advisor, New Growth Innovation Network (Equity and Economic Inclusion)

The EDD CoP is made possible through an award from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce (ED22HDQ3070106).  The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the participants, trainers, and authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Economic Development Administration or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

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