OC hosts National Economic Development Week Celebration
Published 9:14 am Wednesday, April 26, 2017
Special to The Leader
Orange County celebrates Economic Development Week from May 8-13. Economic Development Week was created, and is coordinated, by The International Economic Development Council. It is being held during the week of the organization’s 91st anniversary as the largest professional membership organization for economic developers.
Typically economic development can be described in terms of objectives. These most commonly include the creation of jobs and wealth, and the improvement of quality of life. Economic development can also be described as a process that influences growth and restructuring of an economy to enhance the economic well-being of a community.
“We are excited to launch an Economic Development Week campaign in Orange County. Included in our 2017 EDW activities will be interviews with economic development professionals, elected officials and community leaders. Follow the Orange County Economic Development Corporation website (www.orangecountyedc.com) and Facebook page for presentations and program highlights.” Jessica Hill, CEcD, Executive Director, said.
In the broadest sense, economic development encompasses three major areas:
- Policies that government undertakes to meet broad economic objectives including inflation control, high employment and sustainable growth.
- Policies and programs to provide services including building highways, managing parks and providing medical access to the disadvantaged.
- Policies and programs explicitly directed at improving the business climate through specific efforts, business finance, marketing, neighborhood development, business retention and expansion, technology transfer, real estate development and others.
“This national event helps communities recognize economic development practitioners and shed light on their programs and their role in stimulating job creation by businesses in their community. This program helps us all share information on two priorities; informing community leaders about the value of economic development, and ensuring that everyone in our communities have the opportunity to succeed through access to a good job.” F. Michael Langley FM, CEO, Greater MSP, Minneapolis – St. Paul, MN, IEDC 2017 Board Chair, said.
