Economic Development In Your Place Spring Conference
The Economic Development In Your Place Spring Conference takes learning and networking to communities around Michigan with economic development stories to share. The inaugural event will be in Flint.
The agenda will cover matters that are crucial to keeping a strong economy in Michigan right now, showcase creative places and projects, and provide time for valuable networking. Learn how the City of Flint is building an entrepreneurial ecosystem, communities are filling unused space as workers stay home, a credit program for small businesses is making a difference, and much more.
After lunch, experience the developments, history, and innovation that the city has to offer. Then, convene at Market Tap at the Flint Farmers’ Market to round off this active day with shopping and networking.
In order to develop the conference into the most informative conference with a lasting experience, MEDA's Education Committee, a volunteer group of MEDA members, plans the agenda.
Agenda
7:30 a.m. Registration Opens
8:00 a.m. Welcome to Flint!
Paula Nas, Director, Office of Economic Development, University of Michigan-Flint
8:15 a.m. Building an Entrepreneurship Ecosystem with SBA’s Community Navigator Pilot Program
The Flint Community Navigator Pilot Program (CNPP) brings together resources to boost underserved small businesses and has had a positive impact in the City of Flint. Learn how CNPP connects resources, works collaboratively with resource partners so they don’t feel like competition to each other, the program/referral process, challenges faced, success stories, and more.
Moderator: Tyler Bailey, Small Business Specialist, Office of Economic Development, City of Flint
Panelists: Laura Chapman-Sigman, Founder and CEO, Best Practices Consulting Services
Nic Custer, Innovation Service Manager, University of Michigan-Flint
Laketa Henderson, Director, SBA Michigan District
9:15 a.m. Short Break
9:30 a.m. Filling Empty Office Buildings as Work from Home is Here to Stay
Many Michigan communities have been impacted by the transition into work from home that’s rapidly left office buildings vacant. What are some creative solutions to fill these vacancies and how can economic developers support building owners as they pursue solutions? Learn about what the future has in store as work from home continues.
Invited Moderator: Kiara May, Executive Director, Flint Downtown Development Authority
Panelists: Cathleen Edgerly, Executive Director, Downtown Lansing Inc.
Bruce Johnston, President, Revitalize, LLC
Dana Walker, Executive Director, Michigan Downtown Association
10:30 a.m. Short Break
10:45 a.m. Concurrent Sessions
>> Attract Big Talent by Promoting Quality of Life
Talent attraction is one of the biggest challenges continually facing economic developers. This session explains how promoting your community’s quality of life is an effective way to gain an edge and attract talent as well as new residents. At the same time, the pandemic forced people to re-examine how and where they want to work, and this shift has created an unprecedented opportunity that economic developers can use to attract talent as businesses continue to embrace work-from-home policies.
Dave Parsell, CEO, Localintel Economic Development
>> Succession Planning Support
Local business owners are retiring at a rapid rate. Learn about how these organizations can prepare for ownership transitions, acquisitions, accountability, and workforce development to maximize growth potential while also looking at the importance of hiring from within.
Steven Lopez, Business Development Specialist, The Right Place, Inc.
>> Hitting Print on 3D Housing in Michigan
There’s a wave of opportunity to build homes in rural and urban areas by using new technologies like 3D printing to lower the cost of construction which in turn, becomes more affordable. Learn what it takes to create these homes, the current limitations, and what the future of 3D housing could be in Michigan.
Fernando Bales, Lab Manager, Citizen Robotics
11:30 a.m. Short Break
11:45 a.m. State Small Business Credit Initiative
The State Small Business Credit Initiative is a Department of Treasury-funded program that flows through the State and into the MEDC. The two main components of the program include funding (via capital or loans) and supported technical assistance (mainly financial and legal) for qualifying businesses. Explore how this initiative helps small businesses, what challenges lie ahead, and more.
Moderator: Roy Messing, Director of State Operations, Employee Ownership Expansion Network
Panelists: Rachel Bakken, Senior Capital Project and Portfolio Manager, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Jeffrey Smith, Vice President, Isabella Bank
12:30 p.m. Lunch and Membership Meeting at Hilton Hotel
1:45 p.m. Concurrent Tours
Let’s explore Flint! Two tours will highlight some of the most unique areas of Downtown Flint.
>> Holistic View of Flint Tour
See the sights while you learn about the development of Ashley Capital and the legacy of the Berston Fieldhouse. Stop through the Flint Institute of Arts and the historic Capital Theatre while taking in the incredible works of art painted throughout Downtown Flint.
>> Economic Development through Education and Innovation Tour
Head over to the FABLAB at Mott Community College and learn how they use digital technologies to move ideas to products. Take a trip to the University of Michigan-Flint’s Science Wing and walk through the extraordinarily innovative science labs. Experience Kettering University’s Learning Commons Building. Keep an eye out for Attwood Stadium and Michigan’s newest state park!
3:45 p.m. Networking at Market Tap
Network with fellow economic developers at Market Tap, located inside the Flint Farmers’ Market. According to USA Today, the Flint Farmers’ Market has been selected as one of the 10 top public markets in the country. Check out these phenomenal entrepreneurs featuring locally owned, fresh, and organic products!
5:00 p.m. Adjourn
Sponsor Spotlight
Flint and Genesee Economic Alliance
The Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance (FGEA) works to advance prosperity for the residents of Genesee County. The FGEA does its work by supporting business growth, retention, and attraction efforts in marketing the county and serving as the convener of local resources available to ensure business success. From launching start-ups to locating global operations, the FGEA’s dedicated team walks alongside business leaders in pursuit of their goals. It is through these efforts and this posture of service that the FGEA embodies its mantra that “Flint & Genesee is what opportunity looks like.”
Contact the Flint and Genesee Economic Alliance Team to grow and create opportunities in Flint and Genesee County.
University of Michigan-Flint
The University of Michigan–Flint (UM-Flint) is a public university in Flint, Michigan. Located in the heart of Downtown Flint, the University is at the center of the community and takes part in growing a vibrant community. UM-Flint's Office of Economic Development works to establish and nurture partnerships and collaborations with community agencies, businesses and industry, and private foundations. They also develop infrastructure, practices, and policies to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, applied research, and tech-transfer culture at UM-Flint. UM-Flint NOW will tell you more about their work and innovation from the Univesity as a whole.
Contact the Office of Economic Development to partner with UM-Flint to grow businesses, communities, and a healthy workforce for Michigan.
Cost
Early Rates - MEDA Members $135*/Non-Members $205**
Regular Rates - MEDA Members $150*/Non-Members $220** (Start 1 week before the conference.)
*MEDA Members, if you joined in the last 12 months, you may still have a New Member Coupon that you can use to attend this program for free. Ask This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
**If not a member of MEDA, ask This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. how you can attend this program for free by joining MEDA.
Recertification Credits
This event has been approved for (1) continuing education credit for Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) certification from the National Development Council (NDC). Use the form on this page to claim your credit.
This event has been recognized by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) as a professional development event that counts toward the recertification of Certified Economic Developers (CEcD).
Register Now!
Cancellations must be received in writing to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 24 hours in advance of the start time in order to receive a full refund. Those who do not cancel and do not attend will be charged the full price of registration.