What's Being Planned for Emerging Leaders Spring Training
Preview
The Emerging Leaders Spring Training is a half-day program with topics that focus on the needs of early-career economic developers.
Attendees can learn from experienced leaders as well as build lasting relationships through networking.
This year’s training is about building emerging leaders’ careers through leadership skills, certifications, communications with public officials, and more. MEDA’s Emerging Leaders Committee is exploring the following topics:
2025 Event
8:00 a.m. Registration Opens
8:30 a.m. Influencing Without Authority
Early career economic developers are often not authority figures and key decision-makers of an economic development organization. They can still influence directions and strategies by being a team player, a subject matter expert, or having the confidence to provide key input. “Influencing Without Authority” will provide training on leading beyond the job title.
Jordan Twardy, Director of Economic Development, City of Dearborn
9:30 a.m. Networking Break
9:45 a.m. Building Your Career Path with Economic Development Certifications
Prominent certifications can help emerging leaders get noticed. However, obtaining them can require significant resources. This session will cover common certifications, reasons for selecting them, options for obtaining them, and examples of established leaders who have used them to enhance their careers.
JoAnn Crary, CEcD, EDFP, Retired President, Saginaw Future
Justin Horvath, CEcD, President & CEO, Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership
10:45 a.m. Networking Break
11:00 a.m. Addressing Media Inquiries with Confidence
In the ever-evolving world of economic development, effective communication with the media is essential for building relationships, promoting initiatives, and advocating for the community. This session will explore the skills and strategies needed to handle media interactions with confidence and professionalism.
Otie McKinley, Media and Communications Manager, Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
12:00 p.m. Lunch and Networking Break
1:00 p.m. Insights from Michigan's MEDC CEO on Leadership and Growth
The MEDC’s strong partnership with Michigan EDOs makes maintaining healthy relationships with key team members crucial for growth as an economic development leader. This is a unique chance for emerging leaders to hear from Michigan’s top economic development official about his journey to becoming the MEDC CEO, the skills he values in leaders, and key updates to share with their teams.
Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEcD, CEO, MEDC
1:30 p.m. Networking Break
1:45 p.m. Women in Economic Development
This panel will focus on the diverse experiences of women in economic development, while providing practical strategies for fostering gender equity, advancing leadership, and driving meaningful impact in communities. Participants will examine key issues such as overcoming barriers to leadership, navigating systemic inequalities, and leveraging strengths that women bring to the profession.
JoAnn Crary, CEcD, Retired President, Saginaw Future
Kati Mora, President & CEO, Middle Michigan Development Corporation
Susan Proctor, CEcD, Senior Site Selector Engagement Director, Market Growth & Business Attraction
2:45 p.m. Adjourn
Attend Emerging Leaders Spring Training
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