MEDA Membership Services and Programs
Advocate
AdvocateOn an on-going basis, MEDA keeps its members aware of the latest status of key legislative initiatives impacting economic development.
Advocacy Committee
MEDA’s Advocacy Committee is working to raise MEDA’s profile among the Michigan Legislature to become a resource for them as they develop laws related to economic development. MEDA Members can join the Committee, respond to surveys, participate in focus groups, volunteer to meet with their local legislators on matters important to MEDA and much more.
Impact Day (formerly Capitol Day)
This conference includes sessions on the latest legislative issues related to economic development as well as State and Federal agency updates on economic development initiatives and laws. Impact Day attendees are encouraged to invite their legislators and legislative staff to discuss issues specific to their community or region.
Legislative Updates
Delivered directly to their email in the weekly MEDA Membership Minute newsletter, legislative updates help members stay on top of economic development-related legislation. MEDA membership programs provide updates on what is happening at the State Capitol. Legislation can also be found under the Info Hub area of the MEDA website. If members can’t find bills that you are looking for, they can simply contact the MEDA staff.
Discover
MEDA provides education that covers a variety of areas specific to economic development. Members receive a reduced rate for attendance to all of the programs.
Education, Training, and Networking Opportunities
MEDA's holds opportunities to learn and grow your network throughout the year, including the Annual Meeting, Impact Day (formerly Capitol Day), Emerging Leaders Spring Program, Economic Development Basic Course, webinars, Spring Conference, and Fall Conference. As needed, we hold regional programs and national certification courses. See our Events page. Have new staff that need to get trained right away? Consider our Webinar Subscription Service.
Economic Development Basic Course
The Economic Development Basic Course focuses on the core areas of economic development and is the first requirement to become a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD). This nationally-recognized certification, from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), denotes a mastery of principal skill in economic development, professional accomplishment, and a commitment to personal and professional growth. Aside from certification, the course is beneficial to those with less than five years of experience, or to those looking to tie up loose ends in their economic development knowledge.
Scholarships
MEDA's Scholarship Program is designed to help MEDA members with limited resources continue to develop their professional skills in the area of economic development. Some members are also eligible for the Birgit M. Klohs Fellowship for assistance with training.
Membership Minute Newsletter
This newsletter provides legislative action updates, information on State agency programs, job openings, and other news that affects the economic development community. Members are also the first to be notified about education, training, and networking opportunities.
Info Hub Access
MEDA members receive a password for access to the Info Hub area of this website. Here, they can search the Membership Directory, view job postings, keep up-to-date on economic development-related legislation, post to our forum, and download economic development resources, reports, and studies.
Membership Meetings
To keep members informed on what's happening and to give members a voice in the Association, MEDA has membership meetings in conjunction with our educational programs. Members are updated on Association finances, committee activities, and are introduced to new members.
Membership Survey
The bi-annual Membership Survey provides information on economic development salaries, staff insurance plans, organizational budgets, project profiles, and other useful information for economic developers in Michigan. Members can access survey reports in the Info Hub.
Collaborate
MEDA provides a unique opportunity to network on a regular basis with peers and experts in the field of economic development. At our Education, Training, and Networking offerings, there are many opportunities to share insight into economic development with old friends and new acquaintances.
Committee and Taskforce Participation
Volunteering on a committee or task force is not only rewarding, good for the resume, and a powerful networking method, it is also a requirement for receiving scholarships and increases a members' chances of being on the Board of Directors. MEDA has active committees and forms taskforces that address issues, provide services, expand knowledge, and create opportunities for relationship-building for our members.
Emerging Leaders Network
The Emerging Leaders Network supports early-career economic developers, helping them excel in their field by giving them the tools and opportunities to be successful through training, networking, and mentoring. The Committee currently plans the Emerging Leaders Spring Training program, oversees the Birgit M. Klohs Fellowship for Women and Minorities pursuing a career in economic development, and oversees the MEDA Mentorship Connection program (below).
MEDA Mentorship Connection
Learning from experienced economic developers is crucial for emerging leaders. That is why MEDA's Emerging Leaders Committee developed this free, volunteer program, that pairs students and early-career economic developers with experienced leaders.
Help a Fellow MEDA Member
Using our mass emailing system and forum, members can request help from other economic developers on various topics and receive instant responses. Business attraction plans, facade financing, and commercial rehabilitation are just some of the topics that your fellow MEDA members will be able to give you direction, guidance, application examples, and advice - and there is no extra fee for this service! Members can access a compilation of responses in the Info Hub.
Job Postings
Around 50 economic development position openings are advertised through MEDA every year. Job posting updates can be found in either our weekly Membership Minutes newsletter or in the Info Hub.
Social Media
Available for anyone interested in economic development in Michigan, MEDA has Facebook and LinkedIn, and pages where we provide the latest-breaking economic development news. These sites are also a great place for members to discuss and share ideas with each other.
State Agency Networking
Through our membership programs, Impact Day (formerly Capitol Day), Annual Meeting and other conferences, you will be able to speak with a variety of State agency staff to get up-to-the-minute information and feedback on State programs.
Ready to Join Us?
Join us today and begin experiencing all the benefits of our membership.