Join the OEDA Community

 

 

OEDA is your partner for success at every step of your career.  Our foundational programs and services are designed to support you in your current position as well as preparing you for future career growth.  Whether it is through our jobs board, opportunities to connect, or your expansion of knowledge, OEDA opens doors and expands opportunities.

 

MEMBERSHIP LEVELSMEMBER BENEFITS

Here's Your Invitation

 

For nearly a decade, OEDA members have been leaders in advancing Ohio’s economy, winning projects, creating jobs, and building communities. Now is your chance join our growing organization. OEDA offers memberships to meet the needs of individuals as well as discounts for organizations with multiple members. Affiliated professionals can join OEDA and connect with the top economic and community developers in Ohio.

OEDA memberships are by individual (not by organization) and are calendar year based. Membership is non-transferrable. If you are a new member, please note the option to join at a discounted rate after the first quarter.

You may be able to deduct dues and some expenses on your business tax return for membership in OEDA, a professional trade association. Please check with your accountant or tax professional. Access OEDA’s W-9 form for your records.

Multi-Member Discount

$240/Year
  • Be sure to take advantage of our discounted rates for multiple members from the same organization. Dues for 2nd and subsequent members from the same organization are only $240.

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Member in Transition

$100/Year
  • Member in Transition is a membership category for individual members who are undergoing a transition in their career status as a result of a temporary change to their employment status.

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Retiree

$100/Year
  • Retiree Membership is available to former individual members who have retired from full or part-time employment.

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Student

$25/Year
  • Open to any person enrolled as a full-time student at an institute of higher learning such as a college or university.

Member Benefits

 

OEDA membership offers a wide range of benefits designed to empower economic development professionals and organizations across Ohio. Members gain access to exclusive professional development opportunities, industry-leading events, timely updates and resources, and a strong advocacy voice for economic development issues. Through OEDA’s collaborative community, members can build valuable connections, share best practices, and enhance their expertise. Whether you’re looking to stay informed, expand your network, or advance your career, OEDA membership provides the tools and support you need to succeed in today’s dynamic economic landscape.

OEDA membership delivers unmatched value for economic development professionals, with access to exclusive education, events, information, advocacy, and organizational involvement. As the 7th largest state association in the country, OEDA is recognized for its fast-growing social media presence, the nation’s best-attended Basic Economic Development Course (with 100+ participants annually), and one of only seven state certification programs in the U.S. This breadth of resources positions OEDA as the premier organization for advancing economic development in Ohio.

Education

Notifications, updates and access to best professional development for Economic Development in Ohio.

Significant discounts on educational programming, including:

  • $100 off the Basic Economic Development Course and Core Courses.
  • Free or discounted access to live topical Webinars.
  • Discounts on upcoming Intermediate Courses.

Exclusive opportunity to earn OhioCED Certification through OEDA programs.

Access to online Video Library (just getting started).

Events

Notification of and access to the top economic development events in Ohio, including the Annual Summit with more than 400 attendees and the new Leadership Forum.

Member discounts on major events:

  • 20% discount off the Annual Summit.
  • Discounts on the new spring Leadership Forum.
  • Reduced pricing for Fast Forward ED regional events.

Opportunity to present at events and showcase organization.

Information

Member-only access to the OEDA Express, featuring:

  • Over 100 weekly updates from around the state.
  • A curated list of statewide Jobs, Events, Projects, and Programs.
  • A deep dive into a Hot Topic of the Week, and 5 Key Things to Know.
  • The opportunity to seek advice or solutions through Member Match.

Exclusive access to OEDA Exchanges, podcast-style discussions or recordings on critical topics.

Comprehensive Legislative Updates, including:

  • Detailed reports and distilled takeaway emails on state-level developments.

Updates on OEDA happenings and initiatives.

Advocacy

Participate in shaping Ohio’s economic development priorities through:

  • Member-only Legislative Updates and reports.
  • Member Surveys to establish community priorities.
  • The in-development Government Affairs Committee and Advocacy/Policy Roundtables.

Opportunities to contribute to the Ohio Forward Policy Agenda.

OEDA Leadership advocating for ED programs and priorities.

OEDA assisting with elected official education about ED.

Engagement & Reputation

Opportunities to engage in OEDA committees and initiatives, such as:

  • Board of Directors, Finance, Nominating, Summit, Professional Development, Government Affairs, Spring Event, and more.

Membership with OEDA signals your commitment to excellence, positioning you as a serious professional leveraging the best resources available to accelerate, elevate, and celebrate economic development in Ohio.

Opportunity to sign OEDA Code of Ethics.

Contact Us

 

Have  a question or comment? Not sure who to talk to? Fill out the form and we’ll see that it gets to the right place.

Or if you’d prefer, reach out to our staff directly.

David Zak, President & CEO
dzak@ohioeda.com
419.912.1150 (cell)

Mark Barbash, Director
Ohio Economic Development Institute
mbarbash@ohioeda.com
419.774.7599 (cell)

Sharon Erichsen, Membership Director
serichsen@bennett-management-llc.com
866.986.4041 x103 (office)

Contact Us
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