OEDA Congratulates Graduates of the 2025 Ohio Basic Economic Development Course
DUBLIN, OH – The Ohio Economic Development Association (OEDA) proudly congratulates the more than 85 participants who successfully completed the 2025 Ohio Basic Economic Development Course (OHIO BEDC), held June 2–5, 2025, in Dublin, Ohio.
Led by the Ohio Economic Development Institute (OEDI), a program of the Ohio Developmental Association (ODA), the OHIO BEDC is a nationally accredited, week-long training program that provides essential education in the core competencies of economic development. The course is designed for those new to the profession, elected officials, and community leaders looking to build stronger, more resilient economies.
This year, 85 participants completed over 25 hours of intensive, in-person training. Accredited by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the 2025 program featured 31 expert speakers and covered key topics including:
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Business retention and expansion
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Real estate and redevelopment
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Workforce and talent development
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Strategic planning and regional collaboration
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Infrastructure and site development
“At OEDA, we believe that a strong foundation in the fundamentals is essential for advancing economic opportunity across Ohio,” said David Zak, OEDA President. “By investing in their professional growth, these participants are helping to build more resilient, competitive, and inclusive communities—now and into the future. We’re proud to support their journey.”
Instructors and guest speakers played a crucial role in the course’s success, bringing real-world insights and practical experience to each session.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the 31 professionals who shared their time, knowledge, and leadership with this year’s class,” said Mark Barbash, Director of the Ohio Economic Development Institute. “Their expertise helped make this course dynamic, relevant, and immediately useful to the work being done across Ohio’s communities.”
OEDA extends a special thank you to Ice Miller for their generous sponsorship of the 2025 OHIO BEDC and continued support of professional development in Ohio’s economic development community.
We also gratefully acknowledge our OEDA Leadership Partners—JobsOhio, One Columbus, and Appalachian Partnership Inc.—for their ongoing investment in building Ohio’s economic development capacity and leadership pipeline.
OEDA congratulates all participants on earning their Certificate of Completion and thanks the speakers, instructors, sponsors, and planning team who made this impactful event possible.
For more information about the Ohio Basic Economic Development Course or other OEDI professional development offerings, visit www.ohioeda.com.
About the Ohio Economic Development Association
Established in 2005, the Ohio Economic Development Association (OEDA) is one of the largest and most respected state economic development associations in the nation, with more than 730 members representing Ohio’s local, regional, and state development organizations and partners. OEDA’s mission is to advance the practice of economic development to foster growth, prosperity, and opportunity for all Ohioans. Through top-tier professional development, a robust statewide network, and strategic advocacy, OEDA helps members expand their knowledge, influence, and impact. Its flagship offerings include the Ohio Economic Development Institute, the rotating OEDA Annual Summit, and new programming that reflects the evolving needs of the profession.