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 you’re seeking professional development through ongoing education and training courses, opportunities to connect to key influencers, or representation to the legislature, OEDA opens doors and expands opportunities. Brought to you in part by OEDI training partner JobsOhio.
The Ohio Basic Economic Development Course (OHIO BEDC) is an intensive training experience for economic development practitioners, community leaders, local government officials, and others committed to building healthy economies for their communities.
Typically held once per year, the Basic Course is a can’t miss education opportunity for those who are new to the profession, have new economic development responsibilities, or will be an economic development decision maker as an elected or appointed official.
The Ohio Economic Development Institute (OEDI) is a unique continuing education program designed to meet the specific needs of Ohio’s intermediate and advanced economic development professionals. Developed in partnership with JobsOhio and Ohio University Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs, OEDI offers high quality, state-specific continuing education opportunities.
OEDI will offer five Core Courses that cover the necessary skills for economic development professionals, including Business Retention and Expansion, Finance and Incentives, Real Estate Development, Workforce and Talent, and Site Development and Site Selection. The state-specific curriculum is designed to prepare professionals and the organizations they serve to be successful and win in the highly competitive state and global economic environment. OEDI also serves as the pathway for achieving the Ohio Certified Economic Developer (Ohio CED) credential.
The Finance & Incentives Course is an intensive two-day program designed to equip economic development professionals with the tools and expertise needed to leverage Ohio’s finance and incentive programs effectively. Featuring expert instruction, case studies, panels, and experiential learning, participants gain practical insights into both public and private sector deal structuring.
Highlights:
Stay current with the latest tools and strategies to succeed in Ohio’s competitive economic development landscape.
The BRE Course is a dynamic two-day program designed to empower economic development professionals with the tools and strategies to support, grow, and retain businesses in their communities. This interactive course combines expert instruction, hands-on activities, panels, and case studies to deliver actionable insights and foster collaboration among participants.
Highlights:
Engage with peers, refine your strategies, and leave with practical tools to drive growth and success in your community.
The Site Selection & Development Course is a comprehensive two-day program designed to equip economic development professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to prepare competitive, shovel-ready sites and navigate the site selection process. Combining expert instruction with practical case studies and interactive sessions, this course ensures participants are ready to address the latest challenges and opportunities in site development and selection.
Highlights:
Stay ahead of the curve in site development and selection to position your community for success.
The Real Estate Development & Redevelopment Course is an engaging two-day program designed to provide economic development professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the real estate development process, from concept to completion. This course combines expert instruction, interactive discussions, and case studies to equip participants with the tools needed to evaluate, finance, and advance projects in their communities.
Highlights:
Develop the expertise to thoughtfully approach real estate deals, secure and close projects, and drive successful development in your community.
The Workforce and Talent Course is a two-day program focused on equipping economic development professionals with the knowledge and tools to address workforce challenges and opportunities in their communities. Through expert instruction, interactive learning, and case studies, participants will explore strategies to meet the workforce needs of businesses while leveraging Ohio-specific programs and resources.
Highlights:
Stay ahead with the latest industry trends and best practices to drive workforce and talent solutions in your community.
The Ohio Certified Economic Developer (Ohio CED) credential is designed to demonstrate the depth and breadth of an individual’s knowledge and their ability to apply that knowledge to the benefit of their community or organization. The Ohio CED designation also represents the economic development practitioner’s commitment to advancing the Ohio economy and elevating the economic development profession.
The Ohio Certified Economic Developer is a voluntary certification for practitioners who choose to demonstrate their advanced knowledge and training. To become a candidate for certification, an economic development professional must have successfully completed the Ohio Basic Economic Development Course or have three years of full time economic development experience.
The Spring Event (formerly OEDA 360) is a premier two-day program combining OEDA’s government affairs agenda with a comprehensive view of economic development in Ohio. Attendees will engage with policymakers, state leaders, and top economic development professionals through dynamic sessions, including a legislative reception, live policy and legislative updates, and training opportunities.
This event offers a unique platform to gain insights into the latest economic development trends, discover new resources for successful projects, and interact directly with agency leadership and program managers. With a focus on advocacy, education, and connections, the Spring Event is an essential opportunity for economic developers, elected officials, and policymakers to advance their knowledge and build impactful relationships.
OEDA’s biggest education and networking event of the year is the Annual Summit. This three-day conference includes educational sessions covering the most important economic development topics and timely issues and offers outstanding networking. More than 400 economic and community development professionals, state and local officials, news media, and other businesses and organizations that engage in economic development. With plenary and concurrent sessions, special topic roundtables, and networking events, attendees can earn 12-16 credit hours toward the Ohio Certified Economic Developer credential.