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2025 Basic Economic Development Course



2025 Basic Economic Development Course
June 9 - 12, 2025
ETEC Center at the University at Albany

1220 Washington Ave Suite 146, Albany, NY 12226


Held in June, the Basic Economic Development Course (BEDC) introduces attendees to the practices of a broad economic development program. Through instruction, peer learning, and case studies, the New York BEDC offers a comprehensive educational experience in economic development fundamentals.

This course is designed to meet the needs of professionals and volunteers relatively new to the development field. Attendees will learn best practices to help prepare their communities for business retention and expansion, business attraction, and grow an entrepreneurial ecosystem. The course focuses on the development, organization, and operation of economic development activities in both the public and private sectors. The faculty of the BEDC is comprised of seasoned practitioners and consultants recognized for their experience and expertise across economic development practice. The course also highlights leading national and international trends and best practices in economic development.

The New York Basic Economic Development Course meets the core requirements prerequisite for practitioners who wish to sit for the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) credential issued by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). To learn more about CEcD certification, visit the IEDC website. The Basic Economic Development course is equivalent to 3 credits in Applied Economic Development, a graduate level course at SUNY Empire State University's Masters in Community, and Economic Development program.

The course addresses four basic themes:
  • Concepts of economic development
  • Trends in economic development
  • Development location
  • Practical techniques and best practices of successful development
The course is designed for staff and volunteer leaders of:
  • Local, regional, and community Economic Development organizations
  • Colleges and universities
  • Chambers of commerce
  • State agencies
  • Planners
  • Utilities
  • Workforce Investment Boards (WIB)


Registration

Basic Economic Development Course Registration
Member Rate:                             $650.00 
Future Member Rate:             $700.00



Sponsorship Opportunities 
Email Stephanie Cavalier or call 518.426.4058 for more information.

Hotel Information

We have a room block at the Residence Inn Albany Washington Avenue - $159 per night from Sunday, June 8th through Thursday, June 12th. Last day to book is May 8th.  Click here to book your room.

Course Venue

ETEC Center at the University at Albany
1220 Washington Ave Suite 146, Albany, NY 12226

CLICK HERE FOR CAMPUS MAP + PARKING



2025 Course Syllabus - Subject to Change

Monday, June 9


11:15 am - 12:00 pm

Course Check-In and Networking


12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Course Welcome and Overview

  • Welcome from Ryan Silva | Executive Director, New York State Economic Development Council (NYSEDC)
  • Course Overview from Christa Franzi | Vice President & Director of Entrepreneurship, Camoin Associates

2:00 pm - 2:15 pm

Afternoon Refreshment Break


2:15 pm - 3:15 pm

Community Development in Theory and Practice | Part Two

  • Mark Waterhouse | President, Garnet Consulting Services, Inc.

3:15 pm - 5:15 pm

Strategic Planning in Economic Development

Case Study Document

  • Mark Waterhouse | President, Garnet Consulting Services, Inc.

Tuesday, June 10


8:45 am - 10:15 am

Marketing Your Community to Talent and Prospects

  • Hanna Gbordzoe | Vice President, Digial, Development Counsellors International

10:15 am - 10:30 am

Morning Refreshment Break


10:30 am - 12:30 pm

Financial Packaging and Incentives

  • Patrick Kelly | CEO, St. Lawrence County IDA
  • Jeff Janiszewski | SVP of Strategic Business Development / Global NY,  Empire State Development

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

Working Lunch


1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Workforce Development and It's Essential Role in Economic Development

  • Therese Daly | President and Chief Executive Officer, United Way of New York State
  • Brian Williams | Executive Director, Capital Region Workforce Development Board

2:30 pm - 2:45 pm

Afternoon Refreshment Break


2:45 pm - 4:45 pm

Ethics and Civility in Economic Development

  • Amanda Fitzgerald | Partner, Barclay Damon

4:45 pm - 5:30 pm

Group Case Study Work


Wednesday, June 11


9:00 am - 10:00 am

Global Economy and International Business: The Role of the Economic Developer

Note: only Part 1 of this slide deck is available to participants. The second part is view-only during the class period at the request of the presenter.

  • Kathryn Bamberger | Senior International Trade Manager, Global NY Team, Empire State Development (ESD)
  • Nick Oringer | Critical Infrastructure Analyst 1, Office of Counter Terrorism, Critical Infrastructure Unit, NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

10:00 am - 10:15 am

Morning Refreshment Break


10:15 am - 12:15 pm

Small Business & Entrepreneurial Development

  • Kate Baker | Director, Small Business Development Center, University at Albany
  • Ross Pancoe | Senior Vice President, Pursuit

12:15 pm  - 1:15 pm

Working Lunch


1:15 pm - 3:15 pm

Organizational Leadership

  • Kevin O'Connor | CEO of Advance Albany County Alliance, Director of Economic Development for Albany County, NY

3:15 pm - 3:30 pm

Afternoon Refreshment Break


3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Business Retention and Expansion

  • Sarah Lee | Executive Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation

4:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Case Study Team Work


Thursday, June 12


8:00 am - 10:00 am

Real Estate Development and Reuse

  • Ray Gillen | Chairman, Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Equity and Inclusion in Economic Development

  • Dr. Juhanna Rogers | Senior Vice President of Racial Equity and Social Inclusion, CenterState CEO

12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

Working Lunch, Finalize Case Studies


1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Case Study Presentations to Judges Panel

Presenting of Certificates and Group Photo

Course Concludes