HomeTownHometown GwinnettHomeTimes.com Your free local source for news, events, and business in and around Lawrenceville, GA

Tackling economic challenges, more than 1,200 economic development leaders descend on Atlanta this week

Atlanta is the center of attention for the nation's economic development experts this week when the International Economic Council (IEDC) hold its annual conference through Oct. 22 at the Hyatt Regency in Atlanta.

This annual conference for the economic development industry stresses the need for communities of all types to adjust their economic models and leadership to meet the challenges posed by the growing world population. This year theme is The Next Billion: Mobility, Flexibility, Agility, and Livability.

The conference draws influential business leaders, economic professionals and academics to address current trends and issues in the economic development industry. Scheduled events include engaging seminars, networking opportunities and educational tours. Feature keynote speakers include:

• The Honorable Shirley Franklin, Mayor of Atlanta
• Anna Cablik, President ANATEK, INC.
• Dr. Richard Florida, International Best-selling Author, Who’s Your City?
• John Rice, Vice Chairman, General Electric Company
• Thomas D. Bell, Jr., Chairman and CEO of Cousins Properties, Inc.

Participants at the Annual conference will explore the conference theme through the seminars offered in four primary tracks:

Globility/Mobility: Learn ways a community can integrate into the global economy

Flexibility/Agility: Create and retain a talented workforce and entrepreneurial environment in communities of all sizes

Livability: How communities can invest in their economic assets to attract and retain citizens and businesses

Sustainability: Examine how communities of various sizes can and are building sustainable futures

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is the largest non-profit membership organization dedicated to helping economic developers do their job more effectively and raising the profile of the profession. Members create more high-quality jobs, develop more vibrant communities, and generally improve the quality of life in their regions. For more information about IEDC, visit www.iedconline.org.