Comprehensive Training in Key Areas by Experienced Leaders
MEDA partners with the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) to offer Michigan's Economic Development Basic Course, commonly referred to as "the Basic Course". This course is a comprehensive educational opportunity that focuses on the critical areas of economic development.
For those seeking national certification, the Basic Course is the first requirement for becoming a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) as it qualifies as a professional development training requirement needed to sit for the CEcD exam.
CEcD certification through the IEDC is a national recognition that denotes a mastery of principal skills in economic development, professional attainment, and a commitment to personal and professional growth. The course is accredited by the IEDC. For more information, click here, or call 202-942-9466. The IEDC is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to helping economic developers do their jobs more effectively and raising the profile of the profession.
More Basic Course Basics
Dates: The 2026 dates are September 8 - 10. If you cannot attend this year, the Course is typically held in the second or third week of September each year. Dates are typically available in October of the preceding year.
Agenda: Typically available in June of each year at the latest.
What to Expect:
- A mixture of lecture and case study work.
- A networking mixer after the first day to get to know your classmates.
- Approximately 8:00 to 5:00 each day.
- Drinks and snacks are provided throughout the day.
Location: The View at Jackson Stadium, 505 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48912
Hotel Reservations: A great group rate is available at the Courtyard by Marriott Lansing Downtown, 600 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48912. To receive a rate of $149 ++/night (currently 13% taxes), reserve your stay using this link or by calling the hotel directly at 517-367-6677 by August 24th. The hotel has a 24-hour cancellation policy.
Scholarships: Scholarships are available for MEDA members to attend the Economic Development Basic Course each year. Scholarship applications must be submitted by August 1, 2026.
Regular/Required Sessions: The Economic Development Basic Course is a comprehensive training course in which the best of Michigan’s practitioners educate participants on the fundamentals of economic development in the following areas. Two hours of training on these sessions is provided per the requirement of the IEDC:
- Business Retention and Expansion
- Community/Neighborhood Development
- Economic Development Ethics
- Economic Development Finance
- Managing an Economic Development Organization
- Marketing/Attraction
- Real Estate Development and Reuse
- Small Business and Entrepreneurship Development
- Strategic Planning
- Workforce Development
Bonus Session: MEDA has added a session that is pertinent to successful economic development:
- Developing a Healthy Relationship with Your Legislators
Attendance Policy: Attendees can only miss 10% of the required sessions for the conference to receive a certificate of completion.
Payment Policy:Â Payment is required to attend. You can request an invoice upon registration.
Fees
MEDA Members $645
- If you joined in the last 12 months, you may still have a New Member Coupon that you can use to receive a discount. Ask Cassandra at cjorae@medaweb.org.
- Your membership must be up to date by the first day of the conference unless prior arrangements have been made.
Non-Members $870
- If you're not a member, ask Cassandra how you can save by joining MEDA and using your new-member coupon.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations must be received in writing to cjorae@medaweb.org on or before August 25th to receive a full refund.
- Cancellations between August 26th and August 29th will be refunded less $150.
- There will be no refunds after September 1st.
- Those who do not cancel and do not attend will be charged the full registration price.
Our Dates Don't Work for You? See Professional Development at www.iedconline.com for a list of upcoming Basic Courses in the U.S.
