Invited Speakers

Another of the important advantages of the Mid-South BEDC is the ability to meet and benefit from the experience of nearly 20 experts in community economic development. They include consultants, professional economic developers, academicians, utility personnel, and other specialists. The faculty is chosen based on expertise, teaching effectiveness, professional association membership, and diversity. Where possible, Certified Economic Developers (CEcD’s) are used.

The 2012 Roster of Invited Speakers for each topic is:

Dr. Joseph R. Bell

New Business Development/Entrepreneurship

Mr. Ronnie Bryant, CEcD

Managing Economic Development Organizations

Mr. Eric Canada

Business Retention and Expansion

Mr. Joey Dean

Business Attraction Panel

Mr. Tom Fox

Environment and Economic Development

Mr. Danny Games, CEcD, EDFP

ED Finance Panel Moderator

Mr. Michael Gerfen

Workforce Development

Mr. Mark Goodman, CEcD

Retail Development

Dr. David Kolzow

Strategic Planning

Mr. Chris Marsh

Business Attraction Panel Moderator

Ms. Barbara Merrick, CEcD, CCD

Economic Development Websites

Ms. Pamela J. Mundo, CEcD, AICP

Real Estate Development

Dr. Michael Pakko

Global and Regional Trends

Mr. Jubal Smith, CEcD, EDFP

Tax Incentives & Credits

Dr. Ron Swager, CEcD, FM

Intro. to Economic Development

The Marketing Program

Mr. Eric Canada

Business Retention and Expansion

Mr. Carey Tyson

Community Development

Mr. Jay Wisener

ED Finance Panel

Mr. Mark Young, CEcD

Business Recruitment Panel