Benefits
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“PDI has provided me with valuable educational and leadership resources along with providing opportunities to connect with colleagues and partners from other industries. The legislative advocacy efforts, for economic development, is the biggest benefit to my membership.”
Kiana Johnson, Executive Director, O’Brien County Economic Development Corporation, Primghar, Iowa
PDI advocates for economic development on the local, state and national levels. Our members are represented at the State Capitol by professional lobbyists on issues important to our members. Gain insider information during the session through the bi-monthly Policy Perspectives newsletter and Monday morning legislative calls with PDI’s lobbyists.
Education programs prepare you with the tools you need to do your job. Annually, PDI holds a one-day spring conference in conjunction with the SMART Conference and a three-day fall conference where members learn about trends and enhance their skills.
Additionally, membership allows your decision makers on your city councils and economic development board to attend educational events at member rates.
Professional Development
Member Survey PDI conducts a member survey which helps members compare what their organization is providing to peers in the state. The survey addresses salary and benefits, legislative issue and economic impact issues.
PDI offers a limited number of scholarships to members to provide educational opportunities to continue their expertise in the field each year. Priority is given to the following courses: Heartland Economic Development Course; International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Economic Development Courses; University of Oklahoma's Economic Development Institute (OU/EDI); and the National Development Council's Professional Certification Programs.
Communications
Stay tuned into the profession through the PDI Post , a monthly member newsletter, Policy Perspectives , the bi-monthly newsletter during session, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.
Knowledge Experts
PDI established an information mentoring program designed to help members no matter their experience in the profession. PDI offers seasoned members with the following key areas of expertise:
Business Retention & Expansion
Business & Industry Recruitment
Community Development
Entrepreneurship
Financing
Fund Raising
Governmental Affairs
Grant Writing
Health Care Development
Higher Education
Housing
Infrastructure Development
Marketing
Organizational Development
Planning
Public Administration
Real Estate
Regional Development
Strategic Planning
Subsidiary Development
Tax Incentives
Technical Assistance
Telecommunications
Tourism Development
Workforce Planning/Development
Upon joining, members are connected with the ability to access these experts.
Do you need to understand TIF? Are you looking for tips for developing an industrial park or how to do a housing assessment? These are some of the resources members have access to within the PDI member portal.
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