---
title: 100
---
[](https://100.iedconline.org)
- [ABOUT](https://100.iedconline.org#About)
- [EVENTS](https://100.iedconline.org#centennial-events)
- [STORIES](https://100.iedconline.org#centennial-stories)
- [THOUGHT LEADERS & NEWS](https://100.iedconline.org#thought-leaders)
- [HISTORY](https://100.iedconline.org#story)
- [GALLERY](https://100.iedconline.org#gallery)
- [SHOP](https://100.iedconline.org#shop)
- [DONATE](https://100.iedconline.org#donate)
- [EVENT REGISTRATION](https://100.iedconline.org#event-series)
- [SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS](https://100.iedconline.org#photos)
- [SPONSORS](https://100.iedconline.org#sponsors)
# 100 Years of Impact
.gif?width=1920&height=700&name=100%20Years%20Video%20(8).gif "100 Years Video")
Over 100 years, IEDC has convened practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and community leaders to tackle complex challenges — from job creation and workforce transitions to resilience, equity, and sustainable growth. This centennial celebration reflects not only how far the profession has come, but also IEDC’s ongoing role in shaping its future. By honoring the lessons of the past and spotlighting today’s leaders and ideas, the centennial marks a commitment to the next generation of community-centered economic development and the opportunities that lie ahead.
*“This is a time to reflect on our past, celebrate our successes today, and forge a bold pathway forward for the economic development profession. Our collective expertise and vision will guide us to new heights and empower economic developers to strengthen communities worldwide."*
*Nathan Ohle, President & CEO*
## About
IEDC’s 100th anniversary is being commemorated throughout 2026. We will host a major celebration and other centennial tributes at the Annual Conference in New Orleans, LA, October 25-28. IEDC is also launching a [Centennial Event Series](https://100.iedconline.org#centennial-events), partnering with local and regional organizations, jurisdictions, and other institutions serving as host locations for high-impact events.
To help tell the centennial story, we are collecting [video testimonials](https://100.iedconline.org#centennial-stories) from diverse members and partners, including past Board Chairs, policymakers, and state association leaders. We are also publishing the [Centennial Thought Leaders Series](https://100.iedconline.org#centennial-stories)with essays by external thought leaders, including high-profile authors, academics, philanthropists, and policy experts.
Additionally, the 100th anniversary will be the focus of this year’s [Economic Development Week](https://www.iedconline.org/pages/economic-development-week/), May 4-8, including a virtual event highlighting the evolution of the economic development profession, innovative practices today, and the outlook for driving economic prosperity across the globe.
## Centennial Event Series
*We will build this calendar as events are confirmed.*
[](https://nysedc.org/2026_leadership_and_policy_sum.php)
##### [Leadership and Policy Summit](https://nysedc.org/2026_leadership_and_policy_sum.php)
*September 29–30, 2026 | White Plains, NY*
##### **Learn More**
Join IEDC and the New York State Economic Development Council, in collaboration with the Connecticut Economic Development Association, for this exciting policy-shaping event. Hundreds of economic development professionals from the tri-state area will network, foster industry leadership, and inform policies for 2027 and beyond. Don't miss this one-of-a-kind regional event!
Click [here](https://nysedc.org/2026_leadership_and_policy_sum.php) to learn more and register today.
[](https://ohioeda.com/get-the-latest/annual-summit-2026/)
##### [OEDA Annual Summit Centennial Reception](https://ohioeda.com/get-the-latest/annual-summit-2026/)
*October 8, 2026 | Dayton, OH*
##### **Learn More**
Join Ohio's economic development community for a special reception celebrating IEDC’s 100th anniversary on October 8 at 5:00 pm, as part of the Ohio Economic Development Association’s Annual Summit.
Click [here](https://ohioeda.com/get-the-latest/annual-summit-2026/) to learn more and register today.
[](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/greater-brownsville-space-summit-iedc-member-tickets-1998244937399?aff=oddtdtcreator)
##### [Greater Brownsville Space Summit](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/greater-brownsville-space-summit-iedc-member-tickets-1998244937399?aff=oddtdtcreator)
*November 3-4, 2026 | Brownsville, TX*
##### **Learn More**
The future of space is taking shape in South Texas. Be part of the conversation at the Greater Brownsville Space Summit, featuring keynote speaker José Hernández, engineer, NASA astronaut, and the inspiration behind *A Million Miles Away*. This centennial event begins with a SpaceX-sponsored welcome reception on Nov. 3, followed by a Starbase tour and Space Summit on Nov. 4. Click [here](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/greater-brownsville-space-summit-iedc-member-tickets-1998244937399?aff=oddtdtcreator) to register today.
[VIEW ALL](https://100.iedconline.org/centennial-events?hsLang=en)
## Centennial Stories
As we kick off IEDC’s centennial year, IEDC Board Chair Danielle Casey, CEcD, EDFP, shares what this milestone means for our organization, our members, and the future of economic development. Throughout our anniversary year, you’ll hear stories that celebrate our legacy, elevate member and partner voices, and spotlight the innovation shaping communities worldwide.
Join us as we honor our past, embrace change, and lead the way into the next century of economic development and community prosperity!
Danielle Casey, IEDC Board Chair
[VIEW ALL](https://100.iedconline.org/centennial-stories?hsLang=en)
## Centennial Thought Leaders & News
### [From Recruitment to Resilience: Why Job Quality Should Define the Next Century of Economic Development](https://www.iedconline.org/news/2026/01/27/iedc-updates/from-recruitment-to-resilience-why-job-quality-should-define-the-next-century-of-economic-development/)
#### By Todd Greene
### [The Invisible Economic Engine: A Decentralized Economic Development System That Powers Innovation and Growth](https://www.iedconline.org/news/2026/02/24/iedc-updates/the-invisible-economic-engine-a-decentralized-economic-development-system-that-powers-innovation-and-growth/)
#### By Richard Florida
### [AI Is Exposing America’s Broken Jobs System](https://www.iedconline.org/news/2026/03/30/iedc-centennial-thought-leader-series/ai-is-exposing-america-s-broken-jobs-system/)
#### By Nicholas Lalla
### [Oklahoma City’s economic development strategy? Invest in quality of life](https://www.iedconline.org/news/2026/03/30/iedc-centennial-thought-leader-series/oklahoma-city-s-economic-development-strategy-invest-in-quality-of-life/)
#### By Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt
### [What If Trust Is Infrastructure? Rethinking Collaboration in Entrepreneurial Ecosystems](https://www.iedconline.org/news/2026/04/28/iedc-centennial-thought-leader-series/what-if-trust-is-infrastructure-rethinking-collaboration-in-entrepreneurial-ecosystems/)
#### By Dr. Lomax R. Campbell, MBA, PMP®, LSSBB, RYT®, and Rob Williams, EDP
### [Economic Development in a Dangerous World](https://www.iedconline.org/news/2026/05/26/iedc-centennial-thought-leader-series/economic-development-in-a-dangerous-world/)
#### By Bruce Katz
### [Systems Stewardship: Expanding the Practice of Economic Development](https://www.iedconline.org/news/2026/06/30/iedc-centennial-thought-leader-series/systems-stewardship-expanding-the-practice-of-economic-development/)
#### By Fay Horwitt
### [From Railroads to AI: What a Century of Infrastructure Cycles Teaches Economic Developers](https://www.iedconline.org/news/2026/07/28/iedc-centennial-thought-leader-series/from-railroads-to-ai-what-a-century-of-infrastructure-cycles-teaches-economic-developers/)
#### By Didi Caldwell
### [The Expanding Mandate for Economic Developers](https://www.iedconline.org/news/2026/08/24/iedc-centennial-thought-leader-series/the-expanding-mandate-for-economic-developers/)
#### By Mary Ellen Wiederwohl
### [Building Better Business Ecosystems: Why Local Rules and Processes Matter](https://www.iedconline.org/news/2026/09/29/iedc-centennial-thought-leader-series/building-better-business-ecosystems-why-local-rules-and-processes-matter/)
#### By Lamia Kamal-Chaoui
[VIEW ALL](https://100.iedconline.org/thought-leader-series?hsLang=en)
## IEDC's Story & History
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) reflects a century of evolution in the economic development profession, formally coming together in 2001 through the merger of two influential organizations: the American Economic Development Council (AEDC) and the Council for Urban Economic Development (CUED). AEDC traces its roots to 1926, when chamber of commerce leaders first convened to professionalize industrial development, ultimately shaping the field through training, research, and the creation of the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) credential. CUED emerged in the late 1960s amid growing concern over urban decline, focusing on federal policy, urban reinvestment, and later global competitiveness, workforce development, and community resilience. Over decades, both organizations adapted to shifting economic realities — from industrial recruitment to comprehensive, place-based, and international approaches to growth. Their merger formed IEDC, uniting complementary legacies into a single, global organization dedicated to advancing equitable, sustainable economic development and supporting practitioners worldwide.
**1926**
The first conference of the industrial bureau managers of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is held in Washington, D.C.
*Themes:* Industrial Surveys, Industrial Prospects, and Community Advertising Campaigns and Their Relation to Industrial Development
.png?width=1200&length=1200&name=IEDC%20100%20Header%20GIF%20(1).png)
**1930**
The American Industrial Development Council (AIDC) is officially established.
.png?width=1200&length=1200&name=IEDC%20100%20Header%20GIF%20(2).png)
**1940-1949**
1942: The U.S. War Production Board passes a resolution to employ AIDC in plant location, conversion, and other war program activities.
1943: Plan to issue a bimonthly bulletin to the membership was announced, with the bulletin particularly devoted to the exchange of problems and news items among the members.
1944: The first issue of "Bits and Pieces" was sent to the members, edited by Arthur B. Field and Edward Ellingwood.
1944: The by-laws were amended to permit the Board of Directors to fill vacancies of the Board or among the officers, providing the vacancy shall be filled from the same classification of membership in which the vacancy occurs.
1948: F.B. Ayres, retiring Secretary-Treasurer of the Louisville, Kentucky Foundation, became the Council's first Honorary Life Member.
**1950s**
1953: Women are first permitted to join AIDC, marking a significant shift in organizational inclusion.
1959: First advertisement appeared in a national publication, showing names and official titles of Council members and their location by states.
**1960-1965**
1962: The Southern Industrial Development Council founds the Industrial Development Institute (later EDI) at the University of Oklahoma.
1965: AIDC becomes EDI’s professional sponsor.
1965: The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is formed by the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965.
**1966**
Ed deLuca, Baltimore’s director of economic development, calls mayors of the largest American cities to meet amidst civil unrest and faltering urban economies; HUB Council formed.
**1967**
DeLuca’s group meets and is formally incorporated as the Helping Urban Business (HUB) Council.
AIDC offers its first accredited Basic Economic Development Course at Texas A&M.
**1968**
EDA gives the HUB Council its first grant of $151,530 for technical assistance, information, and research in economic development.
**1970s**
1971: The Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) program originated as the Certified Industrial Developer program.
1971: HUB Council changes its name to the Council for Urban Economic Development (CUED).
1973: CUED holds its first annual conference in Washington, D.C., and provides a forum for key federal economic development policymakers to convene.
.png?width=1200&length=1200&name=IEDC%20100%20Header%20GIF%20(10).png)
**1980**
AIDC changes its name to American Economic Development Council (AEDC).
-1.png?width=1200&length=1200&name=IEDC%20100%20Header%20GIF%20(6)-1.png)
**1986**
Jeffrey A. Finkle became President & CEO of CUED in 1986 and served CUED and IEDC for 35 years.
**1990s**
1990: Membership exceeds 2,000 for the first time.
1992: First annual CED Summit is held.
1996: CUED teaches its first economic development course.
1996: AEDC started the Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) program.
1998: CUED certifies its first student.
**2001**
On April 26, 2001 AEDC and CUED leaders sign a resolution to create the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
**2000s**
2002: IEDC’s first Annual Conference in Oakland, California. *Theme*: Innovation, Investment, and Initiatives.
2007: IEDC launches the Economic Development Research Partners (EDRP) Program.
2009: In response to the global recession, IEDC launches the “Recovery Zone” blog and expands digital engagement tools to support members navigating federal recovery programs.
2010: IEDC expands web-based professional development, instituting regular monthly webinars to increase access during the economic recovery.
**2010s**
2011: IEDC’s tenth Annual Conference was held on September 18-21 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Theme: Connect Locally, Succeed Globally.
2011: IEDC celebrates its 10th anniversary following the 2001 merger of AEDC and CUED. The year also marks 85 years since AEDC’s founding and 44 years since CUED’s establishment.
2012: IEDC convenes its first White House Summit, engaging directly with Obama Administration officials on national economic development strategy.
2015: Young Professionals Task Force formalized as a standing advisory committee.
2016: First Economic Development Week held from May 8–14.
**2021**
IEDC’s twentieth Annual Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. *Theme*: Creative Economic Development, Tourism, Transportation & Technology.
IEDC created the Entrepreneurship Development Professional (EDP) certification program.
.png?width=1200&length=1200&name=IEDC%20100%20Header%20GIF%20(18).png)
**2022**
Nathan Ohle became President & CEO of IEDC.
.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=nh_20250915_3707%20(1).jpg)
**2025**
With IEDC’s Annual Conference in Detroit, we achieved the highest collective conference attendance in IEDC’s history, with over 1,800 unique attendees throughout the year.
.png?width=1200&length=1200&name=IEDC%20100%20Header%20GIF%20(15).png)
**2026**
IEDC's 100th anniversary celebrations!
[LEARN MORE](https://www.iedconline.org/pages/history/)
## Photo Gallery
Explore a century of impact through our curated photo gallery, featuring moments, milestones, and memories from the past 100 years. Take a look back at the people, places, and progress that have shaped our story.
[](https://photos.app.goo.gl/jimPRFooPJQHzuPc9)
[VIEW THE PHOTO GALLERY](https://photos.app.goo.gl/jimPRFooPJQHzuPc9)
## Explore the New IEDC Merch Shop
Economic development never goes out of style. Shop our new IEDC merchandise and show your pride in the profession. From everyday essentials like totes and backpacks to stylish apparel, there’s something for every economic development leader.
Represent IEDC in style!
[](https://merchloop.com/collections/iedonline)
[SHOP NOW](https://merchloop.com/collections/iedonline)
## Join our $100 Celebrating 100 Years Campaign
For a century, we've supported and uplifted economic developers who strengthen communities, grow economies, and create opportunities.
Join our $100 Celebrating 100 Years Campaign and be part of this once-in-a-century moment. Your gift to IEDC will help pave the way for the next 100 years of empowering economic development professionals who make our communities extraordinary!
DONATE NOW
## Register for the Event Series
IEDC invites members to register their 2026 events as part of the Centennial Event Series, celebrating 100 years of leadership in economic development and preparing for the next century of community prosperity.
For a fee of $500 per event, IEDC members will receive:
- Inclusion in the Centennial Event Series and alignment with IEDC’s trusted brand
- A basic event toolkit with centennial branding materials, templates, and sample social media postings, and
- Greater visibility with a listing on IEDC’s Centennial Event Series online calendar.
[REGISTER NOW](https://members.iedconline.org/Members2020/Events/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=CENT_SERIE)
## Submit Your Centennial Celebration Photos
We invite you to be part of our anniversary story. Please submit your photos – images capturing highlights from your involvement in economic development and IEDC (and its preceding organizations, CUED and AEDC/AIDC).
We welcome photos of you and others who have contributed to the field over the past 100 years.
[SUBMIT PHOTOS](https://bv1py.share.hsforms.com/2tUnBCiCnRmiw7RSE59vuOg)
## Centennial Sponsors
We extend sincere thanks to our Centennial Sponsors. These sponsorships provide a once-in-a-century opportunity to spotlight leadership and innovation. If you are interested in commemorating this historic year with us, please contact [sponsorship@iedc.org](mailto:sponsorship@iedc.org).
### *Premier Centennial Sponsors*
- [.png?width=1280&height=720&name=Blount%20Partnership%20(1).png)](https://blountpartnership.com/)
- [](https://www.centralsc.org/)
- [](https://www.vedp.org/)
- [](https://tipstrategies.com/)
### *Spotlight Centennial Sponsors*
- [](https://beltline.org/)
- [](https://gbc.org/)
- [](https://www.gpec.org/)
- [](https://greatersacramento.com/)
- [](https://www.encalliance.com/)
- [](https://onekc.org/)
- [](https://lafayette.org/)
- [](https://www.lehighvalley.org/)
- [](https://www.louisiana-central.com/)
- [](https://thinkmoco.com/)
- [](https://columbusregion.com/)
- [](https://redicincinnati.com/)
- [.png?width=1280&height=720&name=ResearchFDI%20(3).png)](https://researchfdi.com/)
Copyright © 2026 International Economic Development Council. All Rights Reserved.
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