Illinois BEDC BASIC Economic Development Course - established 1968

Accredited by the International Economic Development Council 

Your Guide to Becoming a Trusted Economic Developer

Join over 1,600 alumni

Illinois Basic Economic Development Course

"This course is great....providing
the professional economic development education I need to best serve my community."

Illinois Basic Economic Development Course
Illinois Basic Economic Development Course

The Illinois BEDC Course is in person at Nicor Gas Headquarters

Next Course:

Four Day Course, October 21 - October 24, 2024

Nicor Gas Headquarters, Naperville, Illinois

Nationally Accredited BASIC Course for Early-Career Economic Developers, Planners, City Managers, and Elected Officials

Our goal is simple

To provide a comprehensive accredited Economic Development education for professionals with LESS than 10 years of experience, and individuals dedicated to expanding their economic development knowledge.

Since 1968, the Illinois Basic Economic Development Course has been a leader in economic development training for professionals from around the country. The course follows the curriculum guidelines for accreditation by the International Economic Development Council and the principles of educator, national economic development leader, and mentor, Dr. Robert Koepke, CEcD, who managed the program for over 25 years. The course is also approved for APA AICP CM points.

Illinois Basic Economic Development Course

Your Faculty

The nationally renowned Illinois Basic Economic Development Course is instructed by 20 experienced and successful Professionals. First-hand knowledge is shared by practitioners (each with at least 15 years of experience) who have worked in several different states around the country. You will learn from professionals that are certified CEcD economic developers, AICP Planners, and SIOR Real Estate executives.

Patrick Hoban, CEcD, CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council

John Greuling, CEO of JEG 360, LLC

Pamela Lopez-Fettes, Executive Director of Growth Dimensions

Bernie Anderson, Manager, Community Relations and Economic Development for Nicor Gas

Bryan GayPresident & CEO, Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation

Alyson Grady, Deputy Director for the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's Regional Economic Team

Jennifer ScheriDirector, of Continuing Education and Business Services at Illinois Valley Community College

Teresa NortilloPresident and CEO, Nortillo Consulting Group (NCG)

Kevin KramerDirector of Economic Development, Village of Hoffman Estates

Priscilla CorderoExecutive Director, Joliet City Center Partnership

Paulina San MillanVice President, Business Development, Intersect Illinois 

Chris MeisterExecutive Director, Illinois Finance Authority/Climate Bank

Drew Mitchell, Partner & SVP Development, Holladay Properties

Mark Williams, Executive Director, DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation 

Janet MathisExecutive Director, Edgar Fellows Program

Ken SpringerPresident, Knox County Area Partnership for Economic Development

Mercy Davison, Town Planner, Normal, Illinois

Jeff JurgensCity Manager, Bloomington, Illinois

Tim Gleason City Manager, City of Decatur, Illinois

Chris KoosMayor, Normal, Illinois

James SherwoodSenior Vice President, State Government Relations

Billy TyusSenior Deputy City Manager, Bloomington, Illinois

Doug PryorPresident and CEO, Will County Center for Economic Development

Craig CoilPrincipal and COO, The Development Consortium, Inc.

Casey Peterson, CEcD, Director of Business Attractions, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council

Illinois Basic Economic Development Course

Our Staff

Patrick Hoban, CEcD, MA - Course Director

Patrick is the President/CEO of the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council. He began in this role in 2019. Hoban is the former Economic Development Manager for the Village of Tinley Park, the Economic Development Officer for the City of Decatur, and Vice President of Business Development for the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur and Macon County. Hoban graduated from Milliken University, completed the University of Oklahoma's Economic Development Institute, and received a master's degree from the University of Notre Dame. He is a Certified Economic Developer and a certified Economic Development Finance Professional.

Cindy Cobetto is the administrative coordinator for the Illinois BEDC.

Cindy is a Coordinator in the Office of Online Services and Educational Outreach at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. For registration questions, contact Cindy at (618) 650-2164 or cgorsag@siue.edu.

Become Involved in the World's Largest Association of Professional Economic Developers.
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