Your Guide to Becoming a Trusted Economic Developer
Join over 1,600 alumni
"This course is great....providing
the professional economic development education I need to best serve my community."
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.
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, CEO, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council
Diane Lupke, CEcd, FM, President of Lupke and Associates
John Greuling, President & CEO, Will County Center for Economic Development and the Will County Chamber of Commerce
Winsley Durand, Executive Director of the Reach Initiative at the Greater Omaha Nebraska Chamber of Commerce
Amy Lambert, Executive Director Illinois Small Business Development Center at the Starved Rock Country Alliance
Ed Sitar, Manager of Economic and Business Development for ComEd
Nancy Norton Ammer, President and CEO at Grundy Economic Development Council
Mike Kirchhoff, CEcD, FM, Key Account Executive, Ameren Illinois
Pamela Lopez-Fettes, Executive Director of Growth Dimensions
Bernie Anderson, Manager, Community Relations and Economic Development for Nicor Gas
Michael Cassa, Economic Development Director, Village of Sugar Grove
Pete Fullerton, Assistant Director for Commercial Properties & Development at the Illinois Finance Authority
Bryan Gay, President & CEO, Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation
Alyson Grady, Acting Deputy Director for the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's Regional Economic Team
Jennifer Scheri, Director, Dislocated Workers' Center at Illinois Valley Community College
Chuck Faush, Director Economic Development, Nicor Gas
Teresa Nortillo, President and CEO, Nortillo Consulting Group (NCG)
Eric Whitfield, Director, Economic Development, Ameren
Kevin Kramer, Director of Economic Development, Village of Hoffman Estates
Priscilla Cordero, Executive Director, Joliet City Center Partnership
Quentin Messer, Jr., CEcD, Chief Executive Officer, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Paulina San Millan, Vice President, Business Development, Intersect Illinois
Chris Meister, Executive Director, Illinois Finance Authority/Climate Bank
Drew Mitchell, Partner & SVP Development, Holladay Properties
Mark Williams, Executive Director, DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation
