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 20 - October 23, 2025
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, 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 Gay, President & CEO, Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation
Alyson Grady, Deputy Director for the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's Regional Economic Team
Jennifer Scheri, Director, of Continuing Education and Business Services at Illinois Valley Community College
Teresa Nortillo, President and CEO, Nortillo Consulting Group (NCG)
Kevin Kramer, Director of Economic Development, Village of Hoffman Estates
Priscilla Cordero, Executive Director, Joliet City Center Partnership
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
Janet Mathis, Executive Director, Edgar Fellows Program
Ken Springer, President, Knox County Area Partnership for Economic Development
Mercy Davison, Town Planner, Normal, Illinois
Jeff Jurgens, City Manager, Bloomington, Illinois
Tim Gleason, City Manager, City of Decatur, Illinois
Chris Koos, Mayor, Normal, Illinois
James Sherwood, Senior Vice President, State Government Relations
Billy Tyus, Senior Deputy City Manager, Bloomington, Illinois
Doug Pryor, President and CEO, Will County Center for Economic Development
Craig Coil, Principal and COO, The Development Consortium, Inc.
Casey Peterson, CEcD, Director of Business Attractions, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council
