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 16 - October 19, 2023
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.
Chris Manheim, CEcD, MA, President, Manheim Solutions
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 Directorof the Reach Initiative at the Greater Omaha Nebraska Chamber of Commerce
Kim Ewoldsen, Director of Regional Economic Development and Illinois Small Business Development Center at Sauk Valley Community College
Amy Lambert, Executive Director Illinois Small Business Development Center at the Starved Rock Country Alliance
Brad Fletcher, Vice President, Illinois Finance Authority
Ed Sitar, Manager of Economic and Busienss Development for ComEd
Nancy Norton Ammer, President and CEO at Grundy Economic Development Council
Ronnie Bryant, CEcD, FM, Founder and Lead Consultant at Ronnie L. Bryant, LLC
Jerry Szatan, Szatan & Associates
Mike Kirchoff, CEcD, FM, President and CEO of North Central Illinois Economic Development Corporation
Chris Gary, SIOR, Senior Vice President, NAI Hiffman
Pamela Lopez-Fettes, Executive Director of Growth Dimensions
Cheryl Welge, Economic Development Manager for Ameren Illinois
Matt Frank, Director of Economic Development for the Village of Schaumburg
Bernie Anderson, Manager, Community Relations and Economic Development for Nicor Gas
Michael Cassa, Economic Development Director, Village of Sugar Grove
Rich Frampton, Executive Vice President of Capital Project Financing at the Illinois Finance Authority
Pete Fullerton, Assistant Director for Commercial Properties & Development at the Illinois Finance Authority
Brian Gay, President & CEO of Invest Aurora
Alyson Grady, Acting Deputy Director for the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's Regional Economic Team
Sally Hanley, Direcor of Business Assistance/Foreign-Trade Zone, Greater Peoria Economice Development Council
Christine Jeffries, President of the Naperville Development Partnership
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)
