Membership Benefits

Wisconsin Basic Economic Development Course
The Wisconsin BEDC is a foundational, four-day course that offers participants a comprehensive understanding of the basic concepts, strategies, and practice of economic and workforce development. The course fulfills one of the prerequisites for the International Economic Development Council’s Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) professional credential.

Statewide Professional Conferences
WEDA holds two annual conferences– the Governor’s Conference on Economic Development and the Best Practices Conference. Both events offer industry expert speakers, exciting workshops, and presentations on the leading economic development issues. In addition to countless networking opportunities that promote professional development, WEDA conferences offer continuing education credit opportunities.

WEDA Academy

The WEDA Academy aims to advance economic development through education and offers multiple training opportunities on the leading economic and community development issues of the day. The seminars are taught by recognized industry experts and provide continuing education credits. The Academy also offers an ED 101 course that provides economic development core training for communities and local elected officials.

Professional and Social Events
From statewide conferences to award events and training courses, WEDA provides members with numerous opportunities to network with peers and industry experts – both personally and professionally. These networking encounters allow members to build their key contacts and learn best practices from top professionals in economic development.

Community and Economic Development Awards
The CEDA program was established by WEDA to celebrate businesses, organizations, and development projects and programs that are making significant contributions to Wisconsin’seconomy. This exciting annual event celebrates key accomplishments and provides important case studies that can spur additional economic growth.

CRA Network of Wisconsin
The CRA-Network of Wisconsin is a professional development initiative that focuses on building a strong network for community engagement and economic development. The federal Act encourages banks to help meet the credit needs of of their entire communities, especially from LMI people or communities. WEDA sponsors meetings for the CRA Network member lenders to engage in new ways to fund CRA eligible affordable housing, small business development, small ag enterprises, and community facilities. All CRA Network members enjoy full regular WEDA membership benefits.

Economic Development Advocacy
WEDA provides comprehensive, bipartisan government relations services, representing the legislative and regulatory interests of members before the Wisconsin Legislature and throughout state government. WEDA’s direct lobbying and grassroots advocacy efforts aim to successfully promote policies and programs that provide members with the necessary tools to advance economic prosperity.

WEDA Legislative Day
WEDA’s annual Legislative Day offers members a unique opportunity to influence critical economic development policy in Wisconsin. The free member-only event is the cornerstone of WEDA’s Grassroots Advocacy program, providing members with the necessary tools to build strong relationships with state lawmakers and to become effective advocates for economic development in Wisconsin.

Legislative and Policy Updates
WEDA keeps members informed on the latest political and policy developments in the State Capitol, delivers updates on key economic development legislation, and provides access to WEDA’s Legislative Bill Tracking Tool. Members also have an opportunity to serve on WEDA’s Legislative Committee, which leads the charge on the development of the organization’s legislative agenda.

WEDA Publications and Communications
WEDA provides members with publications and communications to keep them up to date on current economic development news and association activities. Publications include the WEDA Wire and Political News and Notes e-newsletters, as well as the WEDA Annual Report and Legislative Agenda.

Job Board
A job board focused on connecting economic development professionals with career opportunities that drive community growth, innovation, and sustainability.

Young Professional Engagement Network (WEDA YPEN)
A group for professionals 45 and under to engage in in-person events and online social networking.

Economic Development Women of Wisconsin (ED WoW)
A group for female professionals and newcomers to the economic development industry.

WEDI-The Institute
A foundation established to drive development efforts across Wisconsin. WEDI provides critical information to improve economic conditions, create leading-edge policy research, and identify opportunities and resources to address gaps in economic growth.