State of the Association: WEDA President and CEO Mary Perry

Greetings from WEDA… As aways, we are excited to represent and support the economic development profession in Wisconsin – and especially our members in every corner of our great state. As we head into Memorial Day, I hope you all enjoy the weekend with your family and friends. I know I will, but I will also make time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice to serve out nation and preserve our freedom.

In addition, I want to take a few minutes to assure you the State of the Association is strong as we approach the halfway point of the year. Lastly, I want to update you on a handful of association matters:

• The ninth annual Community and Economic Development Awards (CEDA) ceremony is only four months away and will be held as part of WEDA’s best practices conference at the end of September. As you know, the CEDA Awards program was established by WEDA to recognize businesses, projects, and organizations that are making exceptional contributions to advance economic growth and prosperity in Wisconsin. CEDA Award nominations will open on June 1, so don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your community’s exciting economic development success stories. Please consider nominating an innovative project – rural or urban – for a 2022 CEDA Award. More information on the nomination process will be sent out very soon.

• Thank you to all members who celebrated Economic Development Week earlier this month. Hopefully, it provided you with an opportunity to showcase your community and highlight the contributions you made in advancing your local economy.

• WEDA continues to connect with members and other economic development professionals across the state. For example, I recently “hit the road” to attend the WI Rural Partners conference to promote WEDA, the benefits of membership, and our CRA Network. In addition, our CRA “professor” David Kircher recently attended the LENDERS Conference held in Wisconsin Dells to market the CRA Network and how it can play a role in advancing exciting CRA eligible projects.

• FYI… The FDIC is offering a free webinar series on navigating the New Market Tax Credit program. CLICK HERE to register.

• Also, why I hate to even mention this, like everyone else, inflation is hitting WEDA hard. While I have been trying hard to avoid this, we have no choice but to raise membership rates and event registrations by approximately 10%. Please keep that in mind as you work with your own budgets.

Again, have a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend! I look forward to seeing you at future WEDA events.