Wisconsin Economic Development Academy Update

Kathleen Heady, CEcD, Academy Manager

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with WEDA as Manager of the Wisconsin Economic Development Academy. As many of you may know, I retired last June after working in economic and community development for over 30 years in Wisconsin and Illinois. I have been a member of WEDA for many years and have also served on the Board of Directors. As Academy Manager, I look forward to advancing the educational mission of WEDA and growing learning opportunities for our members and their communities – doing so in collaboration with the WEDA Board of Directors, Executive Director and our many partner organizations.

Through the Wisconsin Economic Development Academy, WEDA will be developing educational programming in two primary formats. Webinar Briefings will introduce a topic and provide foundational information for a broad audience including not only economic development professionals but also bankers, real estate brokers, town/village clerks/administrators and community development directors. In-Depth Programs will be training sessions that focus on developing a broader more detailed understanding of a topic and will be designed to garner certification points for attendees.

I am currently working to finalize topics, and to select speakers and dates for Academy programs for the first half of 2019. Through the recent WEDA member survey, respondents identified interest in several priority topics for professional development. These topics included workforce development, rural economic development, and entrepreneurial and small business development. I will be seeking additional input from our members at the Governor’s Conference. Please stop by the WEDA exhibit booth during breaks or join me during lunch or at one of the receptions. If you run out of time to stop by or will not be attending the conference, please send me your ideas via e-mail at kheady@weda.org. I look forward to receiving your input as we develop Academy programming for 2019. priority