MEDA Membership Services and Programs
| Advocacy | Education | Membership Application | Networking | Other Programs and Services |
Education
MEDA provides educational programs to both members and non-members in a variety of different areas specific to economic development. These include our Annual Meeting, Capitol Day, Economic Development Course, Economic Development Methods and Strategies Book, Fall Membership Program, Inside the Economic Development Toolbox and Regional Programs. From environmental issues and marketing to technology effecting economic development, MEDA provides the answers. Members receive a reduced rate for attendance at all MEDA educational programs!
Economic Development Course
MEDA has partnered with the International Economic Council (IEDC) and Western Michigan University to offer the Economic Development Course. This week long course is a comprehensive educational opportunity with focus on the critical areas of economic development. For those seeking national certification, the Economic Development Course is the first requirement in the process towards receiving your CEcD certification. CEcD certification through the IEDC is a national recognition that denotes a mastery of principal skills in economic development, professional attainment, and a commitment to personal and professional growth.
Recently Added: Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) Courses
After the Economic Development Course, you can continue the training courses for your CEcD in Michigan. We will hold all of the courses as well as the exam in 2009 and 2010.
Membership Meetings
To keep you informed on what's happening in economic development and to give members a voice in the Association, MEDA has membership meetings in conjunction with our educational programs. You'll be updated on the finances of the Association and on all of the activities of the various committees. On a regular basis, you will also be updated on what's happening in various state agencies.
Public Relations
Through on-going efforts, MEDA is increasing awareness of the role members play in economic development in the state. A Public Relations Kit is available to members to aid you in working with the Media.
Regional Programs
These educational sessions are held at various locations to ease travel and time constraints for members. Two to three hours long, these sessions keep members up-to-date on high-level economic development topics.
Website Privileges
As a MEDA Member, you will receive a password for access to the "Member Exclusives" area of this website. Here, you can search the membership database, view job postings, keep up-to-date on economic development related legislation and find updated economic development research.
Weekly Electronic Updates
The MEDA Newsletter provides information on agency programs, educational opportunities, legislative action, MEDA programs, and job openings as well as other information helpful to economic developers.
Networking
MEDA provides a unique opportunity to network on a regular basis with peers and experts in the field of economic development. At our educational programs, membership meetings, legislative forum, scholarship golf outing and annual conference you will have an opportunity to share insight into economic development with old friends and new acquaintances.
Help a Fellow MEDA Member
Using our mass mailing system, members can request help from other economic developers on various topics and receive instant responses. Business attraction plans, facade financing and commercial rehabilitation are just some of the topics that your fellow MEDA members will be able to give you direction, guidance, application examples and advice - and there is no extra fee for this service!
Job Postings
As a MEDA Member, you will receive access to our Economic Development Job Postings. Here you can search current openings throughout the state of Michigan.
Resume Bank
Not only are you able to view economic development job openings, you may send your resume to MEDA and it will be distributed to employers that are seeking individuals with your skills, saving you time and effort.
State Agency Networking
Through our membership meetings, legislative forum, and annual meeting, you will be able to speak with a variety of state agency staff to get up-to-the-minute information and feedback on state programs.
Advocacy
On an on-going basis, MEDA keeps you abreast of the latest status of key legislative initiatives impacting economic development.
Legislative Information
E-Legislative Updates provide you with up-to-the-minute information on what is happening in the legislature. Articles appear in the MEDA newsletter on a regular basis, analyzing the effects of legislation on economic development. MEDA membership meetings provide updates on what is happening at the State Capitol.
Our annual Capital Day program provides a unique opportunity to sit down one-on-one with your local legislator and discuss issues specific to you community or region.
Other Programs and Services
Certified Business Park (CBP) Program
MEDA knows that location and quality in investment is an important aspect of successful economic development and business growth. To help see that quality space is available for companies looking to locate in Michigan business parks, MEDA administers the Certified Business Park program on behalf of the State.
The CBP program recognizes outstanding business parks throughout Michigan based on a set of standards put in place by experienced economic development officials. Qualifying parks receive enhanced marketing opportunities and in some cases the ability to capture taxes for infrastructure improvements among other benefits. Parks are inspected regularly for compliance to see that they are meeting the established guidelines.
CPIX
MEDA Members that meet the eligibility requirements are able to post properties on the CPIX web site. CPIX.net is a statewide commercial property information exchange (CIE) created by the Commercial Board of Realtors (CBOR) and provides searching and marketing capabilities to the entire commercial real estate industry. CPIX.net is the first CIE in the country to create a relationship with a state economic development group (MEDC) and has also extended the relationship to many counties and cities across Michigan. CPIX also provides marketing on a national level but the focus remains on Michigan's specific needs. Learn more by clicking the CPIX link above.
Speaker Database
MEDA would like to assist organizations in fullfilling their need for speakers for economic development topics at educational programs. By speaking with our staff, you will be assisted in finding a speaker that suits your needs. Our listing will contain past MEDA program speakers as well as MEDA members that speak on specific topics. Staff is willing search for speakers for you, given promotion of MEDA at your event, if the speaker you seek is not already listed.
Membership Applicaton Form
Online Membership Application Form
Click here to view our new Membership Brochure!