Massachusetts Economic Development Council

The Massachusetts Economic Development Council (MEDC) is the professional association of economic development practitioners serving the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Established in 1963, the Council provides an opportunity for professional development through Council Committees, programs, and has as its primary objective the promotion and development of the economic welfare of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts through industrial and economic development.

Members are those individuals who are engaged in industrial, economic, or community development organizations, as well as executives of Chambers of Commerce, utility officials and staff members of private, public or quasi-public industrial/economic development corporations.

Professional Development

MEDC provides formal and informal opportunities for professional advancement. MEDC offers periodic workshops and conferences designed to bring current technological and management trends to its members. MEDC also maintains linkages to the Northeastern Economic Developers' Association (NEDA), the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), Mass Development, the Massachusetts Alliance for Economic Development (MAED), the Massachusetts Department of Economic Development, and the Massachusetts Department of Business and Technology and works with those organizations to promote professional training through basic and advanced educational programs. Informally, MEDC provides opportunities at all of its functions for personal interchange between members both regionally and statewide.

Membership Benefits

Joint Membership Option with the Northeastern Economic Developers' Association
Quarterly Newsletter: MEDC Bulletin
Regional Networking
Networking with State Officials
Educational Opportunities through National Affiliations
Member Rates for Council Programs
Associate Member Rate - more than one person from the same organization
Student Membership
All members are welcomed and encouraged to attend professional seminars on economic development and the MEDC Annual Meeting.

Strategic Plan and 2008 Priorities

Purpose of Five Year Strategic Plan 2008-2013
New economic, political, technological and social conditions in both the domestic and global domains offer unprecedented opportunities as well as significant, still insufficiently understood threats to our profession and the communities we represent. Adapting to this new, truly global work requires education, flexibility, and innovative leadership. True to the calling of economic developers, this strategic plan builds off our existing strengths while helping us adapt to changing realities by testing new strategies, adapting new technologies, and nurturing new collaborations. More . . .

We have decided to focus on five policy/program objectives. Our purpose in doing so is to enhance our profession and its influence through partnerships and collaboration. When successful, we are better able to provide the bold leadership needed to improve the economic well-being of our communities. This well-being we define as Job Creation/Retention, Tax Base Enhancement, and Quality of Life. More . . .