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 MEDC Member Benefits
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Association –
Members of MEDC have a better perspective of the economic development process and chamber organization because of their association with “experts” in both the public and private sectors. These networks provide valuable resources and a wealth of knowledge that will further propel your agency’s economic development mission. Current membership includes representatives from the following fields:
-Federal, state and local governments
-Utility companies
-Financial institutions
-Chambers of Commerce
-Local and regional economic development associations
-Construction, engineering and architectural firms
-Railroad and port authorities
-Attorneys and bond counselors
-Industrial and commercial realtors
-Others involved in economic and community development
Chamber Workshops –
MEDC holds one-day regional workshops to allow members and non-members who may not otherwise have the time or funds to attend the full conferences a chance to network and hear great speakers. MEDC members receive a discounted registration fee.
Conferences -
Our two annual conferences are designed to provide awareness and knowledge of the latest economic development and chamber trends through professional development courses. The Winter Conference is in February in Jackson, and the Summer Conference is in July usually on the coast. Concurrent sessions are usually offered – one focusing on economic development topics and one on chamber of commerce topics. MEDC members receive a substantially discounted registration fee.
Discounts -
Members receive a major discount for conference registration and Chamber Workshops.
Information –
Members receive the Mississippi Economic Development News, a weekly compilitation of economic development news you can use from across the state, sent to each member's email inbox with descriptive links that are easily accessed with just a click of your mouse. News and information about MEDC members and economic development events are communicated to the membership and others through the MEDC website, www.medc.ms; the printed newsletter, DEVELOPMENTS; weekly emails and general mailings.
Membership Certificate –
Each new member will receive a suitable-for-framing membership certificate with a gold MEDC seal and teal ribbon affixed.
Membership Directory -
All members are listed in the online directory which is easily accessed and searched by both members and non-members and is updated daily. A hard copy of the MEDC Directory is printed every October. The directory allows members have current information to stay in contact with each another.
Member-to-Member Seminars –
Members share their expertise with other members and non-members during these mid-day seminars, a great way to learn and to network. The next seminar is Tuesday, September 13, 2011.
Networking -
MEDC provides ample opportunities to network with and learn from community leaders, industry experts and policy makers at our Member-to-Member Seminars, Regional Chamber Workshops and Summer and Winter conferences.
Newsletters –
The MEDC newsletter, DEVELOPMENTS, showcases successful Mississippi developments, MEDC upcoming events, new members’ listings and current topics. The newsletter is mailed out quarterly.
Professional Development and Education –
MEDC offers many opportunities for professional development to help members do their jobs better. See Conferences, Member-to-Member Seminars, Regional Chamber Workshops and Scholarships.
Recognition and Awards –
Jimmy & Ray Heidel Economic Development Leadership Award - During the Winter Conference, an MEDC member, having been previously selected the week of the New South Economic Development Course, is honored and presented with this award by Jimmy and Joanna Heidel. The award includes a scholarship and a plaque.
Community Economic Development Award (CEDA) - During the Summer Conference, members are honored and presented an exquisite engraved stained glass award and a marketing grant for successful community’s development projects chosen by a team of judges.
Scholarships -
MEDC offers tuition scholarships through a competitive application process to its members for Chamber Institute (Institute for Organizational Management), Community Development Institute, Economic Development Institute, New South Basic Economic Development Course, and in 2011, the National Development Council’s Economic Development courses.
MEDC awards the Joe Johnson Endowment in Economic Development Scholarship to a graduate student in the University of Southern Mississippi’s Economic Development Master’s Program.
The Ray and Jimmy Heidel Leadership Award includes a scholarship for tuition to a member’s first year at Community Development Institute or Economic Development Institute.
Website Amenities –
The MEDC website is a working tool to help locate others involved in the economic and community development and chamber of commerce professions in the state and has a wealth of information. Pages receiving many hits per day are the:
“Online Directory”-member contact information
“Calendar of Events” – economic dev. events with links to other websites
“In the News” – development news from across the state
“Member News” -acknowledging members for major accomplishments
“Career Opportunities” - a job opening within your agency.
Link on Website – Conference sponsors with an MEDC Membership may have their company name with a link to their website displayed on our website conferences page leading up to the conference date and thereafter.
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