Committees

The 80th Anniversary Committee is responsible for leading the recognition and celebration of the Southern Economic Development Council’s 80 year milestone. The committee will intentionally integrate SEDC’s legacy including the people, communities, and programs that have built SEDC and the American South into the 2026 program, ensuring the organization’s history is honored while reinforcing its continued relevance and leadership.  

This committee will work with staff to plan and execute the Annual Conference. Committee assistance is needed in securing sponsorships, planning of educational sessions as well as offsite and special events during the conference. The 2026 conference will be held this August in Bonita Springs, FL.

The Communications Committee will create SEDC publications, both printed and electronic, that meet the specific needs of our members.  In partnership with the SEDC staff, committee members will also evaluate the association's technological capabilities to ensure SEDC is providing the best external communications possible.

Additional subcommittees may be development to carry out certain tasks like editing copy, managing social media, developing content, and leveraging technology. These committees will also assist other committees in delivering their messages to the SEDC membership.

This committee will evaluate the needs of our members for the educational resources that will best equip them in the profession.  They will also provide direction to the various committees with responsibility in planning meetings and providing online educational content. They will be tasked with forward thinking in examining the professional development needs of our members moving into the future.

The SEDC Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Committee stands at the forefront of the Southern Economic Development Council's efforts to attract and manage foreign investments in the region. Comprising a team of seasoned professionals with expertise in finance, international relations, and economic development, the committee plays a strategic role in enhancing the economic vitality and global competitiveness of the southeastern communities.

The Golf Committee is responsible for planning and hosting golf tournaments, where appropriate, in conjunction with Southern Economic Development Council events. These tournaments are designed to encourage networking, strengthen relationships, and create an informal, fun setting for member engagement.  

This committee will be charged with developing and implementing a formal membership recruitment and retention campaign for the membership year.  Activities will involve anyone with interest from the membership with the Board of Directors playing a lead role.

The Mentorship Committee is responsible for creating and supporting mentorship opportunities that develop the next generation of leaders across the American South. The committee will connect experienced practitioners with emerging professionals.

Comprised of Past Chairmen, this committee works with to obtain suggestions and ideas for use by the SEDC Board of Directors to benefit the organization. The committee meets annually at the Past Chairmen’s breakfast during the Annual Conference.

The Public Policy Committee is responsible for monitoring the federal policy landscape, as well as key policy issues within SEDC member states, that affect economic growth and competitiveness in the American South. The committee will develop communication and engagement strategies to support pro growth policies, assist economic development communities within those states, and articulate the Southern Economic Development Council’s positions and perspectives on specific policy issues that impact Southern communities and regions.  

The SEDC (Southeastern Development Consortium) Research and Grant Committee serves as a dynamic and pivotal hub within the organization, dedicated to fostering innovation, scholarly inquiry, and sustainable development initiatives across the southeastern region. Comprising a diverse team of experts with backgrounds in academia, industry, and public service, the committee collaboratively navigates the complex landscape of research and grants to propel the SEDC's mission forward.

This committee works with state economic development associations in the SEDC 17-state region to provide unique opportunities for networking and the sharing of information.  Members of this committee will have access to a variety of specialized information including economic data, organizational benchmarks, and educational resources.  They’ll also be able to share in a database of conference agendas from various state association meetings that will help them develop their own program ideas.  (Committee participation is open to representatives designated by their state associations)

The Women in Economic Development Committee is responsible for creating forums, networking opportunities, and targeted programming that support and champion women within the Southern Economic Development Council. The committee will foster connection, professional growth, and leadership development for women across SEDC’s membership and the broader economic development community.  

This committee is designed for our SEDC members, age 40 or below and members new to the industry. The committee plans a separate event each year for professional development and other events for networking. Events are held throughout the year at the SEDC’s planned events.