Committees

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 Board of Directors is composed of: a Director duly elected from each state listed in Article IV of the By-Laws, the duly elected Officers, and the Immediate Past Chairman. 

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.

As SEDC’s face for federal ED issues, the committee will be the liaison between SEDC and other organizations with similar missions to partner and collaborate on initiatives of mutual interest. They will work to create a strong federal legislative agenda representing the interest of our members, voicing that position when necessary and to recognize those legislators supportive of our agenda.

This committee will concentrate its efforts on the association’s multi-year strategic plan, to include
program and financial planning for the future. 

This committee will work with staff to plan and execute the Annual Meet the Consultants Conference. Committee assistance is needed in securing sponsorships, planning of educational sessions as well as offsite and special events during the conference. The 2026 event will be held in Dallas, TX.

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.

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.

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)

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.