News

Window Remains Open for Award Nominations

It's been said there is no greater honor than to be recognized by one's peers. The window for submitting 2026 PEDA Membership Award nominations is now open and we've made it easier than ever to showcase successful projects, initiatives and individuals, using the following categories.

• Economic Developer of the Year Award
• Young Professional 'To Watch' Award
• Economic Development Project of the Year Award
• Economic Development Marketing Innovation Award
• Economic Development Program of the Year Award

Showcasing key accomplishments at the statewide level not only benefits those being honored, but also shines a light on the meaningful work being done by our peers in the economic development profession. Please take this opportunity to publicly recognize those who are most deserving.

Visit PEDA's Awards Page to Learn More!

Awardees will be notified as soon as possible in advance of PEDA's 2026 Fall Conference, where recipients will be recognized.

2026 PEDA Membership Award nominations must be submitted electronically to pedastaff@peda.org by COB on August 21, 2026.

PEDA Annual Stakeholder Update

Thursday, August 20, 2026

Last month, we shared that PEDA is replacing our annual series of "regional member meetings" with a PEDA Annual Stakeholder Update, a single statewide conversation designed to bring together economic development professionals, community partners, members, and emerging leaders from across Pennsylvania.

This virtual forum will allow us to create one shared conversation around the issues, opportunities, and priorities impacting our industry and association statewide, while making participation easier regardless of location or schedule. Participants will benefit from receiving updates on PEDA's priorities and initiatives, committee activities, advocacy efforts, upcoming programs and events, and opportunities to become more involved with the association. There will also be time for questions, discussion, and participant feedback.

Registration is now open and we invite you to use the following button to register to participate.

We hope you'll take advantage of this opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the Commonwealth and to participate in this important statewide conversation. We look forward to having you with us.

Save-the-Date: PEDA Annual Stakeholder Update

Thursday, August 20, 2026

Dear Members and Industry Colleagues,

Over the years, our summer "regional member meetings" have provided important opportunities for members to connect with association leadership, share perspectives from their communities and stay informed about the initiatives and priorities shaping our work.

As the ways professionals engage and connect continue to evolve, PEDA leadership has sought to create a more accessible, engaging, and valuable experience for both our members and the broader network of professionals who participate in PEDA events and programs throughout the year.

This summer, we are excited to introduce a new format: the PEDA Annual Stakeholder Update, a single statewide conversation designed to bring together economic development professionals, community partners, members, and emerging leaders from across Pennsylvania.

Rather than hosting multiple regional meetings with the same agenda, this virtual format allows us to create one shared conversation around the issues, opportunities, and priorities impacting our industry and association statewide, while making participation easier regardless of location or schedule.

The forum is intended to serve both as:

During the meeting, attendees will hear updates on:

The meeting will also include time for discussion, questions, and participant feedback.

Whether you are a long-time member, a newer participant in our programs, or someone interested in becoming more engaged with Pennsylvania’s economic development community, we hope you will join us for this statewide conversation.

Learn more about this event, scheduled for Thursday, August 20, 2026.

We look forward to connecting with you this summer.

Registration is Open!

2026 Basic Economic Development Course

PEDA, the IEDC-accredited sponsor of the Basic Economic Development Course in PA, invites you to register for the 2026 course, taking place September 22-24. All sessions will be held in person at the Penn Harris Hotel in Camp Hill, PA. Participants are required to attend all sessions in order to earn a certificate of completion.

Session Dates / Times*:

September 22 | 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

• Managing Economic Development Organizations
• Economic Development Ethics
• Workforce Development
• Networking Reception

September 23 | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

• Real Estate Development and Reuse
• Marketing/Attraction
• Strategic Planning
• Additional Topic TBD

September 24 | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

• Business Retention and Expansion
• Community/Neighborhood Development
• Small Business and Entrepreneurship Development
• Economic Development Finance
• Certificate Distribution

*Schedule is subject to change

Course Objectives:

• Learn fundamental concepts and theories of economic development.
• Gain knowledge and skills needed to be successful in today's challenging economic environment.
• Receive training from experienced faculty drawn from the ranks of business, government, academia, and the private sector.
• Network with other economic development professionals.
• The course is accredited by the International Economic Development Council. It fulfills one of the prerequisites for those who wish to take the examinations for the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation.
• The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. IEDC provides leadership and excellence in economic development for its communities, members, and partners.

Registration Fees:

PEDA Member - $690 thru August 11, 2026

PEDA Member - $740 after August 11, 2026

Non-member - $790 thru August 11, 2026

Non-member - $840 after August 11, 2026

Questions should be directed to Tammy K Linn attlinn@wannerassoc.com.

Recognition of Support:

IEDC-Accredited Sponsor

www.peda.org

717-441-6047

Accredited By

www.iedconline.org

202-223-7800

Sponsor

www.dced.pa.gov| 866-466-3972    

This Project was financed in part by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, DCED.

Window Opens for Award Nominations

It's been said there is no greater honor than to be recognized by one's peers. The window for submitting 2026 PEDA Membership Award nominations is now open and we've made it easier than ever to showcase successful projects, initiatives and individuals, using the following categories.

• Economic Developer of the Year Award
• Young Professional 'To Watch' Award
• Economic Development Project of the Year Award
• Economic Development Marketing Innovation Award
• Economic Development Program of the Year Award

Showcasing key accomplishments at the statewide level not only benefits those being honored, but also shines a light on the meaningful work being done by our peers in the economic development profession. Please take this opportunity to publicly recognize those who are most deserving.

Visit PEDA's Awards Page to Learn More!

Awardees will be notified as soon as possible in advance of PEDA's 2026 Fall Conference, where recipients will be recognized.

2026 PEDA Membership Award nominations must be submitted electronically to pedastaff@peda.org by COB on August 21, 2026.