Getting Started with Economic Development Organizations

Tips for Getting Started with EDOs

1. Engage with the local chamber of commerce and local economic development organization, attending their meetings to stay informed about evolving business developments in the area. 
2. Extend invitations to local economic development specialists or chamber of commerce representatives to speak at your association meetings, board of directors' gatherings, or government affairs meetings.
3. Invite EDOs of chamber representatives to join your committee and/or your board.
4. Encourage dialogue by hosting or sponsoring a table at an annual event alongside local economic development or chamber of commerce offices, focusing on how the association can contribute to business growth in the community, preferably with the participation of elected officials. 
5. Actively support the primary development initiatives in your community and contribute proactively to local advocacy efforts after identifying the area's focus for development. 
6. Stay updated on proposed legislative, regulatory changes, and local ordinances impacting community viability and share insights with economic development partners to collaborate for mutual benefit. 
7. Advocate for economic development organization's funding, incentive packages, or changes in zoning or ordinances to facilitate economic growth. 
8. Engage with community members who hold volunteer or influential positions to explore fresh economic development prospects and incorporate their feedback into planning. 
9. Offer support by assisting economic development partners in organizing presentations or social events that spotlight your community's strengths.
10. Stay informed about economic development issues in your city and state by participating in state and local EDO events.
11. Collaborate with local developers and utility providers to expand the community's availability of 'shovel-ready' properties.
12. Work with your local EDO to arrange and publicize tours of development-ready areas, including property site visits, to showcase potential investment opportunities.
13. Share local real estate industry insights and market information with economic development partners.
14. Advocate for REALTOR® members' inclusion on local economic development and chamber boards to contribute industry insights. 
15. Provide pertinent housing and commercial market statistics to aid in a better understanding of the local real estate market to economic development partners. 
16. Encourage members to get CIPS designation to become a trusted guide in global market navigation.
17. Encourage members to participate in the MIPIM USA Pavilion and the C5 + CCIM Global Summit.
18. Encourage members to invite their EDOs to participate in the MIPIM USA Pavilion and the C5 + CCIM Global Summit.