From The Desk Of The Executive Director - September 2026

Learning follows passion. No matter the topic, when we’re passionate about something, we’re much more likely to deep dive and find new ways to learn about it. Each August, dozens of economic developers - people working around the Midwest in communities like Mercer County - gather at the Midwest Community Development Institute (known as Midwest CDI). This event is much more than a conference - it’s a training event where attendance is mandatory and participants earn credits toward professional certification. The truth is that those of us who participate don’t have to be told or incentivized to be there. We relish the opportunity to learn from our peers, take in wisdom from content experts and share what our experiences have taught us. Midwest CDI is one of my favorite weeks of the entire year.

Relevant, in-person learning opportunities like Midwest CDI are critical for those of us who work in community and economic development. Why? Because community and economic development is not a ‘traditional’ career sector with a ‘traditional’ education pathway. It’s not as simple or straightforward as completing dentistry school to become a dentist or becoming an ASE-certified technician before working as an auto mechanic. The range of skills and knowledge needed to be a strong community and economic developer is outpaced only by the variety in the work required on any given day. The argument can be made that our communities - and the world around us - are evolving at a faster rate than ever before, meaning that community and economic developers need to be educated and ready for what’s next.

If you’re reading this newsletter, you play a role in the strength of your community. Even if you’re not an elected official, board member, volunteer or community and economic developer, you can take small steps to educate yourself on the realities of your community. Take a different route on your evening walk, read published minutes of community meetings, attend community events or even dive into the history of your community. Not only will you learn more about the place you call home, you might even have some fun along the way.