ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 101 is a comprehensive handbook covering the basics of economic development that all community leaders who serve in volunteer positions such as board member, committee chair, task force leaders, etc. should know about economic development at the local level. Economic development volunteers have invaluable experience in business and other professions, but many do not understandenough about economic development to be effective participants - to work closely with economic development professionals and make a real and valuable contribution.

This book provides volunteers with the basics of economic development they need to know to be not just a participant, but an effective volunteer leader in local economic development organizations (EDOs). ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 101 is an excellent tool for conducting board training, planning retreats, strategic planning sessions, and training for volunteers. Major topics covered include: economic development defined, purpose of economic development, sustainable economic development, capacity building, effect of economic development on a community, critical factors and there effect on economic development, roles and responsibilities of the volunteer leader, the local economic development organization (EDO), hiring an economic development professional, strategic planning for economic development, business attraction and recruiting, business retention and expansion, technology transfer, entrepreneurship and business start-ups, and workforce development.