Wednesday opens the 55th annual conference of the Georgia Economic Developers Association, one of the leading organizations for economic development professionals in the U.S. The speakers, topics and events of the conference, which takes place Sept. 19-21 at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort and Spa, have been specially chosen to highlight Georgia’s legacy; how we got here and how to maintain our # 1 Business Climate.

“We, as economic developers, must always look for ways to be better leaders and to improve our abilities to market our communities,” said Missy Kendrick, chair of GEDA’s Board of Directors and president of the Development Authority of Polk County. “The annual conference guarantees a time to hone those skills.”

Chris Pumphrey, GEDA conference chair and executive director of Douglas County Economic Development Authority, stated that “Georgia has seen great success this decade led by Corporate HQ’s, Manufacturing, Foreign Direct Investment and Logistics to name a few.  We are now challenged more than ever to look at the entire scope of community and economic development.  This conference allows us the opportunity to consider these challenges and opportunities.”

Sessions include a look at workforce and talent development, development opportunities for communities of all sizes, the upcoming 2018 elections and successful examples of collaboration propelling regions forward.  Keynote speakers for this year's conference include Matt Munson, Executive Pastor of Community Care, Valley Family Church in Portage, Michigan, on Wednesday, who will inspire attendees to reach for more.  On Thursday, Jody Lentz, Facilitator, from Nashville, Tennessee, will talk about the changing and emerging themes of economic development.  The conference will conclude on Friday with both gubernatorial candidates, Leader Stacey Abrams and Secretary Brian Kemp, sharing their platforms and answering questions.