Economic Development has been a hot topic in the region lately.

In an effort to keep dialogue open and moving forward the Economic Development Council for Central Illinois is hosting the 2012 Regional Economic Development Summit on Tuesday, January 31st at the Gateway Building from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. A panel of speakers, including regional leaders and national experts, will present case studies of regional successes and challenges in economic development. They will discuss new site requirements for attracting businesses, financial tools that help businesses expand and grow jobs, what communities need for job growth and examples of the latest business attraction and expansion success to keep and get more jobs.

EDC President Vickie Clark says expects to reach more than 200 regional policy decision makers, business, community and elected leaders. “It is designed to further engage these leaders in current regional economic development activities and provide a forum for open dialogue regarding economic development. There are multiple critical roles we all have if we want to keep and create jobs in this region. It is imperative that all of our regional leaders are on the same page, working towards the same goals.”