黑料社

For nearly fifty years, the USF Basic Economic Development Course (BEDC) has shaped how communities grow, adapt, and thrive. This year鈥檚 program held November 4鈥�6, 2025, brought 46 professionals to the USF St. Petersburg campus for three days of practitioner-led training, peer learning, and statewide collaboration. The cohort reflected the spectrum of the field: city and county governments, chambers of commerce, financial institutions, regional economic development organizations, higher education, and private-sector partners.

Florida鈥檚 only BEDC, hosted exclusively by the 黑料社, remains the state鈥檚 only program accredited by the International Economic Development Council and the American Planning Association. For many attendees, it is the essential first step toward the Certified Economic Developer credential. For others, it is a chance to strengthen local strategies through real-world examples, new tools, and deeper partnerships.

After the first day of class, attendees were treated to a networking event at Pier Teaki on the St. Petersburg Pier overlooking beautiful Tampa Bay by the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership. With a commitment to strategic change via transformative projects and delivering lasting impact on the urban growth and development, the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership team were the perfect hosts for engaging our students on creative ways to enrich their communities, all while showcasing the natural beauty of the Tampa Bay.  

A City That Embodies the BEDC Curriculum

Hosting the program in St. Petersburg provided more than a scenic setting. As Mayor Ken Welch emphasized in his welcome letter, the city鈥檚 recent growth, commitment to equitable economic opportunity, and resilience following the 2024 hurricane season gave this year鈥檚 BEDC a unique backdrop.

St. Petersburg鈥檚 redevelopment, thriving small-business ecosystem, and waterfront revitalization efforts offer practical lessons on neighborhood investment, placemaking, industry diversification, and talent attraction. Participants experienced firsthand how the principles discussed in the classroom appear in a fast-growing city navigating real economic challenges and opportunities.

Mayor Welch encouraged attendees to explore the surrounding neighborhoods, innovation corridors, small businesses, and community spaces to see how intentional partnerships can fuel long-term prosperity. His message underscored a theme woven throughout the program: economic development succeeds when communities align vision, leadership, and practical action.

National Context: Why This Moment Matters

The USF BEDC followed closely after the 2025 International Economic Development Council Annual Conference in Detroit, where economic developers from around the world examined the future of the profession. Sessions highlighted inclusive growth, entrepreneurship ecosystems, AI integration, global trade dynamics, infrastructure pressures, and the rising importance of talent retention.

These national conversations carry significant relevance for Florida. This year, , signaling strong population growth, business investment, and workforce momentum. As communities compete for talent, innovation, and high-quality jobs, programs like the BEDC provide the foundational knowledge needed to navigate shifting economic landscapes.

The 2025 BEDC connected big-picture trends with on-the-ground strategies, helping participants translate national insights into local action.

Practitioner-Led Learning with Immediate Application

Across three full days, instructors delivered a curriculum designed for immediate relevance. Each session was led by senior-level practitioners with decades of real-world experience:

The agenda covered the fundamentals of the field, including:

Participants appreciated the honest discussion of challenges, nuances, and practical realities they can apply directly when returning home. One theme consistently emerged: economic development is not a single function but a coordinated system of skills, partners, and long-term commitments.

A Cohort Reflecting the Diversity of the Profession

This year鈥檚 class brought together professionals from throughout Florida and across the country. Participants represented communities large and small鈥攆rom Miami, Gainesville, and Orlando to rural counties in North Florida and agricultural regions represented by FAMU and the Big Bend Minority Chamber.

Several attendees came from outside Florida, including a team from Kuna, Idaho, who praised the program鈥檚 national relevance and practical tools they can bring home immediately. Banks and credit unions, universities, private consultants, workforce boards, and statewide organizations added further depth to the cohort.

This diversity created a meaningful learning environment where participants compared models, shared challenges, and built long-term connections that continue beyond the course.

Scholarship Recognition: Supporting Emerging Leaders

Four professionals were awarded the . The award is sponsored by Duke Energy, and recipients represent the next generation of leaders committed to building more inclusive, resilient, and opportunity-rich communities.

What Participants Had to Say

These reflections reinforce the program鈥檚 core mission: prepare practitioners to strengthen their communities with clarity, confidence, and collaboration.

A Learning Community, Not Just a Course

Throughout the three days, participants engaged in discussions, case studies, and networking activities, including a collaborative reception with local partners. Many discovered shared challenges that transcend geography鈥攈ousing, infrastructure capacity, workforce gaps, small business support, redevelopment hurdles, and balancing growth with community values.

Instructors encouraged participants to exchange strategies, compare models, and continue conversations long after the course. Several small groups formed natural partnerships based on shared interests, including rural economic development, business retention, talent development, and infrastructure planning.

Looking Ahead: The 50th Annual BEDC

Next year marks a major milestone: the 50th Annual USF Basic Economic Development Course. A half-century of professional development, statewide collaboration, and alumni leadership will be celebrated in 2026.

Assistant Vice President Mark Koulianos emphasized USF鈥檚 commitment to making the BEDC a 鈥渃an鈥檛-miss event鈥� for anyone serious about advancing their career and strengthening their community.

As Florida continues to lead the nation in talent attraction, business investment, and population growth, the BEDC will play an even greater role in preparing practitioners to respond to new challenges with innovation, courage, and partnership.

Stay Connected

USF Corporate Training and Professional Education will share updates on registration, scholarships, and anniversary events. Follow and on the 50th Annual BEDC.