Smart, Strategic, and Showing Up: Women in Economic Development 2025

Area Development’s Women in Economic Development Forum brings together women professionals in the economic development field to network, learn about the latest trends in site selection, business attraction and community growth, and exchange real-world strategies. Attending the Forum with our partner the Frederick County Office of Economic Development (FCOED) was nothing short of invigorating.

Kennedi Wilson, DED; Laurie Babb, Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation; Lara Fritts, FCOED

FCOED served as a sponsor of the opening-night Private Reception, helping to set the tone for an energizing and collaborative conference and giving the Frederick team access to site selectors from all over the country. This kind of connection is invaluable because it opens doors for one-on-one conversations about Frederick’s competitive advantages, helps strengthen relationships with national consultants who influence major location decisions, and ensures our community remains top-of-mind when companies are looking to expand or relocate. Building these networks directly supports long-term business attraction and retention efforts, fueling sustainable economic growth back home.

Naturally, those conversations carried into one of the conference’s key themes: site selection, defined by data-driven solutions, strategic partnerships, and project aftercare to ensure sustained success post-investment. Speakers emphasized the importance of aligning real estate opportunities with workforce analytics, infrastructure readiness, and sustainability goals.

Nina Albert, DC Deputy Mayor of Economic Development

Highlights included DC Deputy Mayor Nina Albert’s fireside chat “Inside the Capital: Innovative Ideas for the Future of Business, Labor, and Redevelopment,” plus energizing sessions like “The Economic Developers’ Bill of Rights.” From data-driven site selection to project aftercare and fun moments like “Economic Development Feud,” every discussion sparked fresh ideas to bring home to Frederick.

Throughout the conference, many best practices and success stories were shared, challenges were worked through, and spirits united. The sense of community, expertise, and purpose was palpable and DED was glad to take part in the program.

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To learn more about how the City’s Department of Economic Development supports businesses, innovators, and community partnerships, visit businessinfrederick.com.

IEDC Conference in Detroit: A Celebration of Collaboration, Innovation, and Impact

The synergy in Detroit was inspiring as economic developers from across the nation gathered for the 2025 International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Annual Conference. With over 4,500 members, IEDC is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing economic prosperity and quality of life in communities large and small. This year’s conference was a powerful reminder of the transformative work happening across the country—and Frederick is part of that narrative.

A Golden Moment for Frederick

One of the most exciting highlights from the conference was the City of Frederick’s Department of Economic Development receiving a prestigious Gold Award for its collaboration with Frederick Community College and the Frederick County Office of Agriculture. The award recognized the innovative Food Business Entrepreneurship Program, a free initiative that equips aspiring food entrepreneurs with hands-on training in culinary arts, business management, and marketing. Earning top recognition in the Secondary Institution Partnership category, this program combines academic training, industry expertise, and community resources, equipping aspiring food entrepreneurs with the tools to launch and grow successful food businesses—strengthening both Frederick’s food economy and its culture of entrepreneurship.

Hosted at FCC’s Hospitality, Culinary & Tourism Institute (HCTI), the program culminates in a “Shark Tank”-style pitch competition, where participants present their business ideas for funding and mentorship. Thanks to the training received at FCC and the support from City and County teams, several graduates have already launched successful ventures in Frederick—proof that strategic partnerships can spark real economic growth in our community.

2025 IEDC Gold Award Recipients

Economic Development Takeaways from Detroit

Throughout the conference, Detroit itself served as a living case study in urban renewal. Once teetering on the edge of bankruptcy, the city has undergone a remarkable transformation fueled by over $2 billion in public-private investment. From revitalized neighborhoods to a reimagined waterfront along the Detroit River, the city’s renaissance is a testament to the power of collaboration, vision, and long-term commitment.

Conference attendees explored themes that are shaping the future of economic development, including:

• Placemaking & Infrastructure Investment

• Entrepreneurship & Small Business Ecosystems

• Communications & Storytelling for Impact

• Talent & Workforce Transformation

• Innovation & Industry Evolution

• Capital Access for Communities

Additionally, attendees learned about a new tool for measuring impact that will be launched this month.  One of the biggest challenges in economic development is proving impact to stakeholders. To fill this gap, IEDC will be launching the State of the Field Survey Dashboard, a new member-exclusive tool to help organizations better understand and communicate results—an essential step in creating impactful programs, securing support and scaling success.

Maryland in the Mix

The Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) had a strong presence at the conference too, with Frederick represented by both City and County teams. It was energizing to connect with peers, share best practices, and bring home fresh ideas to fuel our local efforts.

MEDA Members at the IEDC Conference in Detroit.

As we look ahead to IEDC’s 100th anniversary celebration in New Orleans next year, the momentum is undeniable. Frederick’s commitment to inclusive growth, entrepreneurial support, and regional collaboration continues to set a high bar—and we’re just getting started.

Whether it’s celebrating award-winning partnerships or learning from Detroit’s bold reinvention, the IEDC Annual Conference reminded us that economic development is more than policy—it’s a “team sport” about people, purpose, and possibility. Frederick is proud to be part of a dynamic community, and we’re excited for what’s next for our businesses. 

To learn more about taking advantage of economic development resources in Frederick, reach out to schedule a meeting with our team today: Schedule Meeting.