Welcome to the University Economic Development Association.
2012 marks a new beginning in many ways for our organization. Never before has there been a more critical time for institutions of higher education to become fully engaged in our nation’s economic and community development. Global competition continues to drive economic change, placing new demands on policy leaders, higher education, communities and industry.
UEDA has made many advances in recent years, positioning the organization and its members at the forefront of this national dialogue. New leadership and management are in place at UEDA ready to guide the organization and ensure its position and relevancy in this discussion. Key questions will define our operational agenda in the years ahead:
- How will changes in federal and state policy influence higher education’s role in economic development?
- What emerging industries are partnering with universities for research, discovery and commercialization?
- Which communities are effectively leveraging town-gown relationships?
- What resources available to economic development stakeholders to build or strengthen their relationships with higher education?
This year we will strive to bring together higher education,the private sector, research, and economic development stakeholders together like never before. That will be our mission at the 2012 Annual UEDA Summit in Chattanooga, Tennessee on October 21- 23. This year’s theme, “Power, People, Place,” will highlight Energy Sector trends and opportunities. The program and networking sessions will address how the private sector, higher education and economic development organizations are partnering to take full advantage of new energy economy for their respective organizations and locations.
One of the greatest benefits of being a UEDA member is the ability to meet and network with our diverse and rich membership base. If you are affiliated with higher education, campus or community planning, research center/agency or a representative in the private sector representative or economic development, this is the year to join.
No other organization is committed to the goal of leveraging our nation’s greatest resource, its institutions of higher learning and research, for community and economic development.
Thank and you and we look forward to your participation and partnership.
Sincerely,
William Michalerya
UEDA President
