Community Colleges Leading the Entrepreneurial Way
“Nimble, inclusive, and entrepreneurial.” Education Secretary Betsy DeVos used these three terms to highlight the unique role community colleges play as a catalyst in workforce development issues. “You’re absolutely essential engines of workforce and economic development — locally and regionally,” DeVos told a room full of community college leaders while speaking at the National Legislative […]
Women in Economic Development: It’s Time to Give Yourself Permission
When I first decided to write about Women in Economic Development, my initial plan was to share the post immediately after the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Annual Conference. That conference is well in the rearview mirror and my goal of publishing this post immediately after was curtailed by a Hurricane Matthew here in Florida, […]
University Economic Development Association Annual Summit Recap
There were plenty of great sessions at this year’s annual summit, and we’re honored that Principal Andy Coe was included as one of the presenters. His session, “The Power of Community Partnerships in Funding Workforce Development Initiatives,” had an excellent turnout, and attendees really engaged with the content, sharing their key takeaways from the presentation […]
Fundraising FAQs from Tennessee Chamber Pros
I very much enjoyed yet another Tennessee Chamber of Commerce Executives (TCCE) conference this year. Kyle Spurgeon and his team from the Jackson Chamber of Commerce were out in full force playing gracious host and did a great job all around. Special personal congratulations were in order this year on multiple fronts, including the recent […]
24 Hours at the ACCE Annual Conference
I pulled up to the hotel and heard familiar sounds, sensed the savory smells and felt the energy that was unmistakably Savannah made. The Florida storms had wreaked havoc on the interstates, so it was too late to make an appearance at The Chairman’s Gala that evening. I opted instead to join my new Convergent colleagues […]
Fundraising FAQs from the 2016 National Charter School Conference
Convergent Principals Rick Kiernan and Mark Bergethon attended and exhibited at the National Charter School Conference in Nashville two weeks ago. While speaking to dozens of charter school representatives about the prospect of launching a capital campaign to secure major funding commitments, several common questions emerged, and we thought they might be questions you had […]