Southern Economic Development Council

10/06/2026

Our 80th Anniversary year celebration continues!

We’re incredibly grateful for the professionals who have shaped SEDC over the years and continue to make our organization what it is today.

As part of our anniversary celebration, we’re sharing a special conversation featuring several of SEDC’s longstanding members, who gathered at our Annual Conference in Bonita Springs to reflect on SEDC’s legacy, milestones, and the many people who have helped shape our organization over the years.

Thank you, Joyce French, Charlton L. "Chuck" Whipple, Gene Stinson, Robert Leak, Jr., and Dr. Pete Fullerton, for sharing your stories, your perspective, and your leadership throughout SEDC’s history.

Watch their conversation here: https://youtu.be/954s-Zb_XeY

10/06/2026

The world's best economy builders belong at SEDC. Through the next few weeks, we're shining a spotlight on the people leading the way in the . Today, get to know Mark Pope from NCGTP Economic Development Region.

Learn more about Mark here: https://conta.cc/4789eCf

10/06/2026

The SEDC Podcast Presented by Insyteful welcomes Howard Franklin of Ohio River South. Tune in for a discussion on mentorship, the power of showing up, and the role of advocacy in shaping the . Plus, don’t miss Howard’s turn on the ResearchFDI Academy hot seat!

Listen at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/season-3-episode-20-howard-franklin/id1657456266?i=1000791219775.

10/05/2026

Dominion Energy’s Hard Hats & Steel-Toed Boots program is giving community leaders and economic developers a firsthand look at the people and operations that keep the power flowing.

Read how the program is strengthening community understanding and opening conversations about the future of energy at https://www.sedc.org/news/behind-the-hard-hats-how-dominion-energy-is-powering-up-community-understanding.

10/03/2026

Looking for some new reads this fall? Check out what our Mentorship Committee is diving into!

Each SEDC mentor/mentee pair is choosing one of the following books to read and discuss. Council staff is joining in, too, and will host program-wide virtual discussions on each book for all committee members.

Happy reading!

10/02/2026

The world's best economy builders belong at SEDC. Through the next few weeks, we're shining a spotlight on the people leading the way in the . Today, get to know Shannon Blake from Sherman Economic Development Corporation.

Learn more about Shannon here: https://conta.cc/4royspc

10/02/2026

Happy Manufacturing Month to the leaders building our economies and driving American and global commerce! Manufacturing is central to the ’s economic strength and competitiveness. Across the region, manufacturers create jobs, invest in communities, and connect the south to markets around the world. The chart below underscores their impact and our region’s standing as a global manufacturing powerhouse.

Thank you to the 97,000+ manufacturers who call the home and continue to invest in its future!

10/01/2026

Free Webinar Alert | Don't miss a great discussion on supply chain management on the next SEDC Webcast on October 6. Big thanks to Dillion Roberts, Alexandra Tranmer, CEcD and Tori Conroy of Camoin Associates for leading the way.

Register today at https://www.sedc.org/events/the-supply-chain-runs-both-ways.

10/01/2026

Successful projects start with strong community relationships. Early conversations create opportunities to build trust and shape a shared vision for growth. Gus Fontenot of SWLA Economic Development Alliance & Chamber SWLA shares why engagement before the announcement matters.

Read more at https://www.sedc.org/news/shaping-the-narrative-engagement-before-the-announcement.

09/30/2026

The world's best economy builders belong at SEDC. Through the next few weeks, we're shining a spotlight on the people leading the way in the . Today, get to know Naomi Walton of the City of Columbia SC.

Meet Naomi here: https://conta.cc/4iLkADl.

Email from Southern Economic Development Council SEDC is excited to announce that we will highlight individual members on social media. These profiles will help SEDC members become better acquainted w