Pennsylvania Economic Development Association

10/08/2026

Economic development is about more than projects and numbers.
It’s about people, relationships, ideas, and the conversations that move communities forward.

That’s why the 2026 PEDA Fall Conference is worth putting on your calendar.

From October 26–28 in Gettysburg, economic development professionals from across Pennsylvania will come together to share ideas, build connections and explore new ways to create impact in their communities.

One example: “Mike on the Mic: Turning Conversation into Community Impact.”

Mike Ross and David Mackley of the Franklin County Area Development Corporation will share how they’re using podcasting to connect business leaders, community voices and regional issues in an accessible and authentic way.

It’s a great example of what this conference is all about: taking ideas and finding practical, engaging ways to put them to work.

If you’re involved in economic development, community development, business attraction, workforce or regional growth, make plans to be in Gettysburg October 26–28.

See you at . https://conta.cc/47opmjr

09/29/2026

2026 PEDA Fall Conference: In preparation for the conference, please don't miss your opportunity to reserve your overnight accommodations at the PEDA rate, available through...

https://conta.cc/3Vh9Lz8

Email from Pennsylvania Economic Development Association Visit PEDA.ORG to Learn More. The Pennsylvania Economic Development Association (PEDA) is the statewide association of local, state, corporate

09/24/2026

What helps communities thrive?

A better understanding of economic development and the many partners, strategies, and opportunities that contribute to community success.

The Pennsylvania Allies Program - supported by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development - is a foundational educational series designed to help community leaders, stakeholders, and engaged citizens become more effective champions for opportunity, investment, and growth in their communities.

Participants explore:

✅ Economic Development
✅ Community Development
✅ Workforce Development
✅ Recreational Development
✅ Entrepreneurship
✅ International Opportunities

Learn the fundamentals. Understand the process. Champion your community.

Learn more and register: 🔗 https://www.peda.org/event-6797532

09/16/2026

📢 Could Your Community Host the 2028 PEDA Fall Conference?
PEDA is now accepting proposals from PA communities interested in hosting the 2028 PEDA Fall Conference.

Hosting the conference is an opportunity to:

✅ Showcase your community's strengths
✅ Highlight local amenities and attractions
✅ Welcome leaders from across PA
✅ Generate valuable visibility and economic impact

We encourage interested communities to learn more about the proposal process and submit their interest by the deadline.

🔗 www.peda.org/NEWS/13690633

09/14/2026

⏰ Don't Miss Out! Today is the Final Day for Early Bird Rates!

Registration is open for the 2026 PEDA Fall Conference, and today is your last opportunity to take advantage of Early Bird pricing.

Join colleagues and industry leaders from across Pennsylvania for valuable learning opportunities, meaningful networking, and discussions that shape the future of economic development.

📅 October 26-28, 2026
📍 Wyndham Gettysburg
🌐 https://conta.cc/3TpRxuN

Register today and save before rates increase!

09/10/2026

Registration is NOW OPEN for the 2026 Pennsylvania Allies Program!

Designed for people who play an important role in supporting economic development in their communities, including local elected officials, economic development board members, chamber representatives, community leaders, local government professionals, and others.

The six-part virtual training series - supported by Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development - will provide participants with practical insight into today’s economic development landscape, including:

🔹 Economic development in your community
🔹 Public finance tools
🔹 Innovation & entrepreneurship
🔹 International business opportunities
🔹 The economic impact of recreational development
🔹 Pennsylvania’s changing workforce

Participants who complete all six sessions will receive a certificate and gain valuable knowledge, resources, and connections to help become stronger economic development champions in their communities.

📅 Sessions run November 3 through December 15, 2026
💻 All training sessions are held via Zoom

👉 Registration is open now: https://lnkd.in/gCaPcYW7

Help spread the word and encourage the community leaders and stakeholders in your network to participate!

This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

09/09/2026

Congratulations to Lancaster County based, Reist Popcorn Company on their recent state PIDA loan of $605,678 to purchase new equipment that will allow this food manufacturer the ability to increase their processing and storage capacity. This loan was made possible by our member organization EDC Finance Corporation.

EDC Finance Corporation serves as Lancaster County’s certified economic development organization, administering Pennsylvania’s economic development loan programs at the local level. From Main Street businesses to manufacturers, these loans fuel economic growth and support job creation throughout the Commonwealth.

Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/3r8r68mk

PA State Rep. Tom Jones, Sen. James Malone, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development

The projects supported by these loans through the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) will inject more than $1.7 million into the economy, create 51 new jobs, and retain 17 existing positions. […]

09/09/2026

📣 Don’t miss the early-bird deadline for the 2026 PEDA Fall Conference!

Join economic development professionals, partners, and stakeholders from across Pennsylvania October 26–28 at the Wyndham Gettysburg for learning, connection, and conversation about the issues and opportunities shaping Pennsylvania communities.

The early-bird registration rate ends Monday, September 14 — so now is the time to register and save!

Come ready to share ideas, build relationships, and explore what’s next for economic development in Pennsylvania.

📅 October 26–28, 2026
📍 Wyndham Gettysburg
⏰ Early-bird deadline: September 14

Register today and we’ll see you in Gettysburg! https://conta.cc/4yqDowe

09/08/2026

We believe healthy communities start with great outdoor spaces. We’re excited to share that Trust for Public Land is helping communities across Appalachia unlock the power of outdoor recreation. Whether you're a municipality, nonprofit, county, or Tribal community located within the Appalachian Regional Commission's service area, Trust for Public Land is offering FREE virtual learning opportunities and future one-on-one project support to help turn your ideas for the outdoors into reality.

Registration for the fall workshop series is now open. Learn more and sign up today: https://www.tpl.org/.../appalachia-united-outdoors-program See less

Learn more about the Appalachia United Outdoors Program project and discover the impact of Trust for Public Land’s park and conservation work.

09/02/2026

Building Momentum Together in Gettysburg!

Join PEDA this October for the 2026 PEDA Fall Conference and learn how strong public-private partnerships can turn challenging sites into catalysts for future growth.

One featured session, “Building Momentum Together: Partnership-Driven Site Transformation,” will be moderated by Jill Gaito of GMS Funding Solutions. Attendees will hear how a former foundry was transformed through site remediation, infrastructure preparation, creative funding, regulatory navigation, and collaboration.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and take away strategies you can apply in your own community.

📍 Gettysburg, PA
📅 October 2026
🔗 Register at www.peda.org