2026 Emerging Leaders Spring Training

Description

About Emerging Leaders Spring Training

The Emerging Leaders Spring Training is a half-day program with topics that focus on the needs of early-career economic developers.

Attendees can learn from experienced leaders as well as build lasting relationships through networking.

For general information about this event, including history, visit the Emerging Leaders Spring Training page.

Agenda

8:00 a.m. Registration Opens

8:30 a.m. Influencing Without Authority, and Other Lessons from Two Decades in the Field
This session will cover lessons learned from a career spanning nearly two decades of experience in local government and nonprofit management. Topics will include approaches to engaging a bureaucracy, strategic planning, career development, and, as the name suggests, how to advocate for policies, projects, and goals regardless of your position in the organization chart.
Jordan Twardy, Economic Development Director, City of Dearborn

9:15 a.m. Networking Break

9:30 a.m. Community and Stakeholder Engagement for Data Center Development
Data centers are increasingly critical to regional economic growth, yet they often raise complex questions around land use, infrastructure demand, environmental impact, and community benefit. For emerging economic development leaders, navigating these conversations requires transparency, trust-building, and strategic engagement across diverse stakeholder groups. This panel will explore effective approaches to engaging communities, elected officials, utilities, developers, and residents throughout the data center development process.
Moderator: Tyler Rossmaessler, Executive Director, Flint and Genesee Economic Alliance
Panelists: Kris Klein, President and CEO, Lansing Economic Development Corporation
Sean Strube, Vice President of Economic Development, Monroe County Business Alliance
Others TBD

10:15 a.m. Networking Break

10:30 a.m. Building a Workforce That Works: Childcare as Critical Economic Infrastructure
This session will explore the intersection of workforce development and childcare through the lens of economic development. Participants will examine how childcare availability directly impacts talent attraction, employee retention, and regional competitiveness. The discussion will highlight innovative strategies being used across Michigan and beyond, including public-private partnerships, employer-supported childcare models, zoning and financing solutions, and the role economic developers can play as conveners and champions.
Joan Blough, Vice President of Innovation and Evaluation, Early Childhood Investment Corporation
Lisa Brewer Walraven, Director, Child Development and Care, Office of Early Childhood Education, Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential
Sarah Fogelsong, CEO, Child Care Back Office (tentative)

11:15 a.m. Lunch and Networking Break and Overview of Top Economic Development Credentials

• 11:15 a.m. Grab Lunch and Visit
• 11: 45 a.m. Overview of Top Economic Development Credentials

Prominent certifications can help emerging leaders get noticed. However, obtaining them can require significant resources. This session will cover common certifications, reasons for selecting them, and options for obtaining them, led by established leaders who have used them to enhance their careers.
Jill Bland, CEcD, Executive Vice President, Southwest Michigan First
Samantha Mariuz, MPA, EDFP, Economic Development Manager, Fleis & VandenBrink

12:15 p.m. From Reputation to Opportunity: Building Your Personal Brand and Network that Works for You
In this fireside chat, two executives share practical insights on how personal brand and professional networks shape career opportunities long before a promotion appears. Geared toward emerging leaders, the conversation explores building credibility, cultivating advocates instead of contacts, and aligning how you work, communicate, and show up professionally. Attendees will gain clear strategies to strengthen reputation, communicate value without self-promotion, and intentionally position themselves for leadership influence across roles, organizations, and sectors.
Amiee Evans, Director of Economic Development, Lansing Economic Development Corporation
Lindsay Kirchinger, Senior Vice President of Growth and Marketing Operations, Michigan Economic Development Corporation

1:00 p.m. Networking Break

1:15 p.m. Economic Development in Uncertain Times
Economic developers are increasingly asked to lead through volatility. Shifting policy landscapes and rapid market changes are redefining how communities grow and thrive. This session will explore how economic development professionals can respond to uncertainty with agility, strategic thinking, and confidence.
Moderator: Lashawna Manigault, Director of Small Business Attraction and Retention, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation
Panelists: Jill Bland, CEcD, Executive Vice President, Southwest Michigan First
Dan Casey, CEO, Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County
Birgit Klohs, Co-Founder and Executive Chair, New Community Transformation Fund

2:00 p.m. Adjourn

Thank You Sponsor

Double Haul Solutions

Sponsor this Event

Sponsorship Package ($500) - Limited to (4) - 3 Left

• (1) Registration
• Address the Audience
• Excel List of Attendees
• Introduce Speakers (optional)
• Logo on Event Handouts
• Logo on Event Sponsor Screen Display
• Social Media Promotion
• Spotlight* in Promotional Emails
• Spotlight* on Event Webpage

*Spotlights include your logo linked to your website, a description to up 150 words, and contact information.

2026 Investor Prospectus

2026 Commitment Form

Contact Cassandra at cjorae@medaweb.org with any questions or to sponsor.

Our Commitment

MEDA is committed to making our event accessible to all attendees. If you require any accommodations to fully participate, please contact Catie at catie@medaweb.org or 517-241-0011 at least 5 days before the event. There is also an option to list your dietary restrictions on the registration form.