2024 Emerging Leaders Conference #YPCon

The Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC), North America's premier regional economic development association representing 17 states and the world's best economic developers, is excited to announce the inaugural Emerging Leaders #YPCon. Scheduled for October 28 - 30 in Greenville, South Carolina, this event will unite the rising economic development stars in the #AmericanSouth. SEDC's esteemed Young Professionals (YPs) will come together to foster community, delve into the fundamentals of economic development, explore methods to leverage momentum and opportunities in our communities and discuss strategies for career advancement. Additionally, YPs will be able to network with leading site selection consultants.

If you are aged 40 or under or have less than five years of economic development experience, the SEDC #YPCon is tailored for you. Register today and join us for this exceptional gathering.

Download a PDF of the agenda

Agenda (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

Monday, October 28th

5:30 – 7:30         Opening Reception Presented by Brasfield & Gorrie

Tuesday, October 29th

8:00 – 9:00         Breakfast Presented by South Carolina Technology & Aviation Center

9:00 – 9:15         Welcome Ceremony

9:15 – 10:00       Mastering the RFI: How to Submit a Winning Response
Speaker:              Kim Williams Davis, Quest Site Solutions
Description:

Responding to a Request for Information (RFI) can make or break a community’s chance of landing a major project. In this session, you’ll learn the key elements of a successful RFI submission, from gathering accurate data to presenting a compelling narrative that sets your community apart. Industry expert, Kim Williams Davis, will walk you through best practices for tailoring your response to meet a company’s specific needs, ensuring your community stays in the running. Whether you’re new to RFIs or looking to refine your approach, this session will equip you with the tools to stand out in the site selection process.

10:00 – 10:15    Networking Break

10:15 – 10:45    Electricity 101: Understanding the Role of Utilities in Economic Development
Speaker:              Joseph Burchfield , TVA
Description:
Electric utilities are a cornerstone of successful economic development, providing the power that drives business operations and growth. This session offers an introduction to how electric utilities function and their critical role in supporting development. You’ll learn about power infrastructure, utility incentives, and how to leverage partnerships with utilities to attract new projects. Whether you're unfamiliar with the basics or looking to deepen your understanding, this session will give you the knowledge to collaborate effectively with utility partners and ensure your region’s competitiveness.

10:45 – 11:15    Natural Gas 101: Fueling Economic Development
Speaker:              Kris Hopkins, Greylock Midstream

                                                          Lindsey Cannon, Quest Site Solutions
Description:
Natural gas is a vital resource for industries ranging from manufacturing to logistics, making it a key player in economic development. In this session, you'll learn the basics of natural gas infrastructure, supply chains, and how natural gas providers support community growth. Explore the role natural gas plays in site readiness, cost competitiveness, and energy reliability. Whether you’re new to the field or looking to expand your understanding, this session will equip you with the tools to work effectively with the natural gas industry and leverage this resource in attracting and retaining businesses.

11:30 – 12:00    Rail 101: Driving Economic Growth Through Rail Infrastructure
Speakers:            Kellen Riley, CSX

Brian Gwin, Norfolk Southern

Jake Weir, RJ Corman
              Kelly Forbes, Madisonville-Hopkins County Economic Development

Description:
Railroads play a crucial role in moving goods efficiently and cost-effectively, making them a vital component of economic development strategies. This session will introduce you to the fundamentals of rail infrastructure and its impact on site selection, logistics, and industrial growth. You’ll learn how to assess the benefits of rail access for potential projects and how partnerships with rail companies can boost your community’s appeal to industries. Whether you're new to working with rail systems or want to deepen your understanding, this session will give you the insights needed to harness rail for economic success.

12:00 – 1:15       Balanced Not Busy Keynote Luncheon

Speaker:              Ciji Townsend, Balanced Not Busy
Description:
For those dedicated to the demanding world of economic development, balance can often feel out of reach. In this energizing keynote, our speaker will share strategies to help you thrive both personally and professionally without sacrificing one for the other. You'll learn practical tips for managing long hours, staying motivated, and creating harmony between your career and personal goals. This session is designed to inspire you to be successful in all areas of your life, while still excelling in a profession that truly matters.

1:30 – 2:15         Site Selection Tips for Economic Developers - From Former Economic Developers

                        Speakers:                 Cedric Colbert, Global Location Strategies
                                                          Chuck Sexton, Strategic Location Advisors
                                                          Katie Harris, Global Location Strategies
                                                          Andrea Anderson, Ardmore Development Authority

Description:
Several site selection consultants began their careers in economic development—giving them a unique perspective on the site selection process and the dos and don’ts that can make or break a deal. This presentation will give attendees actionable suggestions to improve their performance from site readiness through RFI to final deal negotiation.

2:15 – 2:30         Networking Break

2:30 – 3:15         Understanding Taxes and Incentives: Key Factors in Site Selection
                             Speakers:            Jassy Ji, EY
                                                          Blair Westmoreland, DMA

                                                          Tyler Chaffee, TVA

Description:
Taxes and incentives can make a significant difference in where a company chooses to locate its next project. In this session, two seasoned consultants will share their expertise on how businesses evaluate tax structures and available incentives when making site selection decisions. You’ll gain insights into the types of incentives that attract investment, how tax policy impacts competitiveness, and the role of consultants in negotiating deals. Whether you’re new to these concepts or looking to expand your knowledge, this session will help you better understand how taxes and incentives shape economic development opportunities.

3:15 – 3:30         Networking Break

3:30 – 4:15         Optimizing Site Development for Competitive Advantage

                             Speakers:            Courtland Robinson, Brasfield & Gorrie
                                                          Bryan Farlow, Thomas & Hutton
                                                          Joe Hines, Timmons Group
                                                          Moriah Williams, Wichita Falls Chamber

Description:
Site development is at the heart of economic development, transforming raw land into a marketable asset for potential investors. In this session, you’ll learn the critical and strategic steps involved in making a site "shovel-ready” to provide for quick, risk-free site selection. Expert speakers will share insights into the challenges and opportunities of site development and how it impacts a community’s ability to attract and retain businesses. Whether you're new to the process or looking to enhance your understanding, this session will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of developing sites for future projects.

4:15 – 5:00         Charting Your Path: Strategies for Career Growth in Economic Development
Speakers:            Tim Chason, The Chason Group

                                                          Anthony T.J. Michelic, Jorgenson Pace

                                                          Molly Hall, Maynard Nexsen

6:00 – 7:30         Fueling the #AmericanSouth Reception Presented by Greylock Midstream

Wednesday, October 30th

8:00 – 9:00         Breakfast Presented by Wayne Brothers Companies

8:15 – 9:00         Designing and Building the American South
Speakers:            Richard Blackwell, Agracel
                             Scott Poag, Yates Construction
                             Andrew Camp, Thomas & Hutton
                             Benjamin Temple, ECS
                             Andrew Ratchford, Site Selection Group

                             Description:

                             Bringing a construction project to life requires careful planning and strategic decision-making. In this session, industry experts will provide guidance on how to approach a successful project. Attendees will learn the latest trends in construction, as well as key do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when planning and executing projects. Whether you’re overseeing development or working with contractors, this session will equip you with practical tips and insights to streamline the process and avoid common pitfalls.

9:00 – 9:30         Free Marketing Resources: Leveraging Media and Technology to Promote Your Community

                             Speakers:            Maria Satira, Greenville ENC Alliance
                             Ben McDaniel, Barrow-Braselton Joint EDA

                             Description:

                             In today’s competitive landscape, effectively marketing your economic development organization (EDO), available sites, and community is essential for success. In this session, a former TV anchor turned economic development professional and an award-winning social media expert will share free and innovative marketing tools you can use to elevate your region’s visibility. You’ll learn how to leverage media, social platforms, and the latest technologies to gain a competitive advantage, without breaking your budget. This session will provide actionable strategies to maximize your marketing efforts and attract new business opportunities.

9:30 – 10:15       Logistics Comparison: Evaluating Transportation and Infrastructure for Site Selection
Speakers:            Eli Falls, Moffatt & Nichol
Description:

                             When it comes to site selection, logistics can be a deciding factor for businesses. This session will provide an in-depth comparison of key logistics components—such as transportation networks, proximity to major markets, and access to ports, rail, and highways—that can influence a project’s success. Experts will guide you through how different logistics advantages can affect a site’s appeal, helping you understand what businesses look for when assessing a location’s connectivity. Whether you're working with industrial clients or planning for future growth, this session will provide valuable insights to strengthen your community’s logistics offerings.

10:15 – 10:30    Networking Break

10:30 – 11:00    The Impact of AI on Economic Development: Exploring the Future of Technology

                             Speaker:              Ron Bertasi, GIS WebTech
Description:
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way we work, and the field of economic development is no exception. In this session, you'll hear about the latest advancements in AI and other emerging technologies, and how they are shaping the profession. Learn why it's important to stay informed about these trends and how they could impact the future of your work and your community. This session will provide insights into the potential opportunities and challenges that come with integrating AI into economic development practices.

11:00 – 12:00    Working with Site Selectors: Insights, Strategies, and Trends

                             Speakers:            John Longshore, Newmark

                                                          Dewey Evans, Site Selection Group

                                                          Parker Wyatt, Global Location Strategies

                                                          Chuck Sexton, Strategic Location Advisors

                                                          Anna Walker, North Carolina's Electric Cooperatives

                             Description:

                             Site selectors play a critical role in economic development projects, and understanding how to effectively collaborate with them can give your community a competitive edge. In this session, seasoned site selection consultants will share their career journeys, offering practical advice for community representatives on how to build strong relationships and stand out during site visits. The panel will explore key skills for working on site consultant-led projects, tips for responding to RFIs, and strategies for preparing sites to meet the demands of today’s industries. With a look at current market trends, site readiness challenges, and future skills needed in the field, this session is designed to equip you with the knowledge to successfully engage with site selectors and drive economic growth.

Host Hotel

AC Hotel Greenville
315 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601

Set in Downtown Greenville, this understated, upscale hotel features works by local artists. It's a mile from both the Upcountry History Museum and I-385. The streamlined rooms provide Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and coffeemakers; some add sofabeds. Upgraded rooms have balconies and/or city views. The 1-bedroom suites offer kitchenettes and living rooms.

A polished tapas bar, as does a lobby lounge with exposed wood beams, features floor-to-ceiling windows. There's a 24-hour gym, and a rooftop terrace overlooking the city. Event space includes a ballroom. Hot breakfast and valet parking are available, as are electric charging stations.