Knowledge – Innovation – Professionalism
The Virginia Economic Developers Association is the voice in Virginia for shaping economic development public policy and a primary source of strong and effective education and networking for economic development professionals.
VEDA supports the maintenance and expansion of
efforts by state, regional, and local governments
and other organizations to foster the growth
of basic employment sectors to provide job opportunities
for Virginians. A pro-business climate, fostered
by all levels of government, is essential to
continued success in promoting economic development,
growing the tax base, and enhancing the Commonwealth's
economy and quality of life.
- VEDA provides input to help maintain Virginia's leadership in the field.
- VEDA encourages continuing education through state and national economic development organizations.
- VEDA promotes standards of professionalism and ethics with the economic development community.
- VEDA facilitates the exchange of information among members.
VEDA Benefits
More than 600 leading economic developers are VEDA members. Being a member of VEDA helps them
maintain their professional edge by:
- Keeping abreast of new economic development innovations and initiatives that affect the state and the nation
- Having an organized and effective voice on economic development issues in the Virginia legislature
- Maintaining a working partnership with government officials and organizations in Virginia
- Increasing knowledge and skills to a high level of excellence and professionalism
- Sharing interest, ideas, problems, and concerns of the profession.
VEDA Membership Categories
- Professional Membership - A professional member of VEDA must
reside in Virginia and have a professional interest in economic
development. Exceptions are for employees
of the Virginia Department of Economic Development
and employees of Virginia-based companies
residing outside of the Commonwealth. Professional members
are entitled to all membership privileges
including holding office and voting.
- Associate Membership - Those who reside
outside of Virginia and have a professional
interest in economic development may become associate
members of VEDA. Authorized non-residents
may vote, but are not eligible to hold office unless
they are going to reside in Virginia
during their tenure in office.
- Student Membership - A Student member must be an
individual who is a full-time student at an accredited
institution, pursuing an undergraduate or graduate
degree. Full-time will mean 12 semester hours for
undergraduate students and 9 semester hours for
graduate students. Individuals enrolled in certificate
programs that do not culminate in a degree are
not eligible for Student membership. Student members shall
be entitled to all membership privileges except
holding office.
VEDA is for:
- Technology industry professionals
- Professional services who support economic development
- Architects and engineers
- Construction companies
- Local government officials
- Economic development directors
- Contractors
- Developers
- Realtors
- Small Business Development Center staff
- Workforce Development Center staff
- Utility representatives
- Higher education
Dues Structure
Annual VEDA dues are $150. A $20 initiation fee
must accompany a membership application. The
fiscal year for VEDA is January 1 through December
31. Dues are payable no later than February 15.
To rejoin VEDA, a $20 reinstatement fee applies.
Anyone applying for VEDA membership after June
30 will be charged a prorated fee of $75 plus
the $20 initiation fee.
Membership
Application
Membership
Regions
