Published Research Reports

NEDA Professional Development Survey
September 2004 (Vol. 05, No. 2)                                                         

Project Overview: The purpose of the 2004 Northeastern Economic Developers Association (NEDA) Professional Development Survey is to assess current needs and interest in professional development and the possibility of NEDA offering a form of regional professional certification. The data was collected through a self administered survey sent to all 450 NEDA members and a random sample of 150 non-members, who are members of affiliated state economic development organizations in the Northeast.   

A total of 186 completed surveys were returned from the sampling frame of 600 for a response rate of 31 percent.


Highlights:

·        A great majority of respondents (83.2%) feel that NEDA professional certification would be very or somewhat beneficial to them and/or their staff in future job searches in the state and region. 

·        An overwhelming majority of respondents (81.5%) report that their employer is very or somewhat likely to pay all or a portion of the costs of attaining NEDA professional certification for themselves.

·        A clear majority of respondents (72.7%) report that their current employer would find NEDA professional certification for them and their staff as very or somewhat beneficial.

·        An strong majority (87.9%) of respondents think that NEDA should consider expanding their list of annual offerings.

·        A clear majority of respondents (61.3%) rate the NEDA Advanced Economic Development Seminars as very beneficial.

·        A sizable majority of respondents (57.8%) have attended NEDA professional development/training courses.

• An overwhelming majority of respondents (92.5 %) report that relevant and timely topics are a very important factor in determining their professional development and training choices.

Last Modified: October 12, 2004