May 1, 2025 – ResearchFDI and Great Lakes Economic Development Council (Great Lakes EDC) are pleased to announce a new partnership to provide enhanced training and certification opportunities for economic development professionals across the Great Lakes region. This collaboration is designed to strengthen the skills of local professionals and support the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) to the region.
Members of Great Lakes EDC will gain exclusive access to ResearchFDI’s innovative platform, providing cutting-edge tools for investment attraction, lead generation, and global investment strategies. The partnership also allows Great Lakes EDC members to leverage the globally recognized Foreign Direct Investment Professional (FDIP) certification, elevating their expertise and positioning them as leaders in the competitive field of economic development.
In addition to the core training and certification offerings, the partnership will provide ongoing educational resources to ensure members stay informed about evolving trends, best practices, and emerging strategies in FDI. These resources will include periodic learning sessions and interactive opportunities designed to foster continuous professional growth and keep members at the forefront of the economic development landscape.
ResearchFDI Academy delivers a flexible, self-paced curriculum that covers essential areas of FDI, including market entry strategies, stakeholder engagement, lead generation, and investor aftercare. The comprehensive training equips economic developers with the knowledge and tools needed to attract and retain global investment, driving growth in their communities.
Tim Hindes, Executive Director of the Great Lakes EDC, expressed his excitement about the partnership saying: “This partnership with ResearchFDI reflects our commitment to equipping Great Lakes economic developers with the tools and knowledge needed to compete on a global stage. By investing in professional development and leveraging the FDIP certification, we’re helping our members attract transformative investments that strengthen communities across the region.”
Key Features of ResearchFDI Academy Include:
- Comprehensive Training: Expert-led modules covering a wide range of critical topics for economic developers.
- Flexible Learning: Self-paced access to training materials with assessments to ensure retention and understanding.
- FDIP Certification: Achieve certification by completing coursework, passing assessments, and delivering a live final presentation.
- Customizable Solutions: Organizations can tailor the platform with their branding and monitor team progress through robust reporting tools.
Bruce Takefman, CEO of ResearchFDI, highlighted the significance of the partnership, saying: “We are thrilled to partner with the Great Lakes Economic Development Council. The Great Lakes region has immense potential for growth, and this partnership is a significant step in helping regional economic developers refine their investment attraction strategies. By empowering professionals with our platform, we aim to help them secure long-term, sustainable investments and drive economic development across the region.”
To celebrate this partnership, Great Lakes EDC members can use the code #GREATLAKES to receive a special discount on access to the ResearchFDI Academy, by submitting a form here.
About ResearchFDI
ResearchFDI is a global leader in providing innovative solutions for economic development organizations and investment promotion agencies. Specializing in lead generation, investment attraction, and FDI strategy, ResearchFDI helps regions and countries build long-term, sustainable economic growth through targeted investment initiatives.
About the Great Lakes Economic Development Council
The Great Lakes Economic Development Council (Great Lakes EDC) is a regional economic development organization dedicated to advancing economic growth and sustainability across the Great Lakes region. Through its initiatives, the Council provides its members with resources, training, and collaborative opportunities to foster investment, job creation, and community development.
