WHAT IS MEDA?
The Montana Economic Developers Association (MEDA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created to connect people and organizations who collaborate to grow the economy in the state of Montana. We represent economic developers and the small businesses, industries, lenders, and other partners with whom they work to make things happen in our state.
OUR MISSION
Strengthen Montana's community and economic development through education, advocacy, and collaboration.
NUMBERS
80+ organizations and entities
200+ past and present members
Millions of dollars in CARES, ARPA, and other forms of support collectively leveraged throughout the state of Montana during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
GOALS
Implement the priorities established by the MEDA NextGen report published in 2020 and updated in 2021 to reflect the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
HISTORY
MEDA in its current form as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization was incorporated on September 24, 1993, but the groundwork had been laid all the way back in 1988, when the first Montana Economic Development Professional Network was formed. As this network grew in size, so did the conversations about how best to collaborate on a statewide basis.
As a result, the network was renamed to the Montana Economic Development Coalition in 1991, to the Professional Economic Developers Association of Montana in 1992, and finally to the Montana Economic Developers Association in 1993, which it has remained to this day.
DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONS
Every state has them, and a critical part of MEDA is being a venue where the development organizations of the Treasure State can convene to share best practices and keep up to date on each other's success!
STAFF
REBECCA MEYERS | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Rebecca Meyers has been a contract lobbyist for the better part of a decade and, in 2018, founded Northbound Public Affairs, a Government Relations and Strategic Consulting firm. Meyers’ demonstrated success in collation building, along with her expertise in environmental policy, local government, healthcare, agriculture, and state budgeting, has allowed her to pass legislation, develop and implement policy, and build strong relationships in communities across several states.
In addition to direct lobbying services, Meyers works with organizations to conduct political feasibility studies, focus their policy priorities, and engage in general organization development, including strategic planning. Meyers has experience in coordinating event planning and has developed and presented legislative and advocacy trainings for local elected officials and staff across the state of Colorado. Meyers is an expert in facilitation, networking, coalition building, and developing strategic roadmaps to ensure successful outcomes for her clients.
Meyers is a member and past Chair of the Executive Board of the Helena Leaders Network (HLN), a program of the Helena Chamber of Commerce. Meyers is also a member of the ad hoc planning committee for a local networking group, Hometown Helena. Meyers lives in Helena, MT, with her daughter and husband, and loves outdoor recreation, world travel, and being an active member of her community.