About NREDA

NREDA is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year!  In 1988, economic development professionals representing rural electric and telephone cooperatives came together to form the National Rural Economic Development Association.  Their goal was to fill a niche that was not being filled by any other organization.  That niche was the need for professional development, networking and advocacy for rural economic developers.  Today, while being strongly rooted and supported by the rural electric and telephone cooperatives, members include local, regional and statewide rural economic developers as well as representatives from government agencies, colleges and universities and other affiliated organizations.  NREDA’s mission is to enhance rural America through networking, professional development and advocacy.