About NADONational Association of Development OrganizationsNADO_50a1ed42-54fc-11e0-9390-f87d7a64ea2aNADO serves as the voice for the nation's 520 regional development organizations. The association focuses on federal advocacy, research and analysis, and fostering peer exchanges and professional development. As the premier organization for executive leaders and professional staff of the nation's 525 regional development organizations, NADO and its members have worked together since 1967 to promote the regional cooperation of local governments and communities. In 1988, the NADO Research Foundation was founded to serve as the research and professional development affiliate of the association._50a1f152-54fc-11e0-9390-f87d7a64ea2aNADO provides advocacy, education, networking and research for regional development organizations primarily serving small metropolitan and rural regions. The association is an advocate for federal programs and policies that promote regional strategies and solutions for addressing local community and economic development needs.NADO and the NADO Research Foundation identify and promote best practices, analyze the impact of federal policies and programs on regional development organizations and local communities, and examine the latest trends and developments in the field of regional community and economic development._50a1f288-54fc-11e0-9390-f87d7a64ea2aFederal PolicyPromote federal policies and programs that strengthen local governments, communities and economies through the regional strategies, partnerships and solutions fostered by the nation's regional development organizations. _50a1f350-54fc-11e0-9390-f87d7a64ea2a1_50a1f3f0-54fc-11e0-9390-f87d7a64ea2aResearch and AnalysisProduce special reports, issue briefs and research analysis related to emerging practices, trends and innovations in the regional planning and development field._50a1f4a4-54fc-11e0-9390-f87d7a64ea2a2The association, along with the NADO Research Foundation, produces special reports, issue briefs and research analysis related to emerging practices, trends and innovations in the regional planning and development field. _50a1f562-54fc-11e0-9390-f87d7a64ea2aPartnerships, Programs and ProjectsShowcase cutting-edge partnerships, programs and special projects involving regional development organizations in the broad range of regional development field._50a1f738-54fc-11e0-9390-f87d7a64ea2a3In addition, NADO focused on showcasing cutting-edge partnerships, programs and special projects involving regional development organizations in the broad range of regional development field, including business development finance, community and economic development, environmental and energy stewardship, emergency preparedness and recovery, housing, transportation and workforce development. _50a1f800-54fc-11e0-9390-f87d7a64ea2aPeer Exchanges and NetworksFoster peer exchanges and networks._50a1f8be-54fc-11e0-9390-f87d7a64ea2a4One of the primary benefits of membership in NADO is access to your peers and colleagues, including policy officials, executive directors and senior program directors. NADO holds a policy conference each year in Washington, DC and an annual training conference with more than 700 participants. In addition, the association hosts a series of national and regional events, including the EDFS business development finance training, RPO America's national rural transportation planning peer learning conference and the new Webinar series. _50a1f990-54fc-11e0-9390-f87d7a64ea2a2011-03-22http://www.nado.org/aboutnado/index.phpOwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net