FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Economic Developers Alberta and the International Economic Development Council Sign Professional Certification Memorandum of Understanding
CALGARY, AB (March 16, 2015) Economic Developers Alberta (EDA) is the third Canadian provincial economic development association to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The MOU commits both parties to developing and delivering training programs for Canadian economic development professionals wishing to become IEDC Certified Economic Developers.
After the signing, Jeff Penney, EDA President said, “we are delighted to be able to offer the CEcD program to our members and all Canadian economic development professionals wishing to achieve the international standard in their field.”
JoAnn Crary, CEcD, IEDC Chairman and President of Saginaw Future Inc. in Michigan added that “IEDC is really pleased that we are able to partner with EDA on education and certification. Both of our organizations share the common goals of unifying, standardizing and professionalizing the practice of economic development through high quality education that offers professionals an internationally recognized curriculum to prepare them for the CEcD designation.”
Jeffrey Finkle, President and CEO of IEDC, added that “this is an important step in our continuing process to reach out to a globalizing economic development profession. We are committed to refining our educational materials and certification examination to be relevant to Canadian practitioners, and to represent the high standards expected of all our CEcDs.”
Leann Hackman-Carty, EDA Chief Executive Officer says, “our organization is always seeking to offer additional professional development opportunities for our members, we are pleased to provide them with the ability to obtain this new certification. In doing so, we will continue to advance the economic development profession in Alberta, and increase the knowledge and capability of our practitioners.”
About the International Economic Development Council
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 4,400 members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities, by creating, retaining and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IEDC’s members are engaged in the full range of economic development experience. Given the breadth of economic development work, our members are employed in a wide variety of settings including local, state, provincial and federal governments, public private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities and a variety of other institutions. When we succeed, our members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions. www.iedconline.org
About Economic Developers Alberta
Economic Developers Alberta (EDA) is the province’s premiere economic development network. For over 40 years, they have been committed to advancing the economic development profession by providing resources, professional development and networking opportunities. As a non-profit organization, they are governed by a volunteer board of directors that represent the interests of their membership. Their varied membership includes: municipalities; towns; regions; tourism groups; financial institutions; Crown Corporations; businesses; Regional Economic Development Authorities; Community Futures Development Corporations; federal, provincial, regional and municipal government agencies; students; NGO’s; and other groups and individuals that are either involved or interested in economic development. www.edaalberta.ca.
For Information on Certification visit EDA's website.
For more information please contact:
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