GCEDC Salutes Economic Development Certification Program on Milestone

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) recently announced that the Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) program hit a major milestone, reaching 50 members certified as exceeding standards in the economic development profession. Six new members from various cities throughout North America were accredited in 2016 to meet the mark. The AEDO milestone shows the program’s rapid growth, as it has more than doubled since 2011.

The Greater Conroe Economic Development Council (GCEDC), originally accredited in 2001, was the first accredited AEDO program in the greater Houston region. The GCEDC was reaccredited by IEDC in 2015 following 14 successful years of activity as an AEDO member.

“The Greater Conroe Economic Development Council congratulates the new members on receiving the AEDO accreditation. It is an honor that is achieved through a commitment to excellence,” said GCEDC Executive Director Fred Welch. “To have the AEDO program reach 50 members shows the progress of positive economic development in North America. The GCEDC is proud to be an accredited AEDO member and we look forward to joining our 49 AEDO peers in bolstering economic development in our local communities.”

The AEDO program is a comprehensive peer review process that measures economic development organizations against commonly held standards in the profession. The program consists of two phases: a documentation review and an onsite visit. Each phase is designed to evaluate information about the structure, organization, funding, program, and staff of the candidate economic development organization. Maintenance of the AEDO status is required every three years.

About International Economic Development Council

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 4,700 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, IEDC 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, IEDC members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions.