LCEDC Staff Completes Economic Development Certification Courses
January 12, 2015
LANCASTER, SC – Lancaster County Economic Development Director of Business Retention and Expansion Elaine McKinney and Joanna Bess, LCEDC Director of Public Relations and Marketing, have completed classes that will lead to their certifications as a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD). The CEcD designation is part of an overall professional development program offered by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
During that past 12 months, the two LCEDC employees have completed over 20 professional development courses through the IEDC. Courses ranged from webinars, annual conferences, seminars, and classroom based curriculum to improve their knowledge and expertise in economic development.
“The LCEDC supports staff members in achieving their career and personal goals through continuing education programs, training, professional development, and membership in professional organizations,” said LCEDC President Keith Tunnell.
“Our goal is to have all of our employees cross-trained so that they understand and can professionally manage all aspects of economic development,” added Tunnell. “I’m proud of the fact that both Elaine and Joanna have successfully completed these courses and both are on track to gain their certification.”
The following certification classes were completed by McKinney and Bess:
- IEDC Business Retention and Expansion
- IEDC Economic Development Credit Analysis
- IEDC Real Estate Development and Reuse
- IEDC Economic Development Finance Programs
- IEDC Economic Development Marketing and Attraction
- IEDC Entrepreneurial and Small Business Development Strategies
- IEDC Leadership Summit
- IEDC Technology-Led Economic Development
- IEDC Economic Development Basics
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 4,500 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.
The South Carolina Department of Commerce also offers numerous continuing education events throughout the year. Over the past year the LCEDC staff attended the Rural Infrastructure Authority Grant Workshop, Rural Summit, and the Workforce Development Conference. McKinney completed the SC Economic Development Institute in 2014.
About the LCEDC: The Lancaster County Economic Development Corporation is a 501 C4 non-profit corporation charged with the mission of recruiting new business and industry to Lancaster County and working with existing industry to ensure their success. In 2014, the LCEDC was instrumental in bringing more than $500 million in new investment and creation of over 1,500 jobs to Lancaster County. Over the past 2 years, the LCEDC has been instrumental in creating more than $850 million in new investment and creation of more than 3,800 jobs. You can learn more about the LCEDC by visiting the corporation’s website at: www.lancasterSCworks.com .
