EDC President achieves Certified Economic Developer designation
EDC President achieves Certified Economic Developer designation
COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. (June 13, 2011) Alan Tio, President of the Whitley County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) recently earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), a national recognition that denotes a mastery of principal skills in economic development, professional attainment and a commitment to personal and professional growth.
"On behalf of the entire board, we are very proud of Alan's recent achievements." said EDC board chairman Steve Barcus, "This professional designation sets Whitley County apart within Northeast Indiana and provides a strategic advantage in economic development that can only be attributed to his hard work and efforts."
The CEcD designation recognizes qualified and dedicated practitioners in the economic development field and sets the standard of excellence within the profession. Candidates must pass a rigorous and comprehensive three-part, two-day examination, which tests a practitioner’s knowledge, proficiency and judgment in the key areas of economic development, including business retention and expansion, marketing, finance, workforce development, community development, real estate, strategic planning, and organizational management.
As highly competent economic development practitioners, Certified Economic Developers work with public officials, business leaders and community members to create leadership to build upon and maximize the economic development sector. Excellence in the economic development profession improves the well being, quality of life and opportunities for individuals, businesses and communities. There are currently 1,200 active CEcD’s in the United States.
Tio joined the EDC as President on January 1, 2008. Since that time, the EDC has launched the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Initiative, coordinated development of the “Certified Site Ready” Rail Connect Business Park, supported the expansion of industries such as 80/20 Inc, C&A Tool Engineering, Micropulse, and Ultra Electronics-USSI, and worked to encourage Fort Wayne Metals, Iotron Industries, Sailrite Enterprises, and Triad Metals to establish new operations in the community.
“This designation validates the work we are undertaking at the EDC to lead economic development in Whitley County, said Tio, “I will continue to lead a team-based economic development program that responds to the demands of our industry clients as we keep moving forward.”
Alan’s educational background includes an undergraduate degree (BA) from Miami University and a graduate degree in public management (MPA) from Indiana University's School of Public and Environmental Affairs, where he was recently honored as the 2011 Distinguished Alumni. He has completed the Indiana Economic Development Course at Ball State University and the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute.
Tio is a member of the International Economic Development Council and serves on the Board of the Indiana Economic Development Association. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Northeast Indiana Community Development Corporation.
About Whitley County EDC
The Whitley County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is the lead economic development agency in Whitley County, Indiana. The EDC works closely with local, regional, and state partners to support our industry clients' growth and success. Our mission is to implement a unified economic development effort and to expand employment and business opportunities for the benefit of the people of Whitley County by developing and maintaining cooperation of all individuals, groups, and organizations within the county. The Whitley County EDC was established in 1992 and represents Whitley County, Columbia City, and the Towns of Churubusco, Larwill, and South Whitley. For more information about the EDC, visit www.whitleyedc.com.
Media Contact:
Alan Tio (Whitley County EDC) – 260.244.5506 or atio@whitleyedc.com