Betsy Kramer, SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) Revitalization Coordinator, earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), a national recognition that denotes a mastery of skills in economic development, professional attainment, and a commitment to personal and professional growth. The CEcD Certification Program is the most prestigious designation in the economic development profession. Kramer was 1 of 32 economic development professionals nationwide who earned the designation. Additionally, in 2022, Kramer earned the Entrepreneurship Development Professional (EDP) accreditation, also from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
The IEDC administered the written CEcD Exam on May 8, 2023, and notified candidates of their results on May 17, 2023. Working in economic development for over 6 years, Kramer is currently assisting the city of Shamokin with economic revitalization and community resiliency. She has extensive experience in facilitating communication and collaboration with volunteer organizations, non-profits, elected officials, business community and investors to achieve a unified revitalization mission.
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 examination, which has three parts and spans two days. The exam tests a practitioner’s knowledge, proficiency, and judgment in the following key areas of economic development:
- business retention and expansion
- finance & credit analysis
- marketing and attraction
- strategic planning
- entrepreneurial & small business development
- managing economic development organizations
- neighborhood development strategies
- real estate development & reuse
- technology-led economic development
- workforce development strategies
- foreign direct investment & exporting
As highly competent economic development professionals, 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 wellbeing, quality of life and opportunities for individuals, businesses and communities. There are currently over 1,200 active CEcDs in the United States.
About the International Economic Development Council
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 5,000 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. IEDC’s members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions. www.iedcONLINE.org.
SEDA-COG is a community and economic development agency in Lewisburg and is one of seven Local Development Districts in Pennsylvania. SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in the 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives.