Zach Hager Receives Designation of Certified Economic Developer from the International Economic Development Council

by | Jan 3, 2019 | One Acadiana News

Lafayette, LA. – Zach Hager, Director, Business Development at One Acadiana, 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 exam was administered by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) on December 1-2, 2018 in Denver, GA at the Denver Marriott West. With five years of economic development experience, Zach has implemented strategies to recruit and retain business across the Acadiana Region, certified nine development-ready industrial sites totaling over 1,400 acres, and contributed to the efforts that have secured approximately 1,000 jobs and over $435 million in capital investment.

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

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 the well-being, quality of life and opportunities for individuals, businesses and communities. There are currently over 1,100 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.

About One Acadiana

One Acadiana is the leading economic development organization for the nine-parish Acadiana region located in south Louisiana. With more than 950 investors, members, and partners, One Acadiana serves as the voice of the regional business community. The organization is located in the city of Lafayette and serves a region of roughly 700,000 people with a vibrant culture and unique entrepreneurial spirit. Learn more at OneAcadiana.org