City of Manassas Communications Manager
Contact: Patty Prince
Email: pprince@manassasva.gov
City of Manassas Department of Economic Development
Contact: Patrick Small, CEcD
Email: psmall@manassasva.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 15, 2019
MANASSAS, VA (Monday, April 15, 2019) Nicole Smith, Economic Development Coordinator for the City of Manassas, 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 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 and Credit Analysis
- Marketing and Attraction
- Strategic Planning
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Development
- Managing Economic Development Organizations
- Neighborhood Development Strategies
- Real Estate Development and Reuse
- Technology-led Economic Development
- Workforce Development Strategies
“This is a great achievement for Nicole,” said Patrick Small, Economic Development Director for the City of Manassas. “Nicole brings a broad breadth of experience and creativity to her role on behalf of the city and this certification really served to substantiate all that she has, and continues to, contribute. This honor is well-earned and very much deserved.”
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. For more information, visit www.iedcONLINE.org.
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