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Darlington County Economic Development Director Receives Professional Certification

June 3, 2009

Darlington, S.C. – June 3, 2009 – Robert D. Long, executive director of the Darlington County Economic Development Partnership, 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.  The CEcD exam was administered by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) on May 31 and June 1 in Raleigh, North Carolina at the Marriott City Center.

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 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 more than 1,200 CEcDs in the United States.

“There are only eight other CEcDs in South Carolina that are local developers,” said Jim Ramsey, chairman of Darlington County Economic Development Partnership. “Mr. Long’s certification elevates the stature of Darlington County’s economic development program.”

About International Economic Development Council:

IEDC is the premiere organization for the economic development profession.  Serving over 4,500 members, IEDC is the world’s largest professional membership organization providing a diversity of economic development services, including research and advisory services, conferences, professional development and legislative tracking.  IEDC provides economic developers with the information and tools they need to build local economies and strive to draw upon and increase the collective expertise and influence of its diverse membership.  For more information is available at www.iedconline.org.

About the Darlington County Economic Development Partnership

The public/private partnership was established by Darlington County Council and is supported by Darlington County, City of Hartsville and members of Darlington County Progress, Inc.  The Partnership also works with regional, state and federal agencies in securing available grants and other financial assistance for business and industrial growth. More information is available at www.dcedp.biz.

For more information, contact Robert Long at (843) 413-3210.