Grand Junction Economic Partnership Executive Director Curtis Englehart received the nationally recognized designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) from the International Economic Development Council.

The designation, according to a GJEP news release, denotes a mastery of skills in economic development and a dedication to personal and professional growth. Certified Economic Developers operate as highly skilled economic development professionals and collaborate with public officials, business leaders and community members. They serve as a driving force in the economic development landscape.

Englehart is now one of more than 1,250 active CEcDs worldwide.

“Becoming a Certified Economic Developer isn’t just a credential, it’s a career-defining milestone that demonstrates a professional’s dedication to elevating their expertise and their community impact,” IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle said. “Certified Economic Developers possess deep technical knowledge and bring trust and credibility to stakeholders, investors and peers.”

The Certified Economic Developer designation establishes a benchmark of excellence within the industry. To attain it, candidates must successfully complete a three-part, two-day examination that assesses a practitioner’s knowledge, proficiency, judgement and critical-thinking abilities in the following 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.
• Foreign direct investment and exporting.

“Attaining the CEcD designation reinforces my commitment to continuous growth and elevating the impact of our work at GJEP. I’m grateful for the opportunity to strengthen my skills, so we can better attract quality jobs and investment to Mesa County,” Englehart said.