LSCP Gets International Accreditation

MARQUETTE COUNTY– The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) has just announced that the Lake Superior Community Partnership has been recognized as one of 29 economic development organizations to be named by the IEDC as an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO).

“Lake Superior Community Partnership displays the professionalism, commitment, and technical expertise that is deserving of this honor,” said IEDC President and CEO, Jeff Finkle.

Tom Edmark, Chairman of the Lake Superior Community Partnership comments, “I would like to congratulate Amy Clickner, Lois Ellis and the entire LSCP staff for being recognized as an Accredited Economic Development Organization by The International Economic Development Council. This accreditation is one of 29 nationally and is a testament to the professionalism, commitment and effort put forth by the LSCP in becoming the leading economic development organization in our region.”

The AEDO program is a comprehensive peer review process that measures economic development organizations against commonly held standards in the profession. The program consists of two phases: documentation review and an onsite visit. Each phase is designed to evaluate information about the structure, organization, funding, programs and staff of the candidate economic development organization.

Earning the AEDO accreditation tells the community and prospects that the Lake Superior Community Partnership has attained a measure of excellence, assuring that their trust is well-placed and their business is in good hands.

LSCP chief executive officer Amy Clickner comments, “When an organization receives AEDO accreditation, you become part of a network of distinguished leadership organizations in the field, a noteworthy achievement. AEDO status enables you to network with peers in the industry in ways that are unparalleled. We are delighted to earn this status and be the only economic development entity in Michigan that has the AEDO designation. We couldn’t have achieved this status without the foresight and support of our Board of Directors, partners and stakeholders and we thank you for your leadership and dedication to LSCP and Marquette County.”

Marquette County EDC President Chuck Bergdahl adds, “In today’s competitive and demanding economic environment, it’s vital to show that your organization is at the top of the field, not only to earn the trust of your stakeholders, but to open doors to opportunities reserved only for the best of the best in economic development. Marquette County is very proud of the achievements of the Lake Superior Community Partnership in achieving this noteworthy status.”

Maintenance of the AEDO status is required every three years and is accomplished through documentation submission and/or onsite visits by a team of the AEDO subcommittee.

The International Economic Development Council is the largest membership association serving economic and community development professionals in the world. With over 4,400 members nationwide and abroad, IEDC offers the economic development profession one source for information and professional development, one voice for the profession and one force for advocacy. For more information on LSCP or IEDC, please visit www.marquette.org or www.iedconline.org.