Manager Receives Designation of Certified Economic Developer from the International Economic Development Council
Tracy Garcia, Economic Development Project Manager for Visit Central Florida (known locally as Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing – PCTSM) recently earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD). This designation, recognized nationally, 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 January 24, 2016, in New Orleans, LA. With more than 30 years of engineering and economic development experience, Garcia was named the Economic Development Project Manager for PCTSM on October, 1, 2015.
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, tech-led economic development 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 1,100 active CEcDs in the United States.
Currently, PCTSM is working on more than a dozen economic development projects, all of which will solve some serious supply side deficits, stimulate the local economy and create jobs. Economic development has been a core, albeit quiet, strategy for PCTSM for more than two decades. Recruiting LEGOLAND Florida Resort, the Florida Youth Soccer Association, the Florida State Soccer Association, the Independent Softball Association, the Cleveland Indians, the Futures Golf Tour, etc., are all PCTSM economic development success stories, and all of them have created jobs, generated taxes and enhanced the economic climate of the area. For more information about PCTSM economic development initiatives, contact Tracy Garcia at 863-551-4750.
