Ready for Phase Two in AEDO Process

Posted by on May 4, 2011

How do you know if you are in the lead, the middle or the back of the pack?  Whether it is in regard to your profession, business, project or organization, there comes a time in your life cycle when you want to be judged by and against your peers.  With economic development organizations, that standard is set by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) through their Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) designation.

According to the AEDO program outline, the purpose of the program is to recognize excellence in local economic development organizations, heighten the visibility of the economic development process in the community and assist the organizations with feedback on their operation, structure, and procedures.
In 2009, I brought the concept of accreditation to our Board of Directors.  At the time, we were finishing our three-year strategic planning process, and our VP of Economic Development, Lois Ellis and I were nearing the completion of our economic development certification through the IEDC.  It was decided that, given another year, we would be ready to begin the process of hopefully becoming accredited.

The accreditation process consists of two phases designed to elicit specific information about the structure, organization, funding, programs, and staff of the candidate economic development organization.

Phase I: Document Review Process
We were required to submit documentation demonstrating the LSCP’s development, structure and activity. We needed to prepare and submit three binders containing 18 sections of information including our history, budget, bylaws, strategic plan, financial reports, organizational charts, personnel manual and job descriptions to name a few.   The review process determines if the economic development organization is eligible for an on-site evaluation.

Phase II: Site Team Visit

The site team visit is designed to assess the organization in action. An AEDO subcommittee is carefully chosen, with an eye toward selecting peers who serve in similar organizations. Members of the AEDO subcommittee and/or Certified Economic Developers conduct the visit. The site team reviews conditions at the candidate’s office in regards to facility, management and staff, finances, and public relations.  Upon completion of the site visit, the results of both stages are considered to determine whether AEDO accreditation has been earned.

In April, we were officially notified that we had successfully completed Phase I of the process.  A site team review has since been scheduled for June.  If the LSCP receives accreditation, we will be one of only 27 in the country and the only economic development organization in Michigan with AEDO status.

Once certified, the LSCP will become a part of a network of distinguished leadership organizations, invited to take part in a national AEDO conference, profiled in the IEDC’s member newsletter and Economic Development Journal, featured on the IEDC Web site and of course, a plaque to display our accreditation status.

Becoming an IEDC Accredited Economic Development Organization is a noteworthy achievement.  Since its creation, the Lake Superior Community Partnership has strived to become a successful economic development organization for Marquette County.  The fact that we have made it to the second stage in the AEDO process illustrates how far we have come!

For more information on the Lake Superior Community Partnership visit www.marquette.org or call 226-9658

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