Joe Williams Recognized by International Economic Development Organization
Williams, managing director for The Community Foundation Mission Investments Company, receives prestigious entrepreneurship development professional credential from the International Economic Development Council.
The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven is proud to announce that Joe Williams, Managing Director, The Community Foundation Mission Investments Company, has been awarded the Entrepreneurship Development Professional (EDP) credential by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). This year, seven candidates received this prestigious designation.
"The economic development profession is continually changing, and the EDP credential is a recognition of how entrepreneurship and small business growth are at the heart of many community’s economic development strategy, which is why the IEDC is pleased to extend our sincere congratulations to all the dedicated professionals who have achieved the EDP credential," said Nathan Ohle, President and CEO of the IEDC. "As the largest membership organization for economic developers, we are proud to recognize these exceptional individuals for their skills in economic development and their continued commitment to enhancing economic vitality and quality of life in their communities.”
The EDP credential is designed for professionals who work with entrepreneurs, small businesses, and those that support them. Candidates are required to have two years of full-time experience in economic development, complete the necessary educational requirements, and pass the certification examination. By obtaining this credential, Joe has proven his expertise in these areas and their dedication to advancing economic development in Greater New Haven.
“Joe Williams’s achievement is a significant professional milestone and reflects their commitment to promoting economic prosperity in our community,” said Drew Alden, President and CEO of The Community Foundation Mission Investments Company. “With this credential, Joe is even better equipped to support local entrepreneurs and help grow new businesses in Greater New Haven, driving further economic growth and job creation.”
The Community Foundation Mission Investments Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Community Foundation collaborates with private and public funding partners to make investments in local entrepreneurs with the purpose of creating opportunity and generational wealth for individuals, families and neighborhoods. It created the New Haven Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, a network of service providers that offer capital and technical assistance to businesses.
The EDP credential was developed with the support of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, the U.S. Economic Development Administration, and in partnership with the University of Missouri-Kansas City SourceLink. The EDP credential is one of two designations offered by IEDC. The Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) credential is a comprehensive designation that tests applicants' general proficiency in economic development. IEDC has designated and recertified over two thousand CEcDs and over fifty EDP practitioners.
"EDP credentials reflect the skills and field expertise needed to advance entrepreneurship throughout the stack,” notes Mo Collins, Director of Entrepreneurship at IEDC. "Today’s entrepreneurship-led economic development work encompasses tech-transfer and technology-based startups, small businesses, and microenterprises alike, all of whom contribute to healthy, vibrant economies.
About the International Economic Development Council
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. With thousands of members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers typically work for cities, counties, states, public-private partnerships, and chambers of commerce and promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities, by creating, retaining, and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth, and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IEDC’s members are engaged in the full range of economic development experiences. Given the breadth of economic development work, our members are employed in a wide variety of settings including local, state, provincial, and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities, and a variety of other institutions. IEDC’s members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions.
