August 13, 2024 – Washington, DC – The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) announces that the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County (BDB) has once again been recognized as one of 81 economic development organizations accredited by IEDC as an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO). Originally accredited in 2007, the organization was reaccredited by IEDC following 17 successful years of activity as an AEDO member.
“The Business Development Board of Palm Beach County displays the professionalism, commitment, and technical expertise that is deserving of this honor”, said IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle.
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: a documentation review and an onsite visit. Each phase is designed to evaluate information about the structure, organization, funding, program, and staff of the candidate economic development organization.
“AEDO certification is a testament to our commitment to excellence in economic development. It not only validates our strategic efforts and professional standards but also enhances our credibility and trust with stakeholders. This recognition ensures that we are continually improving and adapting best practices to drive sustainable growth and prosperity in our community,” stated Kelly Smallridge, President and CEO of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County.
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 5,000 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 the AEDO program, please contact AEDO Program Manager Dana Crater at 910-821-9245 or dcrater @iedconline.org, or visit IEDC’s website at http://www.iedconline.org/AEDO.
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About Business Development Board:
The Business Development Board of Palm Beach County is the official public/private economic development organization for Palm Beach County. Founded in 1982 as a not-for-profit corporation, our primary purpose is to attract and retain new industry, business investment, high quality jobs and workforce development through corporate relocations, expansions and international trade. During the past five years, the BDB has assisted more than 140 companies that have created or retained more than 13,110 direct jobs with average salaries greater than $80,000, resulting in more than $1.12 billion in capital investment to Palm Beach County. Additional information can be found at the BDB’s website, BDB.org.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Business Development Board
Kristen Liberman
