MIKE CZECHOWSKI RECEIVES DESIGNATION OF CERTIFIED ECONOMIC DEVELOPER FROM THE INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
Mike Czechowski, project manager in the Office of Economic Initiatives, earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), a national recognition that denotes a mastery of skills in economic development, professional attainment, and a commitment to personal and professional growth.
With 10 years of economic development experience, Czechowski has coordinated the completion of 33 annexations, including Arizona State Trust Land, Port of Tucson, Amazon, and several auto dealerships; assisted with the development of the first hotel downtown in more than two decades; facilitated a development agreement for the expansion of Raytheon, creating more than 1200 new jobs; negotiated development agreements for the redevelopment of several downtown area hotels, including a new 296 room Hyatt Regency, as well as working on the expansion of the Central Business District to create new development opportunities in the downtown Tucson core.
Barbra Coffee, City of Tucson director of Economic Initiatives, said this is a sought-after distinction in the field of economic development.
“Mike is a tremendous asset to our team and to this community which he has served for more than a decade,” Coffee said. “I am so proud of his accomplishments and this well-deserved recognition of his work.”
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 examination, which has three parts and spans two days. The exam tests a practitioner’s knowledge, proficiency, and judgment in economic development focus areas, including business retention and expansion, marketing and attraction, strategic planning, finance and credit analysis, entrepreneurial and small business development, workforce development, and neighborhood development strategies.
As highly competent economic development professionals, Certified Economic Developers work with public officials, business leaders and community members to create leadership to build upon and maximize the economic development opportunities in their communities, which leads to improved quality of life and access to opportunities for individuals and businesses. There are currently more than 1,100 active CEcDs in the United States.
About the International Economic Development Council:
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a nonprofit membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 5,000 members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers 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 experience. 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. Visit iedconline.org/.
About the City of Tucson Office of Economic Initiatives:
The City of Tucson Office of Economic Initiatives coordinates the City’s economic development programs for the purpose of attracting jobs and investment to the City of Tucson. It also offers local small business and entrepreneurial assistance and encourages workforce development in order to foster a long term sustainable and diverse local economy. For more information or to contact the Office of Economic Initiatives, visit ConnectTucson.com.
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