Nathan Tafoya Receives Designation of Certified Economic Developer from the International Economic Development Council

(MOUNT PLEASANT, TX October 31, 2019) - Nathan Tafoya, Executive Director MPEDC in Mount Pleasant, TX, 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.

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) administered the CEcD exam on October 12-13, 2019 in Indianapolis, IN at the JW Marriott. With 13 years of economic development experience, Nathan Tafoya has a successful track record at both state and local levels attracting jobs and capital investment to communities. Mr. Tafoya holds an MBA from the University of New Mexico, where he took 1st place in the school’s annual technology business plan competition and was awarded $25,000 from Lockheed Martin. Mr. Tafoya is also a graduate of the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma. Mr. Tafoya joined MPEDC on June 18, 2018.

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 the following key areas of economic development:

- business retention and expansion

- finance credit analysis

- marketing and attraction

- strategic planning

- entrepreneurial & small business development

- managing economic development organizations

- neighborhood development strategies

- real estate development & reuse

- technology-led economic development

- workforce development strategies

- foreign direct investment & exporting

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 sector. Excellence in the economic development profession improves the wellbeing, quality of life and opportunities for individuals, businesses and communities. There are currently over 1,100 active CEcDs in the United States.