Holt recertified in economic development

          Chamber President Steve Holt

FLORENCE– Shoals Chamber of Commerce President, Steve Holt has been awarded
recertification by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) effective October
2015. Holt first achieved the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation in 1979. CEcD
re-certification, required every three years, was awarded to Holt who met demanding
requirements for continuing education and service to the profession. With 44 years of
economic development experience, Holt has a significant track record in economic and
community development.

The designation of CEcD is a highly recognized national designation that denotes a mastery of
principal skills in economic development, professional attainment and a commitment to
professional growth. Holt first earned certification by passing a rigorous three-part, two-day
examination, testing his knowledge, proficiency and judgment in the key areas of economic
development.

As highly skilled economic development practitioners, Holt and over 1,000 other Certified
Economic Developers work with public officials, business leaders and community members to
create and retain high-quality jobs, establish economic vibrancy and improve quality of life for
the people they serve.

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit, non-partisan
membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 4,500 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. When we succeed, our members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant
communities and improve the quality of life in their regions.