City Manager John S. Weidl earned the nationally recognized designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), denoting a mastery of skills in economic development and a dedication to personal and professional growth. This milestone marks a significant achievement and underscores John’s commitment to excellence in the field of economic development.
“Becoming a Certified Economic Developer isn’t just a credential, it’s a career-defining
milestone that demonstrates a professional’s dedication to elevating their expertise and their
community impact,” said IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle. “Certified Economic Developers
possess deep technical knowledge and bring trust and credibility to stakeholders, investors, and
peers. We are thrilled to celebrate John on achieving this accomplishment and joining our
network of professionals driving economic progress around the world.”
The CEcD designation is a prestigious acknowledgement of skilled and committed professionals
in the field of economic development, establishing a benchmark of excellence within the
industry. To attain this designation, candidates must successfully complete a rigorous and
comprehensive examination, consisting of three parts and spanning two days. This examination
assesses a practitioner’s knowledge, proficiency, judgement, and critical thinking abilities in the
following 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
“Earning the CEcD designation affirms my commitment to pairing technical expertise with an
inclusive approach to economic growth. This is more than a professional milestone; it’s a pledge
to apply nationally recognized best practices and data-driven strategies to every decision,
ensuring our focus stays on what strengthens the community as a whole, not on narrow or
short-term interests. I’m grateful for the support of the City Council, staff, and community
partners who share in this commitment to building a stronger economic future for Whitewater
and the region,” said City Manager John S. Weidl.
Certified Economic Developers operate as highly skilled economic development professionals
and collaborate with public officials, business leaders, and community members to establish
astute leadership and serve as a driving force in the economic development landscape. Their
commitment to excellence translates into a profound impact on well-being, elevating the
quality of life and unlocking a myriad of opportunities for individuals, businesses, and
communities alike.
Weidl is now one of over 1,250 active CEcDs worldwide.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the City of Whitewater.
