Betsey Hale Receives Designation of Certified Economic Developer from the International Economic Development Council

Cheyenne, WY – Betsey Hale, CEO of Cheyenne LEADS, Cheyenne, WY 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 first ever Virtual CEcD Exam on October 3, 2020.  Candidates were notified of their results on October 9, 2020. With over 20 years of economic development experience, Hale was named the new CEO of Cheyenne LEADS in March of 2020.  Prior to moving to Wyoming, Hale served as the President of Three Rivers Development Corporation located in Corning, NY.  Hale also worked as the Business Development Manager for the City of Loveland, Colorado from 2006-2011 and their Economic Development Director from 2011-2015.

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. Currently there are just over 1,100 active CEcDs in the United States.

About the International Economic Development Council

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit 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. www.iedcONLINE.org.

For additional information contact:

Betsey Hale

CEO, Cheyenne LEADS

307-630-2179

betseyh@cheyenneleads.org