SHREVEPORT-MONROE, La. — North Louisiana Economic Partnership (NLEP) has been designated as an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the largest membership association for economic and community development professionals in the world. NLEP stands among a select group of 43 economic development organizations across North America to receive the AEDO designation.

“NLEP is proud to receive the AEDO designation and be recognized as a top performing economic development organization,” said Scott Martinez, CEcD, NLEP President. “The IEDC accreditation process is a very comprehensive and rigorous peer review of an economic development organization’s professionalism, expertise and capacity. I would like to thank our dedicated staff, board members and most importantly our 167 investors that have made NLEP one of the top economic development organizations in North America.”

Earning the AEDO designation tells the community and prospects that NLEP attained a high level of excellence, assuring that their trust is well placed and their business is in good hands.  The AEDO program is a means of recognizing professional excellence and provides organizations with independent feedback, critical evaluation and peer mentoring from industry experts, including an analysis of the organizations strengths and weaknesses and recommendations for improvement. 

“North Louisiana Economic Partnership displays the professionalism, commitment, and technical expertise that is deserving of this honor,” said Jeff Finkle, IEDC President and CEO.

The accreditation process is a two phase process.  Phase one is a document review of the organization’s development, structure and activities, including articles of incorporation, bylaws, budgets, strategic plan, staff resumes, marketing plan and collateral.

Phase two is a site visit by two Certified Economic Developers™ to assess the organization in action; to verify information submitted; to interview staff, board members, business leaders, and community stakeholders; and to evaluate the facilities and office resources. 

Sharon Ward, CEcD, who was a past AEDO Chair from Allentown, PA and Gerald Cook, CEcD, President of the Madisonville-Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation, in Madisonville, KY visited NLEP on April 15-17th.  In addition to interviewing staff at both the Shreveport and Monroe offices, the review team spoke with workforce and higher education partners, community stakeholders, and elected officials in Shreveport, Ruston and Monroe. Those interviewed include Mayor Jamie Mayo of Monroe, Mayor Ronny Walker of Ruston, Caddo Commissioner Lindora Baker, President Les Guice of Louisiana Tech University, President Nick Bruno of the University of Louisiana at Monroe, and CenturyLink and Libbey executives.

“The AEDO designation confirms what I’ve known all along about NLEP - this organization is one of the best in the country.  NLEP’s professionalism, expertise and commitment to economic development translate into a real return on investment for North Louisiana,” said Ayres Bradford, Lincoln Builders and NLEP volunteer board chair. 

About North Louisiana Economic Partnership

North Louisiana Economic Partnership, an Accredited Economic Development Organization, provides professional economic development services to the 14 parish region of North Louisiana, including lead generation and prospect management. The organization also represents the interests of North Louisiana with a unified voice and as a single point of contact. It acts as a catalyst, a convener, and a connector in the region to ensure that North Louisiana’s economic development potential is realized. Its vision is for North Louisiana to be a thriving region-a destination for high quality talent, innovative companies, and global investment.