SHREVEPORT-MONROE, La. — North Louisiana Economic Partnership (NLEP) today earned reaccreditation from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).  NLEP is one of only 61 Accredited Economic Development Organizations (AEDOs) in the world.

“NLEP first received its accreditation from IEDC in May 2015; and every three years, AEDOs must reapply for accreditation,” 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. ”

Earning the AEDO designation tells the community and prospects that NLEP has attained a high level of excellence, assuring that their trust is well placed.  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 IEDC President and CEO Jeff Finkle.

Maintenance of AEDO status is accomplished through documentation submission and/or onsite visits by a team of the AEDO subcommittee. The AEDO reaccreditation affirms NLEP’s status as a leading regional economic development organization. Last year, NLEP won three IEDC Excellence in Economic Development Awards and was named Economic Development Partner of the Year by Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI).

“The AEDO reaccreditation is a testament to  NLEP’s professionalism, expertise and commitment to promoting economic development in our 14 parishes,” said Valarie Jamison, NLEP Board Chair. “I thank our nearly 200 members who have supported NLEP. Their membership ensures that NLEP continues to operate at the highest level.”

In today's competitive and challenging economic development environment, being an Accredited Economic Development Organization demonstrates that your organization is at the top of the field. AEDO status not only earns the trust of your stakeholders but also opens doors to opportunities reserved only for the best of the best in the field. Recognizing the professional excellence of organizations in the field, AEDO status says to your community that your organization is a leading authority on economic-related issues. Currently, there are only three other AEDOs in Louisiana. 
 

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. Learn more at www.nlep.org

ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is the world's largest membership organization for economic development professionals. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life in their communities by creating, retaining, and expanding jobs that facilitate growth and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, our members represent the entire range of economic development. Learn more at iedconline.org.