Submitted by Tracy Marino, Director of Marketing & Communications
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Team Volusia EDC Recognized as Best In Class by the International Economic Development Council
Daytona Beach, Florida, May 20, 2024 – The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) announced that Team Volusia EDC has been certified for the first time as an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO), a recognition that only 81 economic development organizations out of 5,000 across North America have achieved.
“Team Volusia EDC displays the professionalism, commitment, and technical expertise that is deserving of this honor,” said IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle.
The AEDO program is a comprehensive peer review process that measures economic development organizations against commonly held standards in the profession. The program consists of two phases: a documentation review and an onsite visit. Each phase is designed to evaluate information about the structure, organization, funding, programs, and staff of the candidate economic development organization.
“Congratulations to Team Volusia Economic Development Corporation, its public and private investors and the TVEDC staff on achieving this milestone,” said Team Volusia Past Chair and President, Root Organization, Philip Maroney.
“Very few economic development corporations earn accreditation from the International Economic Development Council and this recognition is a testament to the success of our on-going effort to bring new businesses to our community and create new job opportunities for Volusia County residents. Accreditation provides further credibility to Team Volusia’s operating expertise and fulfills one of our primary goals as an organization.”
Earning the AEDO accreditation tells the community and prospects that Team Volusia EDC has attained a measure of excellence assuring that their trust is well-placed and their business is in good hands.
Maintenance of the AEDO status is required every three years and is accomplished through documentation submission and/or onsite visits by a team of the AEDO subcommittee.
“We are honored to be recognized by the International Economic Development Council as one of the very best economic development organizations in North America. The AEDO review committee was especially impressed by the high level of collaboration and engagement across our community. I am so proud of our hard-working staff, and I applaud 2023 Board of Directors Chair, Philip Maroney, and our dedicated board and executive committee, who join forces with us every year to support strong business recruitment in Volusia County,” said Keith Norden, CEcD, president and CEO, Team Volusia EDC. “I want to thank all of our community partners and board members who added their expert perspectives during the intensive 2-day site visit which was an important part of our successful accreditation. Our team is excited to promote our IEDC accreditation as we work with our Board of Directors to roll out TeamVolusia 2030, our new 5-year strategic plan.”
Achievement of Team Volusia’s Accredited Economic Development Organization Certification joins another milestone accomplishment in 2024, with the announcement of the organization’s new 5-year strategic plan, TeamVolusia 2030, at their Annual Meeting on March 7.
“With IEDC Accreditation, Team Volusia has gained the highest of accolades amongst economic development organizations (EDO) across the nation. Less than 2% of the 5,000 EDOs in North America can claim this honor,” adds Team Volusia Board of Directors Chair, R. Sans Lassiter, founder & president, LTG. “Accreditation benefits include assuring a strong, healthy organization, recognizing our exceptional leadership, and confirming the quality, education, and experience of TVEDC staff. And, importantly, it distinguishes us from competitive markets when being considered by site selectors. This designation tells the marketplace that Team Volusia will comprehensively inform them on the strength of Volusia County, the availability of compatible sites, and the willingness of our investors and community partners to facilitate economic development. As Chair, I see this recognition as key to advancing business recruitment in the Greater Daytona Region, and I look forward to leveraging this powerful designation to attract corporate investment and jobs to our community.”
“This Team Volusia accreditation supports ongoing efforts to attract high-value investment and cultivate a resilient, diversified economy that benefits the residents and businesses of Volusia County," said Volusia County Manager George Recktenwald. "The accolade is a testament to the collective vision and hard work of countless individuals who believe in the economic potential of Volusia County.”
“We are very excited to learn of Team Volusia Economic Development Corporation’s accreditation from the International Economic Development Council through the Accredited Economic Development Organization program,” said Nancy Keefer, president & CEO, Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce. “This prestigious recognition is a testament to their commitment to excellence in economic development. We can all take pride in supporting and collaborating with Team Volusia as they play a vital role in attracting new employers, creating jobs, and driving capital investment.”
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About IEDC
The International Economic Development Council is the largest membership association serving economic and community development professionals in the world. With over 5,000 members nationwide and abroad, IEDC offers the economic development profession one source for information and professional development, one voice for the profession and one force for advocacy. For more information on IEDC or the AEDO program, call Dana Crater at (910) 821.0245; fax (202) 223.4745; write to IEDC at 1275 K Street NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20005; email dcrater @ iedconline.org; or visit IEDC’s website at www.iedconline.org.
About Team Volusia Economic Development Corporation
Team Volusia EDC is a public/private not-for-profit corporation founded in 2010 whose primary mission is to market and recruit business from outside the area to Volusia County. An autonomous entity, the organization is a valuable part of the economic development delivery system and works in partnership with state and county agencies, municipalities, chambers of commerce and other resource partners to achieve economic development goals for Volusia County.
