Berrien County Professional On The Move

Buckenmeyer’s accomplishment makes him the first and only EDP in the State of Michigan, and one of only 55 in the nation. Buckenmeyer also earned the esteemed Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) credential last year, a designation held by only 1200 economic developers nationwide, and is one of only 20 professionals in the nation to have earned both CEcD and EDP Certifications.
 
“I’m proud to have put in the considerable work to augment my entrepreneurship experience with this highly respected certification,” notes Buckenmeyer, “…but my real reward comes in applying my learning and expertise to help develop meaningful entrepreneurial ecosystems and augment local economic development efforts. My true passion is working with companies and communities and seeing them succeed and grow, and with this credential I’m even better equipped to support entrepreneurs to drive further economic growth and job creation.”
 
"The economic development profession is continually changing, and the EDP credential is a recognition of how entrepreneurship and small business growth are at the heart of many community’s economic development strategy, which is why the IEDC is pleased to extend our sincere congratulations to all the dedicated professionals who have achieved the EDP credential," said Nathan Ohle, President and esteemed CEO of the IEDC. "As the largest membership organization for economic developers, we are proud to recognize these exceptional individuals for their skills in economic development and their continued commitment to enhancing economic vitality and quality of life in their communities.”
 
The EDP credential is designed for professionals who work with entrepreneurs, small businesses, and those that support them. Candidates are required to have two years of full-time experience in economic development, complete the necessary educational requirements, and pass the certification examination. By obtaining this credential, Buckenmeyer has proven his expertise in these areas and their dedication to advancing economic development in Southwest Michigan.
 
The EDP credential was developed with the support of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, the U.S. Economic Development Administration, and in partnership with the University of Missouri-Kansas City SourceLink. The EDP credential is one of two designations offered by IEDC. The Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) credential is a comprehensive designation that tests applicants' general proficiency in economic development. For more information on the CEcD Credential, please visit: . https://www.iedconline.org/pages/cecd-certification/
For more information on how to become an Entrepreneurship Development Professional, please visit: https://www.iedconline.org/pages/become-certified-edp/  
About the International Economic Development Council
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. With thousands of members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers typically work for cities, counties, states, public-private partnerships, and chambers of commerce and 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 experiences. 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.