NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
British Columbia Economic Development Association (BCEDA) Announces First Five BC Certified Economic Development Professionals
Penticton, BC, September 5, 2024
— The British Columbia Economic Development Association (BCEDA) is pleased to announce the first five professionals to earn the prestigious BCEDA Certified Economic Development Professional (CEDP.BC) designation. This milestone marks a significant advancement in the field of economic development within the province, recognizing individuals who have demonstrated exceptional knowledge, skills, and commitment to driving economic growth and prosperity in their communities.
The inaugural recipients of the CEDP.BC certification are:
- Michael McGee, Owner, ACED Management Inc.
- Rose Klukas, Director of Economic Development and Indigenous Relations, City of Campbell River
- Lana Fitt, Executive Director, Salmon Arm Economic Development Society
- Amy Reid, Manager of Economic Development and Tourism, City of Quesnel
- Colleen Bond, Partner, EDCD Consulting
Michael Makes History
Michael McGee has made history as the first professional to earn the CEDP.BC Certification, setting a milestone for BCEDA. In addition to this prestigious certification, Michael holds the Ec.D. (F) designation from the Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC) and the Professional Aboriginal Economic Developer (PAED) certification from the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (CANDO).
Notably, he will be honored at the upcoming CANDO conference for being among the first graduates of the PAED program in 1998.
A dedicated member of BCEDA, Michael has significantly contributed to advancing economic development in Indigenous and local governments across BC, Canada, the US, and internationally.
The CEDP.BC certification is a rigorous program designed to enhance the credibility and effectiveness of economic development professionals. It encompasses a comprehensive curriculum covering essential topics such as ethical practices, strategic planning, data analysis, and community engagement. These newly certified professionals have completed a demanding series of assessments and demonstrated their expertise in various aspects of economic development.
“We are proud to recognize these outstanding individuals for their dedication and excellence in economic development,” said Dale Wheeldon, President and CEO of BCEDA. “Their achievement reflects their deep understanding of the complexities and opportunities within our Indigenous, local and regional economies. We look forward to seeing their continued contributions to the advancement of economic development across British Columbia.”
The CEDP.BC certification program is an integral part of BCEDA’s commitment to advancing professional standards and fostering a network of skilled economic development leaders in British Columbia. The program not only provides valuable credentials but also equips professionals with the tools and knowledge needed to address the evolving challenges and opportunities in the field.
For more information about the CEDP.BC certification and to learn about future certification opportunities, please visit www.bceda.ca or contact Dale Wheeldon at dwheeldon@bceda.ca.