Brian J. Sillitto, Senior Vice President of Economic Development for the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce, recently earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer, a national recognition that denotes a mastery of skills in economic development, professional attainment and a commitment to personal and professional growth. 

With 12 years of economic development experience, Sillitto is credited with direct responsibility for managing over 50 projects location and expansions resulting in the creation of more than 2,700 new jobs and $330 million of capital investment.

The CEcD exam was administered by the International Economic Development Council on December 3-4, 2016 in Albuquerque, NM at the Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town.

The CEcD designation recognizes qualified and dedicated practitioners in the economic development field and sets the standard of excellence within the profession. Candidates must pass a rigorous and comprehensive examination, which has three parts and spans two days. The exam tests a practitioner’s knowledge, proficiency and judgment in the following key areas of economic development:

• business retention and expansion

• finance & credit analysis

• marketing and attraction

• strategic planning

• entrepreneurial & small business development

• managing economic development organizations

• neighborhood development strategies

• real estate development & reuse

• technology-led economic development

• workforce development strategies

“We are very proud of Brian’s dedication to the profession and our community,” said Brian Anderson, President & CEO of the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce. “The Chamber’s Economic Development team now has two Certified Economic Developers, which demonstrates the commitment of the organization to providing the community with top-notch professionals.”

As highly competent economic development professionals, Certified Economic Developers work with public officials, business leaders and community members to create leadership to build upon and maximize the economic development sector.  Excellence in the economic development profession improves the well being, quality of life and opportunities for individuals, businesses and communities. There are currently approxiamtely 1,100 active CEcDs in the United States.