The Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) has been designated as an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), an honor that recognizes professional excellence among economic development organizations worldwide.
With this announcement, the MEDC is one of 86 AEDO-accredited economic development organizations across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, and is one of only two U.S. state agencies to receive AEDO accreditation, affirming its position as a national leader in economic development strategy, innovation, and execution.
Under the Make It in Michigan economic development strategy, the state focuses on growing Michigan’s prosperity and population by pursuing investments in three core pillars: People, Places, and Projects. The strategy has already delivered results in strengthening Michigan’s workforce, investing in vibrant communities, and winning transformative economic development projects that position the state for long-term growth.
“The International Economic Development Council’s AEDO accreditation is the gold standard in economic development, and it affirms what we already know: that Team Michigan is focused collectively daily on creating a place where great ideas, great people, and great companies come together to build a stronger, more inclusive economy,” says Quentin L. Messer Jr., CEO of the MEDC.
“It confirms our Make It in Michigan economic development strategy is helping businesses grow, communities revitalize, and Michiganders succeed, creating good-paying jobs and building a future where everyone can thrive. While we know that work remains, I am grateful to the IEDC for this accreditation, and celebrate our partners in Gov. Whitmer’s administration, the Michigan Legislature, and fellow economic development organizations, job creators and municipal leaders as we work collaboratively to improve the economic lives of 10-million-plus friends and neighbors.”
As an AEDO, the MEDC joins a group of economic development organizations that have demonstrated the highest level of accountability, transparency, and effectiveness. This designation strengthens the state’s reputation among site selectors, investors, and businesses across the globe.
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.
Earning the AEDO accreditation tells the community and prospects that MEDC has attained a measure of excellence assuring 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.
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