GGP Staff Receive OhioCED Certification

November 2, 2023 by Staff Report

Geauga Growth Partnership President and CEO Kimm Leininger and Vice President of Operations Monica Bricker-Thompson have achieved certification as Ohio Certified Economic Developers (OhioCEDs) through the Ohio Economic Development Association (OEDA). The prestigious certification recognizes their dedication to advancing economic development in Ohio and their commitment to elevating the economic development profession.

The OhioCED designation signifies an economic development professional’s depth of knowledge and their ability to apply that knowledge for the benefit of their community or organization.

To become OhioCEDs, candidates must meet stringent requirements, which include being a member of OEDA and successfully completing the Ohio Basic Economic Development Course or having three years of full-time economic development experience. The certification process involves completing all five of the Ohio Economic Development Institute (OEDI) Core Courses, which cover critical topics such as business retention and expansion, economic development finance and incentives, real estate development and financing, site selection and development and workforce and talent acquisition. Additionally, candidates must successfully complete a sixth OEDI Capstone Course, culminating in a final capstone project tailored to address a community’s specific needs or economic development challenges.

The OEDA continues to support certified economic developers by requiring 16 hours of approved continuing education annually, eight of which must be obtained through OEDA, to ensure that OhioCEDs remain at the forefront of economic development practices.

For more information about Geauga Growth Partnership and its efforts to drive economic growth and development in Geauga County, contact the organization at 440-564-1060.