Buddy Rizer Achieves Designation From the International Economic Development Council

The Loudoun, Virginia Department of Economic Development is pleased to announce that Buddy Rizer, the assistant director of the Loudoun DED, has earned a prestigious national certification in economic development. The Certified Economic Developer designation, conferred by the International Economic Development Council, recognizes the practitioner’s mastery of and professional excellence in the field of economic development.

To earn the CEcD designation, candidates must have at least four years of full-time, paid experience in the economic development field, and complete a minimum of six courses in the profession’s core competencies before being eligible to sit for the rigorous and comprehensive two-day CEcD exam. The test, which was held in Alexandria, VA last week, covered practitioners’ knowledge of and proficiency in business retention and expansion, marketing, finance, workforce development, community development, real estate, strategic planning, and management.

“This is an important and well-earned milestone in Buddy’s economic development career, and it helps enhance Loudoun DED as a leading-edge economic development organization,” said Loudoun DED Director Thomas Flynn, who is also a member of the IEDC board. "This designation is recognized worldwide, and has only been conferred on a fraction of economic developers, so it means a great deal that Buddy has been able to achieve this goal.” Flynn earned his CEcD in 2002.

“I’d like to acknowledge Loudoun County Administrator Tim Hemstreet, along with Loudoun DED Director Tom Flynn and my DED colleagues, for their support during this process,” Rizer said. “I will continue to work hard at attracting and retaining businesses in Loudoun County, which will improve the quality of life of our community by reducing the tax burden on local residents.”

Information about the advantages to businesses of locating in Loudoun County is available by calling 703-777-0426 or visiting biz.loudoun.gov.

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