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Ashley Richardson Earns Coveted SCEDA Statewide Economic Developer Certification

A woman standing and holding a certificate.

The South Carolina Economic Developers’ Association (SCEDA) is proud to announce that nine members have recently earned credentials as South Carolina Certified Economic Developers (SCCED). The newly certified statewide economic developers were recognized on October 10 during the Mid-Year Members Meeting.

The nine members come from a variety of backgrounds and industries across the state:

● Tony Allen, Business Recruitment Manager, SC Department of Commerce

● James Bateman, Economic Development Director, Greenwood County

● Ann Broadwater, Director, Fairfield County Economic Development

● Gilleon Frieson, Rural Program Manager, SC Department of Commerce

● Kristin Lanier, Client Development Manager, Terracon Consultants, Inc.

● Holly McCrary, Business Development Manager, Davis and Floyd

● Michelle McDonald, Deputy Director, Dorchester County Economic Development

● John O’Toole, Executive Director, Beaufort County Economic Development Corporation

● Ashley Richardson, Deputy Director, Charleston County Economic Development

Three people standing and holding a certificate.

“During their time in this rigorous and extensive program, these recipients have shown their dedication to excellence in the field of economic development,” said Tavia Gaddy, President of the SCEDA Board of Directors. “Beginning with a competitive application process, recipients are required to complete the Advanced Symposium, a series of advanced level courses for professional economic development practitioners. The attendees learn in an interactive environment with coaching from economic development experts, consultants, and private industry representatives.” “We are extremely proud of each graduate, and welcome them to our distinguished cadre of SC Certified Economic Developers.”

This distinct honor is awarded to very few applicants each year. Since the program began in 2001, only 131 have received the SCCED certification.

About Charleston County Economic Development

For over three decades, Charleston County Economic Development Department has been dedicated to establishing and maintaining business relationships with new and existing industries to preserve the Charleston area’s exceptional business climate and quality of life. To learn more about Charleston County Economic Development, visit www.charlestoncountydevelopment.org.

About SCEDA

Since 1965, the S.C. Economic Developers’ Association has served as the Voice of Economic Development in the Palmetto State. A professional trade association of more than 580 members, with representation from all 46 counties, SCEDA includes local and regional economic developers, as well as officials from municipal, county and state government agencies, construction and engineering firms, utility companies, attorneys, consultants, financial institutions, and higher education. To learn more, visit www.SCEDA.org.

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