Greater Rochester Enterprise (GRE), an economic development organization dedicated to job creation in the Rochester Region, announces that Victoria Pratt, Managing Director, Business Development, recently earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), a national recognition that denotes a mastery of principal skills in economic development, professional attainment and a commitment to personal and professional growth. The CEcD exam is administered by the International Economic Development Council.
Pratt has 12 years of economic development experience in Orleans County, New York; Columbia and Boone County, Missouri; and the Greater Rochester, New York Region. Before joining GRE last year, she served as President of Regional Economic Development Inc. and Director of the City of Columbia Department of Economic Development in Columbia, Missouri; and Executive Director of the County of Orleans Industrial Development Agency.
Pratt, of Greece, has amassed numerous accomplishments over the years. She coordinated the re-sale of the 750,000-square-foot former Fisher Price facility in Orleans County, which today is home to several businesses; created and retained more than 500 jobs in Orleans County; organized the Life Sciences Business Coalition in Columbia, Missouri; and created more than 350 jobs in Columbia and Boone County, Missouri. She also convinced leaders in Columbia to offer, for the first time, business incentives to encourage economic development — one of her biggest accomplishments to date.
"Vicki Pratt is a valued economic developer and a great resource for GRE and the entire Rochester Region," said Michael A. Finney, President and CEO of Greater Rochester Enterprise. "Vicki's designation as a certified economic developer recognizes her longstanding commitment to job creation and economic growth. GRE is proud of Vicki and pleased to share in her accomplishment."
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 three-part, two-day examination, which tests a practitioner's knowledge, proficiency and judgment in the key areas of economic development, including business retention and expansion, marketing, finance, workforce development, community development, real estate, strategic planning, and management.
As highly competent economic development practitioners, 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 more than 1,000 CEcDs in the United States.
The International Economic Development Council serves 4,000 members and is the world's largest professional membership organization. IEDC provides a variety of economic development services, including research and advisory services, conferences, professional development and legislative tracking.
About GRE:
Greater Rochester Enterprise (GRE) is a public-private partnership established to professionally market the Rochester metropolitan region as a competitive, high-profile place for business location and growth. GRE will collaborate with business, academia, not-for-profit organizations and government to ensure a unified approach to regional economic development efforts.