SOD Center Executive Director Earns Economic Development Credential

SALEM, Ohio — Julie Needs, executive directive of the Sustainable Opportunity Development Center here, has earned the credential of Ohio Certified Economic Developer.

“The OhioCED professional credential attests the depth and breadth of an economic development professional’s knowledge and their ability to apply that knowledge to the benefit of their community or organization,” says Michael Loges, president of the Ohio Economic Development Association.

The certification program courses are offered through the Ohio Economic Development Institute, OEDA’s flagship professional development program.

Earning the Ohio Certified Economic Developer is a multi-year process. To be certified, an economic developer must complete more than 70 hours of core coursework, 24 hours of elective coursework, and complete a capstone project. The Ohio Economic Development Institute program was created in 2016. It is a partnership with JobsOhio, the state’s economic development organization, and Ohio University Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service in 2016.

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