Hamilton’s economic development division has earned accreditation from the International Economic Development Council, making it the first municipally controlled department to do so and only the second in Canada.
The Washington D.C.-based organization audited the department’s activities and structure, made a site visit and interviewed private organizations with dealings with the department.
“They were impressed with our model and our integration with planning,” said economic development director Neil Everson. “That’s not a common model on either side of the border.”
There are 34 economic development organizations, the vast majority in the United States, which have earned the title of Accredited Economic Development Organization. The Greater Halifax Partnership, a standalone economic development corporation, was the first in Canada.
“The City of Hamilton’s economic development office displays the professionalism, commitment, and technical expertise that is deserving of this honour,” said IEDC president and CEO Jeff Finkle in a release.
Article courtesy of The Hamilton Spectator.