By Danita Boonchaisri
PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. (Jan. 22, 2009)—Kelly Robertson-Slagle, business retention specialist in the Calvert County Department of Economic Development was recently awarded the designation of “Economic Development Professional’ (EDP) by the Northeastern Economic Developers Association (NEDA).
The EDP designation is awarded to professionals working in economic development only after careful review confirms that a candidate has met the requirements in each of three categories: (1) minimum of three years of experience in economic development; (2) completion of specific coursework; and (3) advanced-level education in three separate topics of importance to economic development work. In order to maintain the EDP designation, individuals must demonstrate ongoing commitment to staying up-to-date as new tools and techniques emerge, both through coursework and professional service.
Receipt of the NEDA designation is the culmination of many years of work and training and Robertson-Slagle is pleased to receive the recognition. “The EDP designation is a standard in the economic development community,” she said. “Not only does it validate my commitment to the industry but the training I’ve received ensures that I am able to implement the best and most relevant information and economic development strategies to benefit Calvert County’s business community.”
Robertson-Slagle has been employed with Calvert County for three years. Prior to joining the Department of Economic Development, she was director of government/member relations with the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland and she also served as a business development specialist with the Maryland Department of Business & Economic Development. She has over 11 years of experience in business analysis, marketing, grant writing, program management and technical assistance. She is a member of the Maryland Economic Development Association, the International Economic Development Council and a Board member of the College of Southern Maryland Alumni Association, the Patuxent Partnership and the Southern Maryland Workforce Investment Board.
NEDA consists of over 500 professional economic developers and officials committed to sound economic development practice in eleven northeastern states and the District of Columbia. The organization provides professional development education, publishes information about best professional practices and promotes the pursuit of individual economic development education throughout the Northeast.