About the Accreditated Organization Program
The Hutto Economic Development Corporation became the 25th Accredited Economic Development Corporation® in 2009. Hutto is the smallest population community to receive this distinction and only the 5th in the state of Texas.
“The Hutto Economic Development Corporation displays the professionalism, commitment, and technical expertise that is deserving of this honor. Earning the Accredited Economic Development Organization® (AEDO) accreditation tells the community and prospects that the Hutto Economic Development Corporation has attained a measure of excellence assuring that their trust is well-placed and their business is in good hands,” said IEDC President and CEO, Jeff Finkle.
“Being designated an Accredited Economic Development Organization® is a significant milestone in Hutto’s economic development journey,” said Hutto Economic Development Corporation Board President Mario Perez.
The International Economic Development Council’s Accredited Economic Development Organization® (AEDO) Program is a means of recognizing the professional excellence of economic development entities throughout North America. The goals of the AEDO Program are to provide economic development organizations with independent feedback on their operations, structure, and procedures, and recognize excellence in local economic development efforts.
Entities that become accredited are recognized as organizations of excellence in the field of economic development. During the AEDO process, organizations receive critical evaluation and peer mentoring by certified professionals concerning internal and external operations. AEDO status signifies a distinguished achievement for an economic development organization.
> View a list of accredited organizations
The Accreditation Process
The accreditation process consists of two phases, designed to elicit specific information about the structure, organization, funding, programs, and staff of the candidate economic development organization.
Phase One: Documentation Review
Applicants submit documents demonstrating the organization’s development, structure and activity. The document review process also helps determine if organizations are eligible for accreditation and deserving of a site team visit.
Phase Two: Site Team Visit
The site team visit is designed to assess the organization in action. Members of the AEDO subcommittee and/or Certified Economic Developers conduct the visit. David Leezer, CEcD of St. Louis, MO and Sharon Ward, CEcD of Allentown, PA conducted the AEDO site visit in Hutto.