October 14, 2009

Michael "Yaz" Yaskowsky Receives Designation of
Certified Economic Developer from the International Economic Development Council

Michael A. Yaskowsky, senior business development manager for the City of Hampton, Virginia's Economic Development Department, recently earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). This national recognition denotes a mastery of principal skills in economic development, professional attainment and a commitment to personal and professional growth. IEDC Certification is one of the highest benchmarks of professional competence a practicing economic developer can attain. The CEcD exam was administered by the IEDC on Oct. 1 and 2.

With over 13 years of economic development experience, Yaskowsky has been involved in all aspects of business assistance, retention and expansion for Hampton. Having primary responsibilities of managing all efforts related to both the Aerospace and Defense Clusters, he led or played a key role in recent efforts that include a $25 million expansion of Alcoa Howmet, $12 million in State funding to facilitate the expansion of National Institute of Aerospace (NIA), the leasing of 360,000-square-feet to Northrop Grumman, design of the Hampton Roads Center North Campus Office Park Master Plan and the creation of Hampton's Manufacturing Assistance Grant Program. Yaskowsky has also served as Hampton's Local Enterprise Zone Administrator since 2000.

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 1,200 CEcDs in the United States.

The IEDC is the premiere organization for the economic development profession. Serving over 4,600 members, IEDC is the world's largest professional membership organization providing a diversity of economic development services, including research and advisory services, conferences, professional development and legislative tracking. IEDC provides economic developers with the information and tools they need to build local economies and strives to draw upon and increase the collective expertise and influence of its diverse membership. IEDC also manages the Association of Defense Communities (ADC) which brings together public and private sector professionals involved with the redevelopment of closed military bases and privatization of military infrastructure.

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