LSCP takes step toward accreditation

The Lake Superior Community Partnership is the Marquette area's economic development entity, but it's seeking some high-level validation in the form of economic development accreditation.

So the group is going through the process to become accredited through the International Economic Development Corporation. That means working with a review team and accreditation committee, and the LSCP currently is in the second phase of the process.

LSCP CEO Amy Clickner says the status the group is seeking will give it the status of an Accredited Economic Development Organization from the IEDC.

"When an organization receives AEDO accreditation, you become part of a network of distinguished leadership organizations in the field, a noteworthy achievement," she says. "AEDO status enables you to network with peers in the industry in ways that are unparalleled."

The next step is a site visit from the review team, which is made up by committee members and certified economic developers, who will assess the group's activities and work.

That's scheduled for June. The partnership is looking forward to achieving the recognition of the accreditation, which serves to stamp the group as an economic authority and affirm a standard of professional excellence.

"If LSCP earns this status, our organization will join less than 30 elite economic development entities nationally, with only one in Michigan, consisting of state and local government economic development departments and local and regional public-private partnerships that have earned the AEDO designation. These are the best of the best, models of achievement in the economic development field," Clickner says.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Amy Clickner, Lake Superior Community Partnership