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Copyright ©2003 PCDA
Scott Depot, West Virginia - Gary S. Walton, Executive Director, Putnam County Development Authority, Inc. earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer® (CED) at the June 3, 2000, Dallas, Texas administration of the exam.
With over 20 years of economic development experience, Walton has worked to complete the purchase of property and began the development of Putnam County’s newest industrial and business center, Putnam Business Park. He has also developed the Authority’s first Internet Web site at , and worked with the county’s existing industries on expansion projects that have helped bring about over $19,000,000 in new private investment and created almost 100 net new jobs. In April, Walton was invited to participate in West Virginia’s Mission to Japan 2000 that included investment seminars for Japanese-owned companies and participation in the celebration of the 10th Anniversary of West Virginia’s Japan Office.
Walton’s former experience included serving as the Executive Director of the Washington County Economic Growth Partnership, Inc. in Salem, Indiana. He also served as the Director of Planning & Economic Development for the Governor’s Indiana Military Base Use Coordinating Commission. Walton was also responsible for creating the Perry County Development Corporation in Tell City, Indiana.
The CED designation recognizes the professional economic developer and sets the standard for excellence within the profession of economic development. Candidates must pass a rigorous three-part certification examination which tests knowledge, proficiency, and judgment in all important areas of economic development. An individual must have at least five years of full-time professional employment in economic development, plus credits for professional activities, higher education, or accredited courses in economic development to qualify to sit for the examination.
Certification maintenance is required every three years and is achieved through participating in education and other defined activities. There are currently more than 700 CEDs throughout the United States and Canada. Only about 15 CEDs practice within West Virginia.
The American Economic Development Council is the largest and oldest international economic development society, serving more than 2,800 economic development professionals worldwide. The Council is dedicated to the advancement of economic development through education, the interchange of ideas and experience, and unified response to state and federal legislative issues that affect the community.