DT #559 Achieving AEDO Accreditation: A Journey of Excellence - Bill Cronin

Summary In this episode of the Develop This Podcast, Dennis Fraise interviews Bill Cronin, the President and CEO of the Pasco Economic Development Council. They discuss the Council’s recent achievement of becoming an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO). Bill shares insights into the motivations for pursuing AEDO accreditation, the rigorous application process, and the team's involvement. He emphasizes the significance of ethics training and explains the preparation required for the site visit, as well as the importance of engaging stakeholders. The conversation also highlights the recognition the organization has received from the community and offers advice for other organizations considering the AEDO process. Takeaways The AEDO accreditation is a significant achievement for economic development organizations. Accreditation provides a quality seal of approval for organizations. The application process requires thorough documentation and team collaboration. Ethics training is an essential component of the accreditation process. Engaging stakeholders is crucial during the site visit preparation. The site visit allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the organization. Receiving the AEDO designation boosts morale and recognition within the community. Feedback from stakeholders can reveal positive aspects of the organization. The accreditation process encourages continuous improvement. Organizations should not hesitate to pursue AEDO accreditation.