Long earns professional designation

Robert D. Long, executive director of the Darlington County Economic Development Partnership, earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD).

“There are only eight other CEcDs in South Carolina that are local developers,” Jim Ramsey, chairman of the Darlington County Economic Development Partnership said in a press release. “Mr. Long’s certification elevates the stature of Darlington County’s economic development program.”

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.

Certified Economic Developers work with public officials, business leaders and community members to create leadership to build upon and maximize the economic development sector. There are more than 1,200 CEcDs in the United States.