Accredited Economic Development Organization Program

What is AEDO?

The Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) program, administered by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), recognizes excellence and high standards in the field of economic development. As part of the accreditation process, experienced economic development professionals from across the country conduct a comprehensive evaluation of an organization’s operations, structure, and procedures.

Earning AEDO status signifies that an organization not only meets rigorous professional standards but also operates as a trusted and effective leader in advancing economic development. This distinction reflects our commitment to accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement in serving our community and stakeholders.

Timeline

In 2024, the Steuben County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) initiated the process of becoming an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO). To begin, the SCEDC team collected extensive documentation, including ethics certifications from every staff member, demonstrating a strong commitment to professional standards and accountability.

After an initial review, the organization was approved to advance to the next phase: an in-depth, on-site evaluation conducted by experienced economic development professionals. This visit assessed the implementation of documented practices and included a tour of Steuben County, along with generous testimonials from local community leaders.

Upon completion of the evaluation, SCEDC was officially awarded AEDO status, becoming only the second organization in Indiana to receive this distinguished accreditation. This recognition affirms SCEDC’s role as a credible and high-performing leader in the field of economic development.

Why AEDO Matters

The Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) program supports economic development in numerous impactful ways, offering substantial benefits both to accredited economic development corporations (EDCs) and to the communities they serve. For organizations like the Steuben County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC), AEDO accreditation provides a clear framework for operational excellence, strategic alignment, and professional integrity. It ensures that the organization is not only meeting industry best practices but is also constantly evaluating and improving its processes to remain effective and forward-thinking.

Beyond internal benefits, the AEDO designation strengthens relationships with external stakeholders by reinforcing the organization’s credibility and trustworthiness. It helps attract investment, build partnerships, and secure competitive grant funding by signaling to site selectors, government agencies, and business leaders that the organization is a reliable and high-performing entity. For the community, this translates into stronger economic strategies, more effective initiatives, and a greater potential for sustainable growth and opportunity.

Moreover, as more organizations pursue AEDO accreditation and experience its advantages firsthand, the overall value and influence of the program grow. Each newly accredited EDC contributes to a broader culture of excellence in the field, setting higher standards and encouraging collaboration among peer organizations. Additionally, the accreditation:

Validates Economic Excellence

The AEDO accreditation serves as a respected third-party endorsement that the Steuben County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) operates at the highest professional standards in the field of economic development. This accreditation confirms that SCEDC has the right structures, policies, and ethical practices in place to execute its mission effectively. It validates the organization’s operational integrity, strategic planning, and long-term vision, reassuring investors, business partners, community leaders, and public stakeholders that SCEDC is a credible, capable, and forward-thinking economic driver for the region.

Strengthens Community Confidence 

Achieving AEDO status demonstrates SCEDC’s transparency, accountability, and dedication to continuous improvement. These values are crucial in building and maintaining trust with the local community, including small businesses, civic organizations, elected officials, and residents. This designation signals that SCEDC is not only meeting but exceeding expectations as a steward of public and private investment. It reinforces the organization’s role as a reliable, community-focused leader in economic development.

Encourages Growth

AEDO accreditation provides SCEDC with a significant advantage when pursuing grants, forging partnerships, and attracting business opportunities. The designation signals operational excellence to site selectors, state agencies, and potential investors, helping SCEDC stand out in a competitive landscape. Internally, the process of earning and maintaining accreditation encourages a culture of learning and professional development, helping staff refine their skills, stay aligned with industry best practices, and increase organizational effectiveness.