Economic Development Week Marks Progress and One Year of AEDO Accreditation in Steuben County

Economic Development Week, held May 4-8, 2026, arrives at a meaningful point for the Steuben County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC). This year’s national theme, 100 Years of Impact, encourages communities to reflect on progress, recognize current performance, and prepare for future growth.
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For the SCEDC, this week also marks one year of Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) accreditation, further shaping organizational operations and results.

Economic Development Work Delivers Measurable Results

Economic development often operates outside of public view, but its outcomes are visible across Steuben County. Business expansions, job creation, and infrastructure improvements reflect consistent coordination between public and private partners.
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SCEDC focuses on execution. In recent years, it has supported over 100 projects, many of which involve employers reinvesting locally, strengthening the economy and workforce stability.
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Core services provided by SCEDC include:

• Workforce development coordination
• Site selection and permitting support
• Incentives and financing guidance
• Compliance assistance for tax abatements
• Speed-to-market planning for new and expanding businesses

These services reduce risk for businesses and improve project timelines. During Economic Development Week, SCEDC highlights the partnerships that make this work possible and the consistency required to sustain it.

AEDO Accreditation Strengthens Credibility And Performance

SCEDC earned the AEDO designation from the International Economic Development Council in 2025 following a detailed third-party evaluation. Only a limited number of organizations across North America hold this accreditation, and only one other in Indiana has achieved it.
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The AEDO process reviewed SCEDC’s structure, policies, and service delivery. The result is a clear validation that the organization meets national standards for economic development practice.
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One year later, the impact of that accreditation is evident. It has strengthened SCEDC's communication with site selectors, investors, and public partners. It also supports internal alignment and accountability.
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Key outcomes of AEDO accreditation include:

• Increased confidence from site selectors evaluating Steuben County
• Stronger positioning in competitive funding and grant opportunities
• Improved internal processes and operational efficiency
• Greater ability to attract and retain experienced economic development professionals

Isaac Lee, Executive Director of SCEDC, emphasized, “AEDO accreditation is critical to our long-term strategy. It provides independent verification of our high professional standards, which matters when companies consider location decisions. Site selectors and industry leaders look for consistency, transparency, and proven processes.
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This designation confirms our systems are in place and supports ongoing accountability and collaboration with local partners, leading to stronger outcomes for the county.

Steuben County Builds On A Strong Foundation

Economic Development Week is an opportunity to recognize progress, but it also reinforces the need for continued focus. Steuben County benefits from strong transportation access, a regional workforce, and active industry partners. SCEDC’s role is to connect those assets to business needs.
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The organization’s mission remains consistent. It supports business growth, attracts investment, and creates quality employment opportunities. The AEDO framework helps guide these efforts with structure and measurable standards.
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As SCEDC enters its second year with accreditation, the focus remains on execution:

• Supporting employers
• Engaging new prospects
• Aligning efforts with community priorities.

Contact SCEDC To Explore Business Opportunities

Take the next step with SCEDC. Contact us today to learn how our accredited approach can help your business expand, relocate, or partner successfully in Steuben County.