LEAD strongly encourages our members to participate in professional development courses and programs to achieve their economic development certification.  

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Certified Economic Development Program

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The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers.  IEDC offers a certification program that is globally recognized, unifying and setting the standard of excellence for the discipline.  LEAD is proud to partner with IEDC in supporting the promotion of these professional development and educational events.  To learn more about IEDC's Certified Economic Developer Program, click here.

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LEAD Professional Development Program 

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Welcome to the Professional Development Program offered by the Louisiana Economic Alliance for Development (LEAD). Our mission is to empower economic development professionals, Chamber of Commerce staff, elected officials, and civic leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to drive sustainable growth and opportunity in their communities. Whether you are new to the field or looking to deepen your understanding of economic development, our courses are tailored to provide comprehensive and practical insights into the discipline.

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All courses are conducted in person at convenient locations in New Orleans and Lake Charles, ensuring accessibility and opportunities for networking with peers across Louisiana. We proudly partner with McNeese State University to administer our programs, leveraging their academic expertise and resources. Our initiatives are made possible with the generous support of Louisiana Economic Development (LED), our primary sponsor. Join us in building a stronger Louisiana, one informed leader at a time.

For more information about this program and upcoming courses, please click here.