Economic Development & Tourism Department adds to its level of service with Director’s new designation

TAVARES – Lake County Economic Development & Tourism Director, Robert Chandler, recently earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), a national recognition for the mastery of principal skills in economic development, professional attainment and a commitment to personal and professional growth.

Chandler is the second member of his department to hold the prestigious designation, joining Economic Development & Tourism Manager Adam Sumner, making Lake County one of only six counties in Florida to have multiple employees certified.

“Once again we are raising the level of quality staff serving the citizens of Lake County,” said Lake County Commissioner Welton Cadwell, who also serves as chairman of the Lake County Tourist Development Council. “This certification is difficult to obtain, and we have two members of our Economic Development Department with this accreditation.”

While less than 20 percent of all first time applicants achieve this accomplishment, both Chandler and Sumner passed the exam during their first attempts. To date, only 35 percent of all applicants ever pass the exam.

A native of Lake County, Chandler joined the Lake County Board of County Commissioners in 2011. He and his team directly support local business leaders while helping showcase Lake County as a prime tourism and business destination.

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, technology-led economic development, real estate, strategic planning, and management.

For information on starting, relocating or expanding a business in Lake County, call Lake County’s Economic Development & Tourism Department at 352-742-3918 or visit www.BusinessInLakeFL.com.