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Jonathan Lupo's Role in Community Economic Development

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Jonathan Lupo's Role in Community Economic Development

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Jonathan Lupo of Grovetown, Georgia, has been at the forefront of transforming communities through strategic development initiatives. With a Master's in Public Administration from Georgia College, Jonathan Lupo's professional life has been centered on economic and community development.

Between May 2021 and February 2022, Jonathan Lupo was president and CEO of the Waycross-Ware County Development Authority. He handled new and existing investments, coordinated projects that doubled the project pipeline, led to job growth, and significantly increased the tax base. His leadership was instrumental in creating the WWDA Strategic Master Plan, which set concrete goals for community advancement.

He transitioned to the Development Authority of Burke County as an executive director from March 2022 to May 2023. He spearheaded the authority's first strategic master plan. This facilitated over 9,000 new jobs and attracted billions in potential investment. He has also served the Douglas County Economic Development Authority, Louisiana Economic Development, and Georgia Department of Economic Development.

Beyond his professional life, Jonathan Lupo actively engages in charitable activities and holds memberships in numerous professional associations. He is involved in organizations like Leadership Augusta and the Georgia Chamber.

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​The Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA) is a pivotal organization dedicated to fostering economic prosperity in the state. Established in 1963, GEDA has evolved into a leading resource for economic development professionals, providing essential support, professional development resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy. By offering a comprehensive suite of services and resources, GEDA empowers economic developers to succeed in their roles and contribute to the overall economic vitality of Georgia.

With a membership base exceeding 700 professionals, GEDA represents a diverse cross-section of the economic development community. Members engage in a wide range of activities, including manufacturing, tourism, film, and international trade. Through networking events and conferences, GEDA provides opportunities for members to connect, share knowledge, and collaborate on projects.

GEDA's mission is to serve as a catalyst for economic growth by enhancing the capabilities of its members. Through a combination of professional development programs, public policy advocacy, and networking events, GEDA empowers economic developers to create jobs, attract investment, and improve the quality of life in Georgia communities.

GEDA also plays a crucial role in advocating for policies that support economic growth in Georgia. The organization works closely with policymakers to shape legislation and regulations that create a favorable business environment. By influencing public policy, GEDA helps to create an economic environment that attracts investment and fosters job creation.

One of GEDA's key roles is to provide professional development opportunities for its members. The association offers a range of programs, including conferences, workshops, and webinars, covering a wide array of topics relevant to the economic development field. Additionally, GEDA administers grant programs to support members in attending industry conferences and professional development events.

GEDA offers a grant program to support members in advancing their professional development. With over $16,000 allocated annually, GEDA provides financial assistance for attending conferences, workshops, and other educational events. To be eligible for a grant, applicants must be GEDA members and meet specific criteria. GEDA awards grants on a competitive basis and funds can be used for registration fees, travel, and accommodations. GEDA encourages members to take advantage of this opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledge.

GEDA is committed to supporting members in achieving the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) credential. The organization offers resources and guidance throughout the certification process. GEDA provides information about certification requirements, exam preparation, and available resources. It also facilitates connections among CEcD candidates, fostering peer-to-peer support and knowledge sharing.

Beyond its role in professional development, GEDA promotes economic educational initiatives across the state. In 2023, GEDA and the Georgia Department of Education awarded the Economic Development Partnership (EDP) designation to four school districts. The EDP designation recognizes school districts that actively contribute to their community's economic growth by fostering a strong workforce development ecosystem.

The designated schools excel in creating career-related opportunities for students, engaging with local businesses, and implementing career-relevant classroom instruction. By achieving the EDP designation, these school districts have positioned themselves as essential partners in business recruitment and talent development. Their efforts will not only benefit students, but also contribute to the overall economic prosperity of their communities.

The Georgia Department of Education and its partners are committed to expanding the EDP program and supporting additional school districts in their journey toward economic development excellence. Five school systems have already been accepted into the EDP process for 2024, demonstrating the growing interest and commitment to this initiative.

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GEDA Promotes Professional Development and Economic Education

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​The Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA) is a pivotal organization dedicated to fostering economic prosperity in the state. Established in 1963, GEDA has evolved into a leading resource...

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A non-profit organization, the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) has over 4,500 members. It serves professionals who work to enhance community well-being through job creation, wealth generation, and quality of life improvement. The organization also provides certification programs.

The IEDC's mission is to equip stakeholders with the tools and knowledge necessary to drive equitable and sustainable community development. By providing world-class professional development, fostering a strong network of professionals, and promoting economic development as a valued profession, the IEDC aims to create thriving global communities. Its members, a diverse group representing cities, counties, states, public-private partnerships, and chambers of commerce, share a common goal: fostering economic growth, stability, and prosperity.

Members can obtain certifications in two main IEDC programs: Entrepreneurship Development Professional (EDP) and Certified Economic Developer (CEcD). The EIDC launched the EDP certification to respond to the increasing demand for professionals skilled in nurturing entrepreneurial ecosystems. The EDP certification helps participants acquire the knowledge and expertise to drive entrepreneurship-led economic development (ELED) strategies.

EDP certification candidates complete core and elective courses to prepare for a final exam. Candidates must finish all four core competency courses covering entrepreneurship-led economic development fundamentals, growth acceleration, credit analysis, and small business development strategies. Additionally, they must choose and complete one elective course from options including business retention, economic development finance, neighborhood development, or technology-led economic development.

After completing the coursework, candidates can apply for the EDP exam. Exam eligibility includes at least two years of full-time economic development or entrepreneurial support work experience. The exam's multiple-choice section tests candidates' understanding of the core and elective competency coursework-those who successfully pass the multiple-choice section advance to the oral interview. In the interview, they discuss a previously submitted project plan related to entrepreneurship-led economic development.

The EDP certification offers numerous benefits to professionals seeking to advance their careers and contribute to their communities. They gain a deep understanding of ELED strategies, network with experienced professionals, and demonstrate their expertise to peers and community leaders.

The Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) certification focuses on economic development. Earning this prestigious certification offers numerous advantages for professionals seeking to advance their careers. CEcDs often secure higher-level positions due to the enhanced credibility and knowledge associated with the credential. Moreover, CEcDs can earn $25,000 more annually than their uncertified counterparts. The financial advantage underscores the value placed on the CEcD by employers and highlights the certification's role in enhancing career prospects.

To qualify for the CEcD exam, candidates must have at least four consecutive years of full-time paid economic development experience and complete a specified coursework program. The coursework includes core subjects in essential economic development, business retention and expansion, credit analysis, real estate development, and two elective courses from various economic development specialties.

During the CEcD exam, candidates will answer multiple-choice and short-answer sections to evaluate the candidates' knowledge of the core and elective coursework. The essay section assesses their ability to apply that knowledge to real-world scenarios. Completing these sections qualifies candidates for the oral interview, where a panel of current CEcDs interviews them. Passing the oral interview marks the final step in earning the CEcD certification.

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​ A non-profit organization, the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) has over 4,500 members. It serves professionals who work to enhance community well-being through job creation,...