What Others Are Saying

“I cannot recommend OU EDI more enthusiastically! The CEcD preparation course was true value-added and I cannot thank and commend the instructors enough for their willingness to continue the learning process after the end of the formal session. If you are serious about obtaining the CEcD designation and not enrolled in OU EDI, you are removing an incredibly powerful arrow from your quiver.” 

— Quentin L. Messer, Jr,President and CEO – New Orleans Business Alliance

“The CEcD Exam Prep Course should be a mandatory experience for anyone seeking certification. It helped me develop a preparation strategy, practice essay writing, and gain invaluable insight from those with experience in scoring the exam. This was a great investment to prepare myself for exam success!”

— Nick Glew, President – Marlon Economic Development Corporation

“Having participated in the OU EDI Exam Prep Course, I now have the tools and higher level of confidence in taking the CEcD examination. The class provided me with a roadmap for success as I continue my journey in economic development.”

— Will Coppage, Project Manager – Washington County Economic Alliance 

"For economic development professionals serious about passing the CEcD exam, the best path to passing is by investing in exam preparation. The OUEDI Exam Prep course provided me an understanding of the exam design, helped devise a clear study strategy, and delivered direct, meaningful mentorship that supported me through earning my CEcD… and all on my first try! Thank you to the team at OUEDI, and to my exam mentor, Mary Ann Moon."

— Zachary Barker, CEcD
Startup Support Center | Colorado Springs, CO
OUEDI Graduate 2018; OUEDI Exam Prep 2019; IEDC CEcD 2021

“I completed the IEDC certification process in Las Vegas this week. I wanted to let you know what an impact OU EDI has had on me and my career. I was nervous to take the CEcD class. Now I can’t imagine trying to complete the certification process without it. The instructors guidance and mentorship was invaluable and they offered continual help and encouragement after the class had ended. As a proud OU EDI graduate I wanted to let you know how outstanding the program and instructors were.”

— Dennis Fraise, Chief Operating Officer – Lee County (IA) Economic Development Group

“The CEcD Exam Prep Course was EXCELLENT! The instructors are passionate about helping economic developers become certified and are extremely knowledgeable!  From writing exercises to mock interviews, the course is in-depth and hands-on.  I can’t imagine sitting for the exam without taking the course!”

— Jennifer Prochazka, Economic Development Manager – City of College Station, Texas

“I’m writing to pass along the positive experience I had in the CEcD Prep Course before OU EDI. I took it in November 2017 in Fort Lauderdale with Mary Ann and Derieth. I enjoyed their class and tips in general, but I really feel it helped aid me in passing the CEcD exam the first time I took it! I would encourage you all to continue hosting this prep course for others to benefit.”

— Jennifer Conoley, CEcD, Senior Economic Development Representative – Gulf Power