FCEDC receives reaccreditation

Report came with no recommendations for improvement

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) has announced that the Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC) has again been recognized as one of 27 economic development organizations accredited by IEDC as an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO). Originally accredited in February of 2001, the organization was reaccredited by IEDC following another three successful years of activity as an AEDO member.

FCEDC remains the only AEDO in Wisconsin. In addition, the reaccreditation was awarded to FCEDC without any recommendations for improvement in the organization, an accomplishment of which Brenda Hicks-Sorensen, president of FCEDC, is very proud.

“Receiving an AEDO accreditation in and of itself is a great accomplishment,” said Hicks-Sorensen. “The process is very comprehensive and thorough. Of the thousands of economic development organizations in the country, to be one of only 27 that is accredited signifies the selective nature of the AEDO process. To be awarded the three-year reaccreditation with no recommendations for improvement is amazing. I am very proud of the FCEDC team and the services we provide to everyone who lives and works in Fond du Lac County.”

Earning the AEDO accreditation tells the community and prospects that FCEDC attained a measure of excellence assuring that their trust is well placed and their business is in good hands.  Maintenance of the AEDO status is required every three years and is accomplished through documentation submission and/or onsite visits by a team of the AEDO subcommittee.

"The Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation displays the professionalism, commitment, and technical expertise that is deserving of this honor”, said Jeff Finkle, IEDC president and CEO.

The AEDO program is a comprehensive peer review process that measures economic development organizations against commonly held standards in the profession. The accreditation process is designed to evaluate information about the structure, organization, funding, program, and staff of the candidate economic development organization.

The International Economic Development Council is the largest membership association serving economic and community development professionals in North America. With over 4,000 members nationwide and abroad, IEDC offers the economic development profession one source for information and professional development, one voice for the profession and one force for advocacy.

Save the date!

All business and community leaders invited

What will life be like in the year 2020 in Fond du Lac County? What can you do to prepare your business and life for what’s ahead? Does Fond du Lac County need to reshape its self-image before we attract the global talent needed for our future success?

Join us when Bill Draves, President of LERN (Learning Resources Network), answers these questions and more when he presents Building Premier Communities: Rethinking Your Bottom Line from the Inside Out on Thursday, October 11th from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. UW-Fond du Lac Commons and Prairie Theater.  

If you or your business call Fond du Lac County home, you are encouraged to attend this important introduction to the Building Premier Communities series. Bill Draves’ perspective will bring new light to what will affect your bottom line in the future – and those elements may not be what you would predict. Discover each of the major shifts currently taking place around us and find out the implications of each shift for your business, your life and our educational system.

This program is hosted by Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation, Fond du Lac County, and UW-Fond du Lac/UW-Extension Continuing Education in partnership with multiple other organizations and entities throughout Fond du Lac County.

Registration information will be available soon. But for now, we hope you will mark your calendar to attend this important event!

Small business seminar offered

Session is free and open to the public

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will hold a 90-minute seminar designed to show the aspiring entrepreneur what it takes to get their business off the ground. The seminar will take place on Wednesday, August 15th at the Job and Career Center, 349 N. Peters Ave, Fond du Lac. Morning and afternoon sessions are scheduled for the no-cost event, which is open to the general public. 

The seminar will focus on programs the administration offers for business start-ups or expansions. Guest speakers from the Service Corps of Retired Executives, a local bank and other area business incubators are also expected to participate. The representatives will also speak on the Patriot Express Loan, a new program offered by the SBA to veterans. Under the program, veterans can get loan guarantees of up to $500,000.

Seating is limited, and advance registration is required. Veterans will receive priority reservations. Anyone wishing to register should call (920) 929-3923. The seminar is co-sponsored by the Fond du Lac Area Job & Career Center and the Small Business Administration.

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The mission of Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation, a county-wide private/public partnership, is to improve the economic well being of the businesses, communities, and residents of the county via business attraction activities, existing business development, entrepreneurial services, community preparedness and consultation and workforce development.