Arturo Marquez Receives Designation of Certified Economic Developer from the International Economic Development Council

Eagle Pass, Texas – Arturo Marquez, Economic Development Director for the City of Eagle Pass earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), a national recognition that denotes a mastery of skills in economic development, professional attainment and a commitment to personal and professional growth.

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) administered the CEcD Exam on March 19, 2022, and notified candidates of their results on March 25, 2025. With five and a half years of economic development experience, Arturo Marquez is the first in the Middle Rio Grande Region to gain this certification.

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 examination, which has three parts and spans two days. The exam tests a practitioner’s knowledge, proficiency and judgment in the following key areas of economic development:

• business retention and expansion
• finance & credit analysis
• marketing and attraction
• strategic planning
• entrepreneurial & small business development
• managing economic development organizations
• neighborhood development strategies
• real estate development & reuse
• technology-led economic development
• workforce development strategies
• foreign direct investment & exporting

As highly competent economic development professionals, Certified Economic Developers work with public officials, business leaders and community members to create leadership to build upon and maximize the economic development sector. Excellence in the economic development profession improves the wellbeing, quality of life and opportunities for individuals, businesses and communities. There are currently over 1,100 active CEcDs in the United States.