BUFFALO, NY – Invest Buffalo Niagara (InBN)—the nonprofit, privately-funded economic development organization representing the eight counties of Western New York— announced today that its President & CEO Thomas Kucharski was elected Chair of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
IEDC is a non-profit membership organization serving economic developers across the globe. With more than 5,000 members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Kucharski previously served as the organization’s Treasurer and Vice Chair before being voted by his peers to the role of Chair.
“I am deeply honored to have been elected to lead IEDC, an organization so important to our profession,” said Kucharski. “I look forward to tackling the issues of our time – including racial and social justice – with the dedicated staff and my colleagues across the globe. Through my years of involvement with IEDC, I have been amazed at our capacity to create change, and I look forward to collectively continuing toward that goal.”
Douglas Dimitroff, Invest Buffalo Niagara Chair, said, “I want to congratulate my longtime colleague and friend Tom Kucharski on his election to lead IEDC. Invest Buffalo Niagara knows well the benefits of his leadership, and soon IEDC will too.”
Matthew Hubacher Receives Designation of Certified Economic Developer from the International Economic Development Council
Matthew Hubacher, InBN’s Research Director earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), a national recognition that denotes a mastery of skills in economic development and a commitment to personal and professional growth.
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 several key areas of economic development.
With over 13 years of economic development experience, Hubacher provides critical economic, industry, workforce, and commercial real estate data to businesses looking to relocate or expand their operations in Buffalo Niagara. Additionally, he serves as project manager for specific economic development projects, and is responsible for initiatives including InBN’s Labor Market Assessment, WNY Industrial Real Estate Development Strategy, and numerous target industry, workforce, and demographics analyses.
“The certification process is rigorous and thorough, and I am proud to have successfully completed the process,” said Hubacher. “I’m excited to continue to work on behalf of Buffalo Niagara – now as a Certified Economic Developer – bringing jobs and investment to our region.”
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ABOUT INVEST BUFFALO NIAGARA
Invest Buffalo Niagara is the area’s leading private sector economic development and business attraction organization, focused on research, marketing, and business development outreach. With exceptional community connectivity, Invest Buffalo Niagara’s staff provides comprehensive services and project management for companies looking to expand or relocate. From research all the way through ribbon-cutting, Invest Buffalo Niagara is the primary point of contact for economic development in the eight-county Buffalo Niagara region. Learn more: buffaloniagara.org.
ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 5,000 members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities, by creating, retaining and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IEDC’s members are engaged in the full range of economic development experience. Given the breadth of economic development work, our members are employed in a wide variety of settings including local, state, provincial and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities and a variety of other institutions. IEDC’s members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities and improve the quality of life in their regions. iedconline.org/.