Pittsboro, North Carolina – July 3, 2024 – Chatham EDC Project Manager Philip Thompson has officially earned the title of North Carolina Certified Economic Developer (NCCED). The graduation ceremony was held during the North Carolina Economic Development Association’s (NCEDA) annual conference in Wilmington, North Carolina.
The NCCED curriculum was developed in 2019 through a partnership between East Carolina University and NCEDA. The program provides economic development practitioners, public officials and business leaders with practical knowledge of economic development practices in North Carolina. Courses provide rigorous, hands-on instruction in solutions, strategies and programs specific to North Carolina.
Program participants must complete seven courses totaling 84 hours plus a capstone project. Participants must complete the course of study and pass a capstone project review to earn a program certificate and become a North Carolina Certified Economic Developer, as recognized by NCEDA.
Thompson's graduate project explored the need for child care in economic development. As a father of two young children, he experienced firsthand how important child care is to working adults. His research focused on the need for accessible, affordable child care in Chatham County and proposed strategies to engage existing industry to strengthen the region's early child care infrastructure.
“Philip has been a key member of our team and this additional study he has completed will serve him well in his role in bringing new jobs and investment to Chatham County,” said Chatham EDC Chairman Michael Smith.
As a newly certified North Carolina Economic Developer, Thompson is looking forward to applying what he has learned to his day-to-day work in Chatham County. “I am so grateful that Michael and the Board have invested in my career,” said Thompson. “I look forward to putting what I have learned in the program into practice and helping Chatham County continue its positive momentum.”