Home » News »

Mark Lyman Awarded Certified Economic Developer Designation

Posted: Dec 09 2025

Minot Area Chamber EDC (MACEDC) is pleased to announce that Economic Development Specialist Mark Lyman earned the nationally recognized designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), denoting a mastery of skills in economic development and a dedication to personal and professional growth. This milestone marks a significant achievement and underscores Mark's commitment to excellence in the field of economic development.

“Becoming a Certified Economic Developer isn’t just a credential, it’s a career-defining milestone that demonstrates a professional’s dedication to elevating their expertise and their community impact,” said IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle. “Certified Economic Developers possess deep technical knowledge and bring trust and credibility to stakeholders, investors, and peers. We are thrilled to celebrate Mark Lyman on achieving this accomplishment and joining our network of professionals driving economic progress around the world.”

The CEcD designation is a prestigious acknowledgement of skilled and committed professionals in the field of economic development, establishing a benchmark of excellence within the industry. To attain this designation, candidates must successfully complete a rigorous and comprehensive examination, consisting of three parts and spanning two days. This examination assesses a practitioner's knowledge, proficiency, judgement, and critical thinking abilities in the following 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

“Achieving the CEcD designation has been a challenging and rewarding journey,” explained Lyman. “I’m grateful for the support of my colleagues and proud to bring this level of professional competency to our work at MACEDC. This milestone strengthens my ability to contribute meaningfully to Minot’s economic future.”

Certified Economic Developers operate as highly skilled economic development professionals and collaborate with public officials, business leaders, and community members to establish astute leadership and serve as a driving force in the economic development landscape. Their commitment to excellence translates into a profound impact on well-being, elevating the quality of life and unlocking a myriad of opportunities for individuals, businesses, and communities alike.

“We couldn’t be more proud of Mark for achieving the CEcD designation,” said Brekka Kramer, MACEDC President | CEO. “His accomplishment not only elevates his own professional standing, but also strengthens our mission as an organization. Supporting the growth of our team ensures we can continue to advance opportunities, attract investment, and foster a thriving economy for the Minot area.”

Mark Lyman is now one of over 1,250 active CEcDs worldwide.