Accredited California Economic Developer (ACE) Program

Certification Program for California Economic Developers                                                           

经认证的澳门皇家堵场上线啦经济开发商(ACE)计划是由澳门皇家堵场上线啦(CALED)和澳门皇家堵场上线啦经济发展学院合作提供的认证计划.

The ACE program prepares participants to effectively create, manage and implement economic development programs in California’s unique environment. At the end of successful completion of all program requirements, the participant will earn ACE certification which can help set them apart in their field.

Standard Requirements for ACE Certification:

  • Completion of Introduction to Economic Development Certificate Program(“Keys Course”)
  • Successful completion of Advanced Institute for Economic Development (Advanced Institute) courses demonstrated by a passing score on the course quiz for each subject
  • Meet the relevant experience requirement below (subject to ACE Advisory Committee review/approval):
    • Completion of at least four years of paid professional experience (public and/or private sector) in the field of economic development. [Provide resume, summary of experience, and two references]
    • The resume and summary of experience provided must demonstrate experience in 4 out of 8 economic development core areas below. [Provide a summary of project work for each core area as well as your role in the work*]:
      1. Business attraction: How to market your community
      2. Developing an economic development strategy
      3. Basic and advanced financing techniques – business & project finance
      4. Business retention and expansion techniques
      5. Business Creation: entrepreneurship support systems and programs
      6. Real estate development and reuse
      7. Community economic development strategies
      8. Managing an economic development organization – public, private, or nonprofit
  • Successful completion of ACE Exam as decided by a panel of senior economic developers and related fees (see details below)

*To assist you in understanding the level of detail required in your summary, here is an example of a statement demonstrating experience in the core area of business retention:

In my role as economic development director for County of XXXX, we created a business retention program to show our existing businesses that we value their presence and contributions to our county. Every Thursday, 县工作人员将与县主管和当地商会合作，访问当地企业，向他们表示感谢，并看看澳门皇家堵场上线啦能做些什么来帮助他们. My role was to develop the program, create the methodology for who to visit along with the talking points for the visitation team. I managed two staff that implemented the program and worked with them to identify the program’s metrics for success for eighteen months.

ACE Exam Process:

Successful completion of the ACE Exam requires comprehensive knowledge of economic development through work experience as well as the content covered in the Keys Course and the Advanced Institute. The format of the exam is a case study which includes a written report (e.g. staff report or memo) and presentation to be prepared by the candidate on a specific economic development scenario. The case study must address at least four of eight core economic development areas and tie into the community’s economic development strategic plan, the economy at large, as well as how the economic development activity in the scenario improves residents’ quality of life.

ACE候选人将有两到三周的时间来准备报告和幻灯片演示，详细说明他们计划如何处理和解决这个场景. The candidate will present this material to panelists on the scheduled exam appointment date via an online platform. 考试的一个重要部分包括一个互动环节，在这个环节中，小组成员将要求候选人提供更多的细节和/或质疑候选人的方法，候选人需要对此进行辩护.

Pathways to ACE Certification (including fees):

Please view the Pathways to ACE Certification 查看相关费用，以及如何通过标准衔接课程(关键课程和高级学院)或通过特殊情况(包括关键课程豁免)获得认证, waiver of certain Advanced Institute courses, or for those with CEcD accreditation.  

Click here to view the various Pathways to ACE Certification

Contact Helen Schaubmayer at helen@mad613.com for questions and to get your name on our contact list.

 

Congratulations to the California ACEs!

In order to be ACE-certified, 学生必须成功完成所有课程要求，包括经济发展入门证书课程(也称为“关键”课程)。, the Advanced Institute for Economic Development (Advanced Institute), passing the ACE Exam, and direct work experience.

Congratulations to those who successfully completed all requirements and are now Accredited California Economic Developers (ACEs)!

2023 Class Cohort:

  • Carina Campos,  Management Analyst II, City of Rancho Cucamonga – “As a recipient of a scholarship for the Introduction to Economic Development Certificate Program “Keys Course” at the start of my career, I’m proud to have earned my ACE certification. I’m a testament to CALED’s continued commitment to advancing the economic developers of tomorrow for the prosperity of the communities we serve.”
  • Marissa Cardwell, Senior Economic Development Analyst, City of Burbank – “CALED is a wonderful professional resource, and the ACE Certification Program has provided me with excellent tools and networking opportunities to better support Economic Development in my community.”
  • Anthony Carnesecca, Assistant to the City Manager, City of Los Altos – “CALED对我的影响非常大，它让我通过持续的培训和晋升机会在专业上成长，同时也扩大了我的网络，结识了许多来自其他司法管辖区的优秀同事，这些同事我通常不会遇到.  This certification is the culmination of excellent and engaging education from CALED.”
  • Mark Hamilton, Director of Community and Economic Development, City of Chowchilla –
    “As a Director of Community and Economic Development and a Team California Board Member, I am thankful for the CALED community and the ACE Certification Program.  Going through this program has provided me with the resources necessary to establish local programs, build a sustainable community, and tools needed for a prosperous economy.  I look forward to growing future connections with CALED and other Economic Development Professionals.”
  • Julieta Martinez, Economic & Workforce Development Director, Kings County
  • Harumi Murata, Economic Development Analyst, City of Oakley – “Participating in the ACE certification process was highly enriching and effectively addressed, the wealth of knowledge and insightful discussions that were part of the certification process proved to be invaluable resources.”
  • Dusty Russell, MPA Economic Development Analyst, City of Thousand Oaks – “推动你所在社区的经济发展，需要具备分析各种机会的技能，以创造社区财富，并最终在短期内改善所有居民的生活质量. The ACE program is designed to help you build and refine these skills so you can help enhance your community’s economic prosperity, sustainability and resilience into the future.”
  • Katie Simmons, Deputy Administrative Officer – Econ & Comm Dev, Butte County Administration
  • Amber Tarrac, Founder and CEO, FounderFuego LLC – “The CALED ACE accreditation is the premier economic development certification tailored specifically for California’s unique landscape. I am grateful to engage tools, resources, and the network built through this program to advance opportunities for diverse founders.”
  • Angela Tsui, Economic Development Manager, City of Walnut Creek – “作为一名经济发展专业人士，CALED的ACE项目为我提供了进一步完善我的技能和专业知识的机会，继续建立一个充满活力和强劲的当地经济.  I am honored to be recognized as an Accredited California Economic Developer.”

2022 Class Cohort:

  • Amanda Boudreault,  Sr. Management Analyst, City of San Marcos – “Pursuing the ACE accreditation is an excellent opportunity to not only study economic development principles but also get to know industry peers across the state. In-depth lessons in conjunction with practical real world application lays a foundation to best serve local businesses and communities.”
  • Cecelia Griego, Economic Development Principal Planner, City of Bakersfield – “I am grateful for the ACE Certification Program and the convening of us that work in this challenging field. It is an honor to be part of this amazing group of economic development professionals.”
  • Stone James, DPPD, MRED, Economic Development Director, City of Cathedral City – “CALED认证项目是对时间和精力的宝贵投资，因为该项目加深了我对澳门皇家堵场上线啦独特经济发展环境的了解和专业知识.”
  • Todd Jones, President, Shasta County Economic Development Corporation – “Participating in the ACE program sharpened my ability to creatively develop new solutions, expanded my network within the economic development industry, and gave me tools to help build emerging communities.”
  • Kelly Tinker, Management Analyst, City of Simi Valley – “CALED’s ACE certification offers the unique combination of a wide-lens overview of economic development concepts without ever seeming overly generalized, as well as a detailed look into practices and principles without getting bogged down in the minutia.  A robust and well-rounded program recommended for anyone hoping to advance their knowledge and skillset in the realm of local economic development.”
  • Kyle Warsinski, Economic Development Manager, City of Beaumont – “I am a career Economic Development Professional with 15 years’ experience in the field and found the ACE program to be informative, interactive, and of great benefit to me as a professional in the field.”

2021 Class Cohort:

  • Scott Adair,  Director of Economic Development, County of Humboldt – 他说:“作为一名公务员，要在所有提供给经济发展商的行业和专业发展机会之间做出选择是一项挑战. CALED’s ACE program was certainly worth both the cost and the dedication of time. I am glad that I chose CALED’s program above others and would encourage any of my peers to participate in the program.”
  • Joel Hermosillo, Management Analyst, City of Menifee
  • Amanda Hernandez, Economic Development Administrator, City of Barstow – “Participating in the ACE program sharpened my ability to creatively develop new solutions, expanded my network within the economic development industry, and gave me tools to help build emerging communities.”
  • Michael Luna, Chief Administrative Analyst – Real Estate & Union Station, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro) – “Going through the ACE certification was a great experience and filled a void for California Economic Developers. The knowledge and discussions shared during the certification process was an invaluable source and will be used to better communities throughout the Golden state.”
  • Eric Romero, Business Development Officer, City of Long Beach – “ACE认证为澳门皇家堵场上线啦经济发展专业人士提供了一个独一无二的机会，让他们参加一个全面的培训项目，为他们建立弹性做好准备, vibrant, and equitable local and regional economies.”
  • Gabriel R. Salazar, Associate Planner, City of Riverbank – “ACE项目对那些寻求提高专业从业经验并希望更好地管理社区经济发展的人来说是非常有益和有益的. Thank you, CALED, for providing economic developers in California with this invaluable opportunity.”
  • Jami Westervelt, Economic Development Director, City of Gustine – “I believe Economic Development to be a very human endeavor, providing us the chance to make a difference in communities by helping them to become more livable and prosperous, and I am honored by this accreditation and thankful for the tools and training California Association for Local Economic Development provides.”
  • Hazel Wetherford, Economic Development Director, City of Dublin – “我非常感谢CALED开发和实施认可的澳门皇家堵场上线啦经济开发商计划，因为它展示了澳门皇家堵场上线啦经济发展专业人士努力工作的多样化人才, making sure their communities are thriving.”
  • James Wurtz, Economic Development Manager, City of Banning – “As an Economic Development Manager, I am thankful for the CALED community and the ACE Certification Program. Both have provided me with the resources necessary to build a strong, diverse and sustainable community. I look forward to forging a stronger connection with the organization  and the Economic Development professionals throughout the state.”
  • Sydney Yeseta, Assistant Manager – Economic Development, City of Lancaster – “Thank you CALED for creating a robust program to help advance the field of economic development across the state.”

Winter 2020 Class Cohort:

  • Andy Haussler, Community & Economic Development Director, City of Clovis — “Achieving the ACE credential in 2020 is very timely as our local communities critically need leadership on a wide range of economic development challenges, thank you CALED for providing this level of training for such a time as this.”
  • Gina M. Gonzalez, M-URP, Economic Development Director, City of Menifee — “The ACE program fulfills a need for California Economic Developers by providing a respected avenue for assessing a high level of knowledge, skills and proficiency in Economic Development- which is expected  to carry over into the communities they serve.”
  • Kayla Charters, Economic Development Analyst, City of Menifee
  • Laura Cole-Rowe, Membership & Event Coordinator, CALED — “我强烈推荐CALED的ACE认证课程给任何参与经济发展的人——课程内容丰富，课程中提供的工具非常有用.”
  • Michelle Stephens, Program Director, CALED — “ACE认证是一个很好的机会，可以增强我的经济发展知识和培训，同时与其他经验丰富的经济发展从业人员建立联系. It is a great way to take the profession to the next level.”
  • Nancee Robles, Executive Director, California Pollution Control Financing Authority — “我为获得ACE认证感到自豪，并将利用我所学到的知识来推动澳门皇家堵场上线啦州的经济发展，帮助提高澳门皇家堵场上线啦人的福祉和生活质量.”
  • Nicole Hinkle, Sr. Economic Development Specialist, County of Placer — “CALED prepares students to carry out an array of Economic Development skills. The ACE program taught me what I was looking to learn, was well-organized, and well-paced.”
  • Patrick Martinez, Director of Development Services, City of Needles — “ACE项目不仅汇集了行业领袖与澳门皇家堵场上线啦分享他们的机构知识，而且为我提供了一个与同龄人一起成长的环境，建立了终身的专业关系.”
  • Randy Saffold, CRSS, Sr. Management Analyst, City of Manteca — “The ACE Certification coursework  is delivered by experienced professionals in an incredibly accepting and loving environment, both in-person or online, and I am happy to be counted in the second cohort of ACE certified economic development professionals.”
  • Tara Schiff, Economic Development Specialist, County of Mariposa — “With more than 30 years in business development and 7 years in economic development with the County of Mariposa, I am grateful for the ACE program to solidify my position as a California economic development professional.”

Spring 2020 Class Cohort:

  • Chris Constantin, MPA, CIA, CFE, CLS, CECFE, City Manager, City of San Dimas —  “California is best served by advanced economic developers with broad expertise and an ACE certification.”
  • Dwayne Dalman, Economic Development Division Manager, City of Fairfield — “Even though I have worked in the field of Economic Development for almost 20 years, I was very interested in being an Accredited California Economic Developer and was excited to be part of the first class.”
  • PJ Gagajena, Assistant City Manager, City of Moorpark — “I recommend the ACE Certification for new and seasoned economic developers. It provided me a critical foundation in understanding economic development. I’m honored to be part of the inaugural class. Thank you CALED!”
  • Kathy Gallino, Director, Calaveras County Economic & Community Development — “Being a part of CALED’s ACE Certification inaugural class really validated my years of experience and knowledge in the Economic & Community Development field. I met some truly amazing people that I can call colleagues and friends. Thank you for this professional growth opportunity.”
  • Michelle Geller, Economic Development Manager, City of Oceanside — “Working toward the ACE certification was a great experience; thanks, CALED for making this program happen!”
  • Kevin Ham, CEcD, HLM, Director of Economic Development, City of Vista — “ACE项目满足了澳门皇家堵场上线啦经济发展专业人士的需求，为他们提供教育基础，然后评估他们的技能，以确保他们对他们工作的社区和他们服务的企业有高水平的熟练程度.”
  • Wayne Olson, Senior Development Analyst, City of Palm Desert — “I have worked in and around economic development since 1997. 我目前在棕榈沙漠市担任高级分析师，负责与开发商合作伙伴一起构建和管理战略计划, including P3 projects.”
  • Jason Ridenour, Economic Development & Housing Manager, City of Porterville — “The ACE certification program was informative and provided insight into the varied aspects and tools available for economic development in California.”
  • Tamra Spade, President/CEO, Tracy Chamber of Commerce — “Grateful for CALED providing the necessary educational classes to obtain my ACE certification. I have learned so much and continue to use my training to help in all aspects of economic development.”
  • Michael Washam, Associate Director, Economic Development and Planning Resource Management Agency, County of Tulare — “I have expertise in commercial real estate, business finance, CEQA requirements, land use and planning regulations specializing in rural development within the renewable energy, agricultural, industrial, healthcare and retail sectors.”
  • Curtis Williamson, Business Development Specialist, Fresno County Economic Development Corporation — “Spearheading the growth and retention of businesses in Fresno County for the past two and a half years.”

Recertified ACEs in 2023:

Every three years, ACEs must complete requirements to recertify and keep their ACE status valid. This was the first year that the first cohorts of the ACE program were up for recertification. We congratulate the following ACEs that successfully met these requirements:

  • Kayla Charters, Economic Development Analyst, City of Menifee
  • Laura Cole-Rowe, Membership & Rural Exchange Coordinator, CALED
  • Chris Constantin, City Manager, City of San Dimas
  • Dwayne Dalman, Economic Development Division Manager, City of Fairfield
  • Pannie (PJ) Gagajena, Assistant City Manager, City of Moorpark
  • Kathy Gallino, Economic & Community Development Director, Calaveras County
  • Michelle Geller, Economic Development Manager, City of Oceanside
  • Gina M. Gonzalez, Economic Development Director, City of Menifee
  • Kevin Ham, Director , RSG, Inc.
  • Andy Haussler, Assistant City Manager, City of Clovis
  • Nicole Hinkle, Sr. Economic Development Specialist, Placer County Office of Economic Development
  • Patrick Martinez, City Manager, City of Needles
  • Jason Ridenour, Community Development Director, City of Porterville
  • Randy Saffold, Senior Management Analyst, City of Manteca
  • Tara Schiff, Economic Development Manager, City of Pacifica
  • Tamra Spade, Economic Development Director, City of Susanville
  • Michelle Stephens, Program Director, CALED
  • Michael Washam, Associate Director-Economic Development & Planning, County of Tulare

CALED CEO Gurbax Sahota Awarded Honorary ACE Designation

The Board of Regents for The California Academy for Economic  Development (The Academy) awarded Gurbax Sahota, 澳门皇家堵场上线啦(CALED)主席兼首席执行官，因其在全州经济发展政策和计划方面的领导地位而被授予澳门皇家堵场上线啦经济发展荣誉认证(ACE)称号. Past Academy Regents Chair Bruce Kern noted that this award acknowledges Ms. 感谢Sahota为支持CALED成员所做的不懈努力，并确保他们获得在社区中发挥作用所需的教育和培训资源.  [Read the full announcement here.]