WASHINGTON, D.C. – The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) announces that the New Orleans Business Alliance (NOLABA) has been recognized as one of 57 economic development organizations worldwide accredited by IEDC as an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO).

“NOLABA displays the professionalism, commitment and technical expertise that is deserving of this honor,” said IEDC President and CEO Jeff Finkle.

The AEDO program is a comprehensive peer review process that measures economic development organizations against standards of excellence in the profession. The program consists of two phases – a documentation review and an onsite visit – designed to evaluate the organization’s structure, organization, funding, programs and staff. NOLABA hosted the AEDO onsite visit April 2-4 after completing a nearly 600-page written submission.

“Becoming an accredited economic development organization means NOLABA is committed to and capable of executing global best practices in economic development, which translates into more jobs and greater wealth creation for all New Orleanians,” said NOLABA President & CEO Quentin L. Messer, Jr. “I am so proud of our team for working tirelessly to achieve this prestigious distinction. Our work to grow the local economy does not stop here, but is only reinvigorated by this recognition.”

NOLABA is just the second parish-level economic development organization in Louisiana to achieve AEDO status, along with the Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO). Other cities with AEDO-certified organizations include Atlanta, Denver, Houston, Miami, Sacramento and St. Louis.

The International Economic Development Council is the largest membership association serving economic and community development professionals in the world. With more than 5,000 members nationwide and abroad, IEDC offers the economic development profession one source for information and professional development, one voice for the profession and one force for advocacy. For more information on IEDC or the AEDO program, email tlibby@iedconline.org, or visit www.iedconline.org.