David Yonkovich-Putnam, CEcD, CWD, MPA
(April 2, 2024, Burlington, NC) – David Yonkovich-Putnam, Senior Director of Economic Development at the Alamance Chamber, has earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The multiple choice and written portions of the CEcD exam were administered on March 1, 2024, and the oral interview on March 14, 2024. This certification demonstrates David’s exceptional technical expertise, comprehensive conceptual knowledge, and mastery of economic development skills and strategies.
David is a highly skilled economic development strategist and planner with extensive experience across multiple focus areas. Since joining the Alamance Chamber in 2022, the organization has announced 13 project relocations and/or expansions in Alamance County, totaling over $467+ million in investment and the creation of 788+ jobs. Before arriving at the Alamance Chamber, David was the Piedmont Triad’s Regional Economic Strategist. He has a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Management from Appalachian State University and a Master of Public Affairs from UNCG. David also serves in multiple leadership committees on the North Carolina Economic Development Association, is a NC Rural Center Homegrown Leader, and is a former co-chair of the North Carolina Community Development Association.
“I am extremely proud of David for pursuing this designation. He has dedicated his time and talent to ensuring he is an industry leading professional serving Alamance County and the surrounding area.” Reagan C. Gural, President & CEO of the Alamance Chamber.
IEDC is the world’s largest membership organization for economic development professionals, with thousands of members. As a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization, IEDC offers the CEcD designation to strengthen the field with subject matter experts and provide economic developers with opportunities to broaden their skillsets, with a community of more than 1,200 fellow CEcDs.
The CEcD designation establishes an industry benchmark of excellence and signifies the world’s most knowledgeable and dedicated individuals in the field of economic development. It sets the gold standard for professionals who are steadfastly committed to fostering innovation, attracting investment, and driving economic growth and prosperity within their communities and around the world.
Certified Economic Developers serve as catalysts for change within their local communities, bridging the gap and fostering collaboration between public officials, business leaders, and community members. With an unwavering passion for championing innovative strategies and initiatives, they propel transformative economic growth and elevate community well-being. Their unparalleled expertise and dedication to excellence position them as trailblazers at the forefront of shaping the economic development landscape. David is now one of over 1,200 active CEcDs throughout the world.
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About the Alamance Chamber
The Alamance County Area Chamber of Commerce is a membership-based, volunteer-led, non-profit community and economic development organization. It provides a wealth of resources and support for new and existing businesses, current and relocating residents to the area, and the general public. The Chamber serves its mission by enhancing the welfare of businesses and promoting and stimulating economic vitality in the Alamance County area for the benefit of its investors and the community. For more information about the Alamance County Area Chamber of Commerce visit alamancechamber.com or call 336.228.1338.
About the International Economic Development Council
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. With thousands of 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 engage in the full range of economic development practices. Given the breadth of economic development work, our members are employed in various settings, including local, state, provincial, and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities, and a variety of other institutions. When we succeed, our members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions. Learn more about the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation by visiting https://www.iedconline.org/pages/cecd-certification/.