CAREER CENTER

AZED Pro Certification

What is the AZED Pro certification?

AAED’s Academy offers the only state-specific economic development certification in Arizona — the Arizona Economic Development Professional (AZED Pro) certification.

While the Academy courses are open all practitioners and service providers to attend on an individual basis, the AZED Pro certification requires professionals to complete six core courses and one elective within three years of beginning the program.

You do not need to be an AAED member to participate in The Academy program or the cohort program.

Is the AZED Pro right for you?

If you’re an emerging professional with under five years of experience in economic development, the AZED Pro certification is a valuable asset. The courses offer a comprehensive overview of key areas like business retention, attraction, and workforce development, providing a solid foundation in the field. The program’s networking opportunities, connecting you with peers and established leaders, are also a significant advantage. Furthermore, this certification is recognized by Arizona employers, demonstrating your commitment to professional growth and potentially enhancing your career prospects.

I joined AAED to gain knowledge and understanding of economic development across Arizona. Within my first two years in the organization, I have not only enhanced my understanding and knowledge but have also been able to build relationships among professionals in the field through my involvement in AAED committees, conferences and events, and AZED Pro courses. AAED has allowed me to expand my professional network, garner planning and leadership skills through committee work, and further foster my passion for economic development.

Ashley Mazariegos, AZED Pro

Economic Development Specialist, City of Buckeye

Path to Certification

Within three years, complete one each of the core courses:

• Economic Development in Arizona (Green)
• Workforce Development (Orange)
• Taxation, Finance & Incentives (Gold)
• Marketing & Business Development (Red)
• Business Retention & Expansion (Blue)
• Entrepreneurship & Small Business Development (Purple)

All the above courses are offered in-person once per year. You also must complete one elective or Grey course, which are offered periodically throughout the year.

AZED Pro graduates are announced at the Fall Forum conference, typically hosted in October of each year.

What’s the AAED Cohort program?

Launched in 2024, the Cohort program enables participants to complete their AZED Pro certification in one year while receiving additional mentoring and opportunities to connect with peers outside of class.
AZED Pro Cohort Program

When are the courses?

2025 Course Schedule

  • March 26, 2025 in Tempe – Economic Development and Arizona (Green)
  • April 22, 2025 in Tucson – Creating Culturally Safe Spaces for Indigenous Populations (Grey)
  • May 28, 2025 in Tempe – Workforce Development (Orange)
  • June 25, 2025 in Tempe – Arizona Taxation, Finance & Incentives (Gold)
  • August 27, 2025 in Tempe – Marketing and Business Development (Red)
  • September 24, 2025 in Tempe – Business Retention and Expansion (Blue)
  • October 22, 2025 – Entrepreneurship & Small Business Development (Purple)

 

Thank you to our classroom sponsor for 2025!

AZED Pro Courses

Economic Development in Arizona (Green)

Explore Arizona’s key economic drivers and the strategic planning processes that fuel the state’s growth and resilience. This course delves into effective advocacy strategies to influence policy and build partnerships that support sustainable development. Gain insights into current trends and challenges shaping Arizona’s economic development future. Prepare to drive impactful change in your community with practical tools and forward-thinking strategies.

Arizona Workforce Development (orange)

Gain a comprehensive understanding of workforce development and its critical role in economic growth. Attendees will explore the composition and goals of the labor force, current and emerging skill gaps, and strategies for adapting training programs to meet evolving demands. Key topics include the primary stakeholders in workforce development, relevant legislation, and how workforce development drives business retention and expansion while highlighting techniques to gather and analyze workforce data effectively.

Arizona Taxation, Finance, & Incentives (gold)

This course offers a deep dive into the financial and tax-related aspects of economic development, focusing on Arizona’s competitive advantages. Attendees will explore business finance, taxation, and the impact of taxes on relocation and expansion projects, including examples and comparisons with other states. Key topics include incentives at local, state, and federal levels, their strategic use, and successful case studies from rural and metro areas. Participants will also gain insights into Opportunity Zones and Foreign Trade Zones—what they are, how to identify opportunities in their community, and examples of successful developments.

Marketing & Business Development (red)

This course equips economic development practitioners with strategies to market their communities and attract businesses effectively. Participants will learn to assess and leverage community strengths, identify target industries, and understand Arizona’s approach to prospect identification and attraction, including the role of various EDOs. The course covers essential marketing tools and strategies, supported by real-world examples, and provides an in-depth look at site selection processes and top factors influencing business decisions. Prepare to position your community as a competitive and appealing business destination.

Business Retention & Expansion (blue)

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to Business Retention & Expansion (BRE), highlighting its critical role in economic development and its impact across tribal, rural, and urban communities. Attendees will learn the key components of a BRE program, including effective site visits, CRM utilization, and methods for measuring program success. The course emphasizes strategies for explaining the importance of BRE to stakeholders, managing challenges unique to different community types, and diagnosing red flags during site visits. Participants will also engage in practical problem-solving, leveraging real-world examples and pre-class survey data to address common challenges in BRE efforts.

Entrepreneurship & Small Business Development (purple)

This course explores the vital role of small businesses and entrepreneurs in the economic development ecosystem, offering strategies to encourage and support their growth. Attendees will learn methods to assess community needs, develop tailored small business programs, and adapt entrepreneurial development approaches based on community characteristics. The session also delves into traditional and alternative financing options, grants, and strategies for improving financial literacy and capital management to ensure sustainable growth. Additionally, participants will gain insights into addressing common small business challenges, leveraging federal, state, and local resources, and fostering successful partnerships to support entrepreneurs across diverse communities.

Elective Courses (grey)

Students must complete one elective course. Topics may include Tourism, Retail Development, Tribal Issues, Advocacy, or other timely topics.

AZED Pro Recertification

Recertification of your AZED Pro is done by obtaining 11 points over a three-year cycle. Points are awarded on activities that give back to the profession. Higher points are given for major events, such as conferences and classes, while other points are awarded for activities such as speaking at an IEDC event, publishing a news article, grading tests, participation in webinars, and other activities. You must have points from every category. The point system is outlined below.

Education (3 POINTS EACH; MAX OF 6 POINTS)

  • Panelist on AZED Pro seminar/webinar
  • Presenter at Conference
  • Serve on AAED Board
  • Chair or Vice Chair an AAED Committee or Affinity Group
  • Serve as a mentor for Young Professionals
  • Recruit new AZED Pro candidates
  • Writing a white paper for AAED

Giving Back (2 POINTS EACH; MAX OF 6 POINTS)

  • Attend Spring Conference
  • Attend Fall Forum
  • Writing a news article for AAED
  • Securing sponsorship for AAED events

Participation (1 POINT EACH; MAX OF 3 POINTS)

  • Attend a webinar or Academy course
  • Attend an after-hours AAED special event
  • Serve on an AAED committee or Affinity Group

AZED Pros need to keep track of their own points and submit documentation, via the AAED Recertification Form below and pay the $50.00 recertification invoice. Recertification applications can be accepted once annually.

Recertification Form – Submit Online

Name

PLEASE NOTE: Must have points from each category

Place the date or event name in the appropriate column to earn points.

Education: (3 points each; Max of 6 points)

Panelist on AZED Pro seminar/webinar

Place the date or event name
Place the date or event name

Presenter at a Conference

Place the date or event name
Place the date or event name

Serve on AAED Board

Place the date or event name
Place the date or event name

Chair or Vice Chair of an AAED Committee or Affinity Group

Place the date or event name
Place the date or event name

Serve as a mentor for the Emerging Leaders

Place the date or event name
Place the date or event name

Serve as an Ambassador for New Members

Place the date or event name
Place the date or event name

Recruit new AZED Pro candidates

Place the date or event name
Place the date or event name

Write a white paper for AAED

Place the date or event name
Place the date or event name

Giving Back: (2 points each; Max of 6 points)

Attend Spring Conference

Place the date or event name
Place the date or event name
Place the date or event name

Attend Fall Forum

Place the date or event name
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Wrote a news article for AAED

Place the date or event name
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Secured a sponsorship for AAED events

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Participation: (1 point each; Max of 3)

Attend a webinar

Place the date or event name
Place the date or event name
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Attend an AAED special event (Legislative Lunch on the Lawn, After Hours, etc.)

Place the date or event name
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Serve on an AAED standing committee or Affinity Group

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