MadREP’s Michael Gay Awarded Recertification in Economic Development Designation
PRESS RELEASE: July 1, 2015
Madison, Wis.—Michael Gay, Senior Vice President of Economic Development for Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP), has been awarded re-certification by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) effective July 1, 2015. Michael first achieved the Certified Economic Developer designation in 2008. CEcD recertification, required every three years, was awarded to Michael who met demanding requirements for continuing education and service to the profession.
With 26 years of economic development experience, Michael has filled many roles in Wisconsin and the Midwest, including at the City of Madison, UW-Platteville, MSA Professional Services, and the State of Wisconsin Department of Development (now Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation) prior to joining MadREP in May 2013. He has financed and marketed industrial parks, master planned and repositioned closed military bases, managed academic technology transfer and sponsored programs, and worked extensively with startup and second stage companies throughout the region. Since taking his current role at MadREP, Michael has spearheaded the organization’s initiatives related to targeted cluster and sector advancement, international business expansion and foreign direct investment, innovation and entrepreneurship, and direct company assistance, among other efforts to increase the eight-county region’s economic competitiveness. A full biography for Michael is available on MadREP’s website.
The designation of Certified Economic Development (CEcD) is a highly recognized national recognition that denotes a mastery of principal skills in economic development, professional attainment, and a commitment to professional growth. Michael first earned certification by passing a rigorous three-part, two-day examination, testing his knowledge, proficiency, and judgment in the key areas of economic development.
As highly skilled economic development practitioners, Michael and over 1,000 other Certified Economic Developers work with public officials, business leaders, and community members to create and retain high-quality jobs, establish economic vibrancy, and improve quality of live for the people they serve.
About Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP)
MadREP is the economic development agency for the eight-county Madison Region. MadREP is the lead agent behind the region’s five-year Advance Now Strategy for economic growth, which is a five-plank platform consisting of economic competitiveness, innovation & entrepreneurship, human capital, marketing, and leadership & diversity. Through these five goal areas, MadREP and its partners aim to proactively and strategically position the region to take advantage of economic and business development opportunities. The Madison Region includes Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Green, Iowa, Jefferson, Rock, and Sauk Counties. www.madisonregion.org
About the International Economic Development Council
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 4,000 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 are engaged in the full range of economic development experience. www.iedconline.org
Contact: Betsy Lundgren
blundgren@madisonregion.org | 608.571.0404
