Lori Watts of the Marion County Development Partnership has been re-certified by the International Economic Development Council through 2022.
She first achieved the Certified Economic Developer designation in 2016. It’s required every three years and reflects requirements for continuing education and service to the profession.
Watts said she pursued the certification because it’s important to sharpen her skills and knowledge so she can do the best job she can every day.
“What pushes me out the door in the morning is that I believe that the businesses and people of Columbia and Marion County can experience economic prosperity, and quality of place and life, that will make the area the most desirable place to live and do business in the Southeast,” she said. “Toward that end, at MCDP, we strive to provide a nucleus for partnerships among business leaders, the workforce, citizens and elected officials in that work toward a more prosperous, vibrant and resilient community. Working with all these people toward that goal is an inspiring job and I want to bring my best to it!”
She serves as president of the MCDP and director of the Marion County Economic Development District. With eight years of economic development experience, Watts has assisted numerous local businesses with projects that have created 560 jobs and resulted in about $24 million of investment in the community (about $20 million in private investment and $4 million in project specific grants), according to a news release.
Watts served as a member of Gov. Phil Bryant’s Advisory Council on the Creative Economy and currently sits on the Mississippi Economic Development Council Board of Directors.
She first earned certification by passing a three-part, two-day examination, testing her knowledge, proficiency and judgment in key areas of economic development, such as business attraction, business retention and expansion, workforce development, strategic planning, entrepreneurship and neighborhood development.
