The Right Place Accredited by the International Economic Development Council

This week, The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) announced that The Right Place, Inc. was accredited by IEDC as an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO). The Right Place has become one of only 62 economic development organizations in the country to achieve AEDO accreditation.

“This is more than just another accreditation,” said Birgit Klohs, President and CEO, The Right Place, Inc. “The AEDO designation provides third-party, objective verification of the board and organizational excellence that our entire team has worked so hard to build over the years. I thank our board of directors for their leadership and innovative thinking.”

The AEDO program is a comprehensive peer review process that measures economic development organizations against commonly held standards in the profession. The program consists of two phases: a documentation review and an onsite visit. Each phase is designed to evaluate information about the structure, organization, funding, programs, and staff of the candidate economic development organization.

“The Right Place displays the professionalism, commitment, and technical expertise that is deserving of this honor,” said IEDC President and CEO Jeff Finkle. “Earning the AEDO accreditation tells the community and prospects that The Right Place has attained a measure of excellence assuring that their trust is well-placed and their business is in good hands.”

Maintenance of the AEDO status is required every three years and is accomplished through documentation submission and/or onsite visits by a team of the AEDO subcommittee.

“The competition for jobs and investment today is intense, and every advantage West Michigan can get strengthens our ability to attract that growth,” said Brian Walker, President and CEO, Herman Miller, and current Right Place Board Chair. “The Right Place has amassed a 32-year reputation of regional leadership in economic growth. This accreditation is an acknowledgement of that outstanding work.”