International Economic Development Council gives Kuhns Certified Economic Developer designation

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Maria Kuhns has earned the nationally recognized designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), denoting a mastery of skills in economic development and a dedication to personal and professional growth.

Kuhns is the executive director of the Hannibal Regional Economic Development Council and the Hannibal Regional Port Authority. She offers leadership and guidance to a regional economic growth strategy, creating partnerships and synergies across the region to strengthen infrastructure, workforce, and business retention and expansion while promoting the region to prospective businesses.

Maria previously was the director of the Small Business Development Center at HREDC, where she was awarded the Rookie of the Year in 2021 and led the creation of the Ignite entrepreneurial ecosystem program. She holds a master’s degree in agricultural and applied economics and a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness management from the University of Missouri. Maria grew up on a family farm in Effingham County, Ill.

In a press release, Hal Benedict, president of Hannibal Regional Economic Development Council, said, “The entire board of HREDC is excited for Maria receiving her CEcD designation. This is an extremely difficult program that many economic developers do not pass on their first attempt. It proves the significant amount of time and effort that Maria put into the program. She has balanced her everyday work schedule and found time to prepare for the exam. The IEDC is a nationally recognized organization, and Maria has used her time developing relationships that we feel will lead to contacts with national companies looking for relocation or expansion in the future. We are very proud of Maria.”

The CEcD designation is an acknowledgement of skilled and committed professionals in economic development, establishing a benchmark of excellence within the industry. Candidates must complete a comprehensive three-part, two-day examination to attain this designation. This examination assesses a practitioner’s knowledge, proficiency, judgment and critical thinking abilities in the following areas of economic development:

• Business retention and expansion
• Finance and credit analysis
• Marketing and attraction
• Strategic planning
• Entrepreneurial and small business development
• Managing economic development organizations
• Neighborhood development strategies
• Real estate development and reuse
• Technology-led economic development
• Workforce development strategies
• Foreign direct investment and exporting

Certified Economic Developers collaborate with public officials, business leaders and community members to establish astute leadership and serve as a driving force in the economic development landscape.

Kuhns is one of more than 1,250 active CEcDs throughout the world.

“I’m truly honored to be a part of a prestigious group, and I’m excited to use the in-depth knowledge and skills to serve Marion and Ralls counties,” Kuhns said. “I’m especially grateful to the HREDC Board of Directors for investing in my professional development to make this possible.”

HREDC is a nonprofit, public/private partnership organized in 1984 to promote growth and investment in Hannibal, Marion County and Ralls County. It promotes new investment in the area to increase the quality of life of citizens.

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 4,300 members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind.