TCED Certification

Certification in Three Steps

Participants who complete all TCED program and certification requirements are awarded the Tennessee Certified Economic Developer (TCEcD) designation.

Participants must complete the following required coursework:


To get started, review the TCED course listing and register for a course. Course offerings are structured so particpants can complete certfication requirements within two years.

Course Substitutions 

Participants may substitute up to two IEDC-accredited Basic Economic Development courses for TBEDC credit and up to two of the six core courses with IEDC equivalents. Substitutions are allowed if the IEDC courses were completed within three years of beginning the TCED program and proof of completion is provided to TCED Program Director Tintin Czach. 

Candidates apply their TCED knowledge to address a real challenge in their community or organization through a capstone project that includes:

  • Report (10–15 pages double spaced)
  • Presentation (five minutes)


Eligibility: Candidates may begin the capstone process after completing TBEDC and four of the six core courses. Timeline: Most projects take two to six months. Candidates must finish within two years of completing core coursework. Project Eligibility: Candidates can choose a new project or a project conducted within the final year of TCED coursework, ideally a topic they are passionate about implementing in their organization or community.

Past Projects: View past capstone projects.

Forms and Guidelines 

Recertification is required every three years and focuses on continuing education opportunities. Spring graduates must recertify by June 30, and fall graduates must recertify by December 31.  

Required hours may be satisfied by taking TCED courses and/or other economic development conferences and professional development. A minimum of 48 hours of professional development is required over the three-year cycle, with 16 hours of training recommended per year. 

To start the recertification process, download the three PDFs below, and follow the guidelines document.

  1. TCEcD Recertification Guidelines
  2. TCEcD Recertification Application
  3. TCEcD Recertification Worksheet
TCED

Get Certified

Ready to get certified? Download the TCED Capstone Project application.

Please direct questions to Tintin Czach.

Download an Application

Past Capstone Projects

Spring 2024


Fall 2024

Spring 2022

  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Rural Tennessee Agriculture: A Workforce Study - Katherine Bailey, TCEcD
  • Creating a Co-working Space in Rural Northwest Tennessee - Landy Fuqua, TCEcD
  • Economic Impact of Generational Revitalization Projects in Small Towns - Jeff Taylor, TCEcD

 

Fall 2022

  • Medical Expansion Zone - Asset Based Community Development - Helene Singer Cash, TCEcD
  • Growing a Workforce Development Program Amid a Contracting Labor Force, a Pandemic, and Shifting Approaches to Work - Adina Chumley, TCEcD
  • Education & Rehabilitation in ALICE Communities for Workforce Development - Aaron Frazier, TCEcD
  • Serving Customers: Professional Development for Economic Developers - Carol A. Jones, TCEcD
  • The Transformation of a Site to Capitalize on Missed Opportunities - Justin Snow, TCEcD
  • The Value of Technical College Graduates in Tennessee - Scottie McCormick Tudor, TCEcD

Spring 2021

  • Problems Can Lead to Prosperity with a Strategic Plan:  A Collaborative, Targeted Approach to Business Recruitment in Gallatin - Rosemary Bates, TCEcD
  • Leveling Up: Coffee County’s Economic Development Opportunity - Kalee Harryman, TCEcD
  • Repurposing the Madisonville City Industrial Park - Richard Kirkland, TCEcD
  • The Importance of Partnerships: Creating an Economic Impact with Fishing Tournaments - Jennifer Perryman, TCEcD

 

Fall 2021

  • Certified Retirement Communities as Economic Development: Discover Shelby - Find Retirement - Shelli Davis. TCEcD
  • How Strong Career and Technical Education Programs Help Build Rural Workforce - Anne Hosea, TCEcD
  • Determining the Best Quality of Place Assets for a Small Community - Kimber Sharp Ellard, TCEcD
  • Research and Development for a Marketing Plan of PowerCom Industrial Center’s North Campus in Hartsville, TN - Dan Tidcomb, TCEcD
  • The Powell River.  How an Underutilized Natural Asset Helped Spur Community Development and Tourism - Anna Beth Walker, TCEcD
  • Utilizing Revolving Loan Funds to Provide Working Capital and Create Job Growth - Sue Wilson, TCEcD

Spring & Fall 2020

  • The Marketing, Development, and Revitalization of La Vergne, TN in an Evolving Growing, and Competitive Market - Thomas Broeker, TCEcD
  • The Economic Impact of Low Earth Orbit Satellite Broadband Technology on Mountain Communities  - Brandon Chadwick, TCEcD
  • A Review of the Housing and Rental Market in McMinn County and Its Impact on Economic Development - Dana Ferguson, TCEcD
  • Opportunity Zones: Establishing Accountability Through Tools and Partnerships to Meet Community Needs - Dawn Michelle Foster, TCEcD
  • Taking Initiatives to Brand and Develop the City of Fayetteville - Kristi Gentry, TCEcD
  • Overcoming Identity Crisis through Placemaking: Perks and Pitfalls of Being Nashville’s Neighbor - Mary Laine Hucks, TCEcD

Spring 2019

  • The Warren County and Clay County Comprehensive Planning Process - Tommy Lee, TCEcD
  • Should Tennessee Create & Implement a Workforce Training Program Similar to Georgia Quick Start?- Stephanie Watkins, TCEcD
  • The Role of General Contractors in Economic Development - Shari Brown, AICP, TCEcD
  • Nashville Consortium of HBCUs Creating Economic & Community Development Growth - Mary Carpenter , TCEcD
  • "Giving Away the Farm?" Using A Cost/Benefit Approach to Evaluate Local Economic Development Incentives - Jonathon Connell, TCEcD
  • Economic Impact of A Proposed State of Tennessee Historic Tax Credit - Laura Todd, TCEcD

 

Fall 2019

  • Economic Development Strategies for Rural Downtowns: Building upon Tennessee’s Current Success and Resources - Dr. Bridget Jones, TCEcD
  • “Destination Hatchie“-A System of Parks on The Historic Hatchie River - Julian McTizic, TCEcD
  • Asset Based Planning: Leveraging Assets for Economic Growth - Kathy Barber, TCEcD

Spring 2018

  • The Importance of a Joint Economic Community Development Board (JECDB) in Stimulating Growth of a Tier IV Community (Campbell County) - James “Andy” Wallace, TCEcD
  • Using Parks and Natural Resources for Rural Economic Impact - Stephania Motes, TCEcD
  • Recognizing The Priorities Disconnect Between Economic Development Organizations And Elected Officials, Iliff McMahan, Jr., TCEcD
  • Developing a Work Ready Workforce: Closing the Gap, Creating the Path - Mandy Christenson, TCEcD
  • The New Gateway to Tennessee - Sherri Ferguson, TCEcD
  • Refocusing the Education of Youth Into Local Workforce Initiatives - Steve Hilton, TCEcD
  • Potential Site Due Diligence on a (Small) Budget - R. Darrell James, P.E, TCEcD
  • Changing the Perception of Manufacturing to Attract the Next Generation of Workers - Teresa Aikens Jones, TCEcD
  • Grit, Grace, Place:  Enhancing Place with Gallatin’s True Grit and Amazing Grace – Kimberly Baker, TCEcD

 

Fall 2018

  • The Port of Cates Landing: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow - R. Chad Davis, CFP, TCEcD
  • The Impact of Connectivity in Small, Rural Communities - Emily Hunt Johnson, TCEcD
  • Economic Impact of Trained Front Line Supervision in the Recruitment and Retention of Employees - Gordon H. Reed, TCEcD
  • How Dickson County and the City of Dickson Landed Daltile-Mohawk Industries - Bob Rial, TCEcD
  • Dayton Tennessee's Journey to Build a New Industrial Park without a Prospect in Hand - Dennis Ray Tumlin, TCEcD
  • Redevelopment VS New Construction for the Expansion of City Services - Kayce Williams, TCEcD

Spring 2017

  • Should Select Tennessee Expand to Include Investment in Buildings - Leanne Cox, TCEcD
  • The Way Back Up - Stacey Kidd, TCEcD
  • Travel Tourism and Economic Development in Tellico Plains, TN – Gregory Newman, TCEcD
  • Can a Foreign Alliance Center for Tennessee be Self Sustaining in Knoxville – Kathryne Ogrod, TCEcD
  • Strategic Planning In Benton County, TN – Amanda Paschall, TCEcD
  • The Economic Impact of Festivals on Small Towns – Gwen Shelton, TCEcD
  • Issues and Challenges of Local Government Supporting a Development Project of Regional Importance - Barrett M. Stevens, TCEcD
  • Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Tennessee Downtowns Program – Nancy Williams, TCEcD

 

Fall 2017

  • Tennessee’s Downstream Chemicals Cluster - Sally Avery, TCEcD
  • Improving Hawkins County’s Workforce by Becoming a Certified ACT Work Ready Community - Rebecca Baker, TCEcD
  • Establishing a Marketable Identity for the City of Lebanon - Sarah Haston, TCEcD
  • Red Boilings Springs - Honoring our History Understanding our Present and Looking to our Future - Crystal Justice, TCEcD
  • Prepared for Opportunity - Patricia Oldham, TCEcD
  • Business Education as an Economic Development Driver - Mason Worthington, TCEcD

Spring 2016

  • The Making and Marketing of a Competitive Tullahoma Airport Business Airpark – Winston Brooks, TCEcD
  • How Do Economic Development Organizations Measure Their Own Performance – Susan Robinson, TCEcD
  • The Electric Cooperative’s Role in Economic Development – Teresa Sampson, TCEcD

 

Fall 2016

  • Tourism Makes a Splash in Rural East Tennessee – Jody Bauer, TCEcD
  • The Making and Marketing of the Hatchie River Park and Nature CenterMuseum – Shelia Dellinger, TCEcD
  • Creating Community Resilience to Foster Business Resilience in the Tennessee Automotive Supply Chain Cluster – Misty DePriest, TCEcD
  • Developing a Workforce to Meet the Region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy – Mark Farley
  • The Virtual Building – Bryan Hall, TCEcD
  • What Is the Chattanooga Innovation District and What Role Does It Play in Economic Development – Miriam Hamilton, TCEcD
  • Securing a Site for a Publicly Owned Industrial Park – Allen Pitner, TCEcD
  • Working Together for a Stronger Local Economy – Jody Sliger, TCEcD
  • The Success of Public-Private Partnerships in Pigeon Forge – David Taylor, TCEcD

Spring 2015

  • Roadway Infrastructure Improvements and Their Importance – Kenny Martin, TCEcD

 

Fall 2015

  • Analysis of the Comprehensive Economic Development Planning Process as a Strategic Planning Document – Megan Raye Farris, TCEcD
  • A Case-Study of the Tri-County Industrial Park located in Sullivan County, TN – William Kelly Forrester III, TCEcD
  • Improving Industrial Park Readiness in Hamilton County through a Certified Sites Program – Lindsay Hiatt, TCEcD
  • Creating Economic Opportunity in Areas Limited by Zoning – Marie Lisco, TCEcD
  • Robert Creek Landing Golf Course- Rehabilitation and Reinvestment in Ridgeton, Tennessee – Michael P. McClanahan, TCEcD
  • Improving Industrial Readiness Through the Select Tennessee Certified Sites Program in Rural Tennessee – Michelle B. Price, TCEcD
  • Brave New City: Leveraging USDA Grant Funds to Contract with Retail Consultants to Develop a Retail Strategic Plan – C. Seth Sumner, TCEcD

Fall 2014

  • Revitalizing Rural Tennessee's ECD Efforts – Amy New, TCEcD
  • Role of Universities in ECD-UTM and City of Martin – Brad Thompson, TCEcD 
  • Creating an Economic Opportunity for an Economically Depressed City with a Vacant Industrial Park – Darrell Williams, TCEcD
  • Lewisburg Takes the Silver – Greg Lowe, TCEcD
  • The Renaissance of Downtown White Bluff – Jeff Martin, TCEcD
  • Brushy Mountain Distillery – Lisa Rutherford, TCEcD
  • Aviation Park I – Mark Canty, TCEcD
  • The Digital Hub, Job Development in Wayne County – Rena Purdy, TCEcD
  • The Revolving Loan Program – Wallace Austin, TCEcD