SALISBURY – Rod Crider, president and CEO of the Rowan County Economic Development Commission, was recently recertified in economic development by the International Economic Development Council, a nonprofit organization.

Crider first received the certified economic developer designation in 2004.

The certification is required in the profession every three years. Crider met the organization’s demands for continuing education and service to the profession.

In 2004, Crider earned the certification by passing a three-part, two-day examination that tested his knowledge, proficiency and judgment in economic development.

“Receiving the very first certification was very difficult,” Crider said. “It required me to go into intense weeklong training. It required much studying and preparation for the exam, and then there is the test itself, which is pretty intense. It takes about 10-hour days, spending time writing essays for a portion of the test. Only about 30% of applicants typically pass the exam the first time.”

Crider said he is “proud to have earned the designation.”

“It’s a sought-after accreditation for people in our industry, one that requires a lot of work and a lot of dedication to the profession,” he said. “I felt I met all of the requirements. I was anxious.”

Crider said the recognition pushes him to strive to be a better economic development leader and to stay on top of the latest trends in technology. The organization allows him to interact with “some of the best economic development professionals in the country,” he said.

According to the Rowan EDC, Crider has nearly 40 years of experience in economic development and has been instrumental in creating the Expand Rowan business-retention program.

“During his tenure, the county has seen increased economic activity, including the attraction of Amrep and Chewy.com and its 1,200 new jobs for Rowan County,” the announcement read.