MADISON, WI. May 15, 2018 — Three Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) staff members have been certified as economic development finance professionals by the National Development Council (NDC), a national nonprofit organization that works to increase investment capital flows to underserved communities.

The Economic Development Finance Professional certification process provides individuals working in the field of economic development with instruction in business credit analysis, real estate financing, loan packaging, deal structuring and negotiation, and the creation and implementation of development programs.

The staff members receiving certification are:

  • Tina Chitwood and Neil White, both regional economic development directors who coordinate and provide resources to businesses and communities in southeastern Wisconsin. Chitwood has been with WEDC for one year; White has been with the organization for three years.
  • Errin Welty, who has been with WEDC for four years, is a downtown development account manager who works with small businesses and property owners within downtown districts throughout Wisconsin to foster growth and facilitate projects at the local level.

NDC works with local and state governments and community-based organizations to help them create and implement economic and community development strategies. Their nationally recognized training programs help build a professional workforce in economic and community development that can advance and sustain progress in their communities.

NDC has provided training to over 70,000 professionals working in the fields of economic and housing development. Participants come from diverse backgrounds including city and state governments, public agencies, community-based organizations, professional organizations and banks.