The Golden Triangle Development LINK proudly announces that Meryl Fisackerly, Chief Operating Officer, and Betsy Young, Vice President of Economic Development, have both earned the prestigious Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). This milestone highlights their commitment to excellence and proficiency in the realm of economic development.
Fisackerly oversees the day-to-day operations of the Golden Triangle Development LINK, ensuring efficiency and strategic alignment across organizational initiatives. Young focuses on attraction and growth strategies, workforce development, and enhancing economic opportunities within the Golden Triangle region.
The CEcD designation is recognized as a mark of excellence within the economic development profession, signifying a thorough understanding of the field and a commitment to personal and professional growth. The process of obtaining CEcD designation requires substantial professional experience; the completion
of coursework in various facets of economic development, including finance, marketing, strategic planning, real estate, and business retention and expansion; and the passage of a rigorous and comprehensive three-part examination.
“Words cannot express how happy I am for Meryl and Betsy!”, said Joe Max Higgins, LINK CEO. “Both of them have worked extremely hard to pass the exams. Everyone that works for the LINK has a professional development plan (PDP). The CEcD is a major milestone in an economic developer’s professional development, and they join an extremely small group of people that have achieved this certification. Thanks to them, the LINK now has almost 20% of the Certified Economic Developers in Mississippi.”
As integral members of the Golden Triangle Development LINK team, Fisackerly and Betsy Young have been instrumental in spearheading impactful economic development projects, cultivating strategic partnerships, and catalyzing investment within the Golden Triangle region, a premier hub for business expansion, innovation, and sustainable growth. This certification process served to hone their economic development skills in order to champion future economic success for the region.
About The Golden Triangle Development LINK: The Golden Triangle Development LINK is the nationally-recognized, regional economic development organization for Clay, Lowndes and Oktibbeha counties. Located in northeast Mississippi, the GTR LINK’s current record of investment totals of more than $10 billion and over 10,000 jobs. For more information, visit The LINK’s website at gtrlink.org.
Contact:
Joe Max Higgins
(662) 328-8369
jhiggins@gtrlink.org
