News

EDC Maintains Prestigious AEDO Accreditation

Published Tuesday, August 26, 2025
 
The EDC is pleased to announce it has once again earned reaccreditation as an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). Fewer than 100 organizations worldwide and just four in Missouri hold this prestigious designation. 

The AEDO program is a rigorous peer review process that benchmarks economic development organizations against the highest standards in the profession by evaluating critical aspects such as organizational structure, funding, programming, and professional capacity.

Achieving AEDO reaccreditation sends a clear message to site selectors, business investors, and local governments: the EDC operates at the highest level of professional standards and best practices.

“This reaccreditation affirms that our community and our business partners can trust the EDC to represent St. Charles County with integrity and expertise," said EDC President & CEO Scott J. Drachnik. “It underscores the high standards we uphold as we work to position St. Charles County as a premier location for business and talent.”

The EDC first achieved AEDO certification in 2014. Organizations must complete the renewal process every three years to keep AEDO status.