Economic Development Week (May 4-8, 2026) Spotlight: East Central Regional Director Drew Dietrich earns top economic development certification
CHEYENNE, Wyo. – For the Wyoming Business Council (WBC), leadership is rooted in a persistent curiosity to find better ways to serve our communities and businesses. This week, as we celebrate Economic Development Week, we are proud to announce that East Central Regional Director Drew Dietrich has reached a significant milestone in that journey by earning the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) – one of approximately 1,200 active CEcDs worldwide.
“We are only as strong as the expertise we bring to our communities,” said WBC CEO Josh Dorrell. “Drew’s dedication to this high-level certification reflects the caliber of the team we’ve built – and our commitment to having the best possible tools to help Wyoming’s communities and businesses grow and compete.”
A Rigorous Standard
The CEcD is the leading industry credential for economic development professionals. Earning it is a multi-year journey that culminates in a comprehensive two-day examination testing proficiency across 11 core areas – including strategic planning, business retention and expansion, workforce development, entrepreneurial support, and global competitiveness. It is a credential that demands not just knowledge, but sound judgment and critical thinking under pressure.
Drew serves Platte, Niobrara, Converse, and Natrona counties, and brings over 15 years of experience to the role.
“I hope this experience can help the people, professionals, and businesses I serve to find the prosperity and success they desire,” he said. “I want to thank my colleagues and communities who inspired me every day and helped me along this journey. I will always strive to be a resource, advocate, and champion for the communities in my region.”
A Culture of Continuous Learning
Drew’s achievement reflects a broader culture at the WBC – one that treats curiosity and professional growth as core to the work, not separate from it. The Business Council actively supports team members in pursuing formal credentials, deep on-the-ground experience, and the kind of persistent learning that keeps pace with a shifting economic landscape.
“Our team members are purpose-oriented leaders who show up every day ready to learn something new on behalf of the communities they serve,” Dorrell added. “We celebrate this hunger for knowledge because it’s exactly what’s required to solve the tough problems our communities face – and to keep finding ways to connect local ingenuity with real economic opportunity.”
As Wyoming’s challenges evolve, we’re committed to professional development so the WBC team remains a resilient, highly skilled resource for communities and businesses across the state.
