President and CEO of the Tempe Chamber of Commerce Colin Diaz has been awarded the first Certificate in Workforce Development Fundamentals by the International Economic Development Council and the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Foundation. 

This achievement marks a significant milestone in the efforts to enhance the skills of chamber staff and economic development professionals, a press release explained. It also aims to broaden access to fair workforce opportunities and results.

“Being part of this cohort has allowed me to bring vital expertise back to Arizona to tackle workforce hurdles and foster economic growth,” Diaz stated in the release.  “It serves to augment the indispensable contributions chambers are making towards workforce development.”

This joint certificate program empowers professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the intersection of economic and workforce development while closing educational gaps, the release detailed. 

Each certificate recipient completes a comprehensive 6-week curriculum, including hands-on learning experiences and practical applications of economic and workforce development principles. 

Recipients obtained a digital certificate and social media badge from ACCE and IEDC to showcase their achievements in the program.

"With the completion of this inaugural certificate program, we are driving holistic economic development solutions that integrate economic growth and talent attraction," IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle stated in the release.

ACCE President and CEO Sheree Anne Kelly stated in the release, "This program drew interest from across the country, and I am excited to watch the catalytic leadership participants will bring to the challenges and opportunities in their markets."