Taney County Partnership Achieves Accredited Economic Development Organizational (AEDO) Status
September 2, 2026 - The Taney County Partnership just recently achieved Accredited Economic Development Organizational (AEDO) Status through the International Economic Development Council. This is a significant milestone for the organization to receive this accreditation. Currently, there are only 100 accredited Economic Development Organizations in the world. There are six accredited organizations in Missouri.
- Regional Economic Development, Inc., Columbia, Missouri
- St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, St. Louis, Missouri
- Evergy, Kansas City, Missouri
- Economic Development Council of St. Charles County, St. Peters, Missouri
- Ameren Services Missouri, St. Louis, Missouri
- Taney County Partnership, Branson, Missouri
The Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) accreditation process is a comprehensive, two-phase review designed to evaluate an economic development organization’s operations, financial management, organizational effectiveness, and community engagement.
The first phase consists of an extensive documentation review. Taney County Partnership submitted financial records, annual reports, organizational policies, strategic materials, letters of support, and other documentation for evaluation by a team of experienced economic development professionals. The review team examines the materials, requests additional information or clarification when necessary, and ultimately presents its findings to the AEDO Committee. The committee then determines whether the organization is prepared to advance to an on-site evaluation. In total, we submitted more than 25 pieces of documentation that took the better part of 1 year and a half to prepare. This included the creation of a marketing plan, which the organization had never had before.
The second phase is an intensive 1.5-day site visit conducted by a review team selected from professionals representing similar economic development organizations. Reviewers met directly with staff, board members, community partners, and key stakeholders while also touring the organization and community. Following the visit, the review team prepares a formal report outlining its findings and recommendations and presents its recommendation to the AEDO Committee. The committee then conducts a final review and votes on accreditation.
The end result was a unanimous vote to award the Partnership with its accreditation status.
“The Taney County Partnership displays the professionalism, commitment, and technical expertise that is deserving of this honor,” said IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle.