Michael Van Mill, President/CEO of the Economic Alliance of Kankakee County, has been awarded recertification by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) effective October 1, 2015. Van Mill first achieved the designation in 2102. CEcD recertification, required every three years, was awarded to Van Mill for meeting the demanding requirements for continuing education and service to the profession.

With more than 20 years of economic development experience, Van Mill has served as director of the Kankakee County Planning Department since 1997. In that time, he has led the county's economic development programs and initiatives, including the administration of two enterprise zones and the county revolving fund program, local coordination of several corridor planning projects, and municipal partnership on economic development and land use matters.

Prior to his current positions, Van Mill was with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Village of Manteno.

The CEcD designation is a national recognition that indicates a mastery of principal skills in economic development, professional attainment and a commitment to professional growth. Awardees first earn certification by completing relevant coursework as well as passing a rigorous three-part, two-day examination testing knowledge, proficiency and judgement in the key areas of economic development.

Among economic developers working nationwide, approximately 1,000 have earned CEcD status.

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