Crystal Connally Earns Certified Economic Developer Certification, Elevating Pflugerville’s Economic Development Efforts

The Pflugerville Community Development Corporation (PCDC) is proud to announce that Crystal Connally, our Business Retention and Workforce Director, has achieved the prestigious Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) certification from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). This significant milestone highlights Crystal’s dedication to her profession, her tireless efforts to enhance economic development in Pflugerville, and her commitment to continuous learning and leadership within the field.

The Journey to Certification

Earning the CEcD certification is no small feat. It requires candidates to demonstrate extensive knowledge and experience across a broad range of economic development disciplines. The certification process involves rigorous coursework, comprehensive exams, and a deep commitment to professional growth. Crystal dedicated countless hours to studying complex topics such as business retention and expansion, real estate, credit analysis, strategic planning, and entrepreneurial development. 

Reflecting on the journey, Crystal shared, “Achieving the CEcD certification has been a challenging and rewarding experience. It has deepened my understanding of the complexities of economic development and provided me with the tools needed to make a lasting impact in Pflugerville. I am excited to apply what I’ve learned to help our businesses thrive and contribute to the city’s continued growth.” 

To qualify for the certification, Crystal first met the requirements of years of experience in the economic development field and completed numerous hours of continuing education, further enriching her expertise. The final step of the process involved a challenging multi-part exam, which tests a candidate’s ability to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. Crystal’s successful completion of this process is a testament to her perseverance, expertise, and passion for making a difference in the Pflugerville community.

Crystal’s Role in Pflugerville

As the Business Retention and Workforce Director at PCDC, Crystal plays a critical role in supporting local businesses and ensuring that Pflugerville remains an attractive location for economic investment. She works closely with existing businesses to address their needs, help them expand, and solve any challenges they may face. Crystal is instrumental in connecting local businesses with resources, workforce development opportunities, and incentives that enable them to thrive.

Crystal’s role is also deeply intertwined with workforce development. She collaborates with local educational institutions, workforce boards, and employers to ensure that Pflugerville has a skilled and ready workforce. Her efforts help bridge the gap between employers and job seekers, contributing to the overall economic health of the community.

How the Certification Benefits Pflugerville

The CEcD certification represents the highest level of achievement in the economic development profession. With this credential, Crystal brings a wealth of knowledge and proven expertise to Pflugerville. The certification equips her with advanced tools and strategies to tackle complex economic challenges and create sustainable growth opportunities.

“Crystal’s certification is not just a personal achievement; it’s a win for the entire community,” said Terri Toledo, PCDC Interim Executive Director. “Her expertise and dedication have already made a significant impact on Pflugerville’s economic landscape, and with this certification, she’s even better equipped to lead initiatives that will foster long-term prosperity for our city.”

Crystal’s enhanced capabilities will be directly applied to the ongoing and future projects in Pflugerville, including business retention and expansion programs, workforce development initiatives, and strategic planning efforts. Her certification also ensures that Pflugerville remains competitive in attracting new businesses and investments, fostering a robust and resilient local economy.

Crystal’s Contributions and Leadership

Beyond her work at PCDC, Crystal is an active member of the IEDC, the Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC), and serves as a board member of the Pflugerville Chamber of Commerce. Her involvement in these organizations allows her to stay at the forefront of industry trends, advocate for Pflugerville at the state and national levels, and contribute to shaping the future of economic development. 

Crystal has been a driving force behind several key projects in Pflugerville, including the development of strategic partnerships with local businesses, the creation of workforce training programs, and the implementation of business retention strategies that have helped secure the long-term success of companies within the city. Her leadership and vision have been instrumental in positioning Pflugerville as a vibrant and dynamic community for businesses and residents alike.

Crystal Connally’s achievement in earning the Certified Economic Developer certification is a proud moment for the Pflugerville Community Development Corporation and the city of Pflugerville. This certification is a reflection of her hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the economic development of our community. As Crystal continues to lead and innovate in her role, we are confident that Pflugerville will continue to thrive as a premier destination for business, investment, and opportunity.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Crystal on this remarkable accomplishment and look forward to the continued positive impact she will make in Pflugerville and beyond.