The East Montgomery County Improvement District has earned recertification through the Transatlantic Business and Investment Council’s Foreign Direct Investment Qualified Community program, receiving a 93 percent score — the highest in the TBIC network.
The certification evaluates whether communities have the resources and preparation needed to attract, secure and retain foreign direct investment. EMCID has held the FDI-Qualified Community designation since 2019.
Thirteen economic development organizations across the country are currently certified through the program. EMCID’s 93 percent score was the highest among them.
The certification comes amid continued growth in East Montgomery County. Within EMCID’s boundaries, the population has increased by 16.6 percent and currently stands at 103,742. Regional gross domestic product has grown 27.9 percent annually over the last two years, according to information provided by EMCID.
“East Montgomery County has once again demonstrated what it means to be truly FDI-ready,” said Matthias Beier, President & CEO of TBIC. “By improving upon an already outstanding certification result, EMCID has reaffirmed its position as the highest-scoring TBIC FDI-Certified Community in the United States. The evaluation highlighted three key strengths: an exceptional workforce and talent pipeline, outstanding connectivity and logistics infrastructure and a highly engaged economic development team committed to attracting international business. East Montgomery County continues to set the benchmark for communities seeking to attract and support foreign direct investment.”
TBIC’s certification process examines several aspects of a community’s readiness for international investment, including infrastructure and business readiness, workforce preparedness, community leadership, cultural competence and intercultural communication, and the ability to attract and retain international investment.
For economic development organizations, the certification is intended to provide prospective international investors with an assessment of whether a community has the workforce, infrastructure, connectivity and local resources necessary to support business operations.
“This certification reflects the strength of our community and our commitment to being ready when international companies are looking for their next place to invest and grow,” said Frank McCrady, President & CEO of EMCID. “Our 93 percent score is an important milestone, but more importantly, it demonstrates that East Montgomery County has the assets, talent and leadership to compete for investment on a global scale.”
The recertification comes as East Montgomery County continues to add population and attract development. EMCID officials say the area’s workforce and transportation and logistics connections are among the assets being used to recruit companies considering investment in the region.