Press Release: Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation Earns Prestigious National Accreditation

March 31, 2026

DAEDF Named One of Only 93 Accredited Economic Development Organizations in the World                                                                                                                                  

Duncan, Oklahoma – The Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation (DAEDF) has been recognized by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) as an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO), joining an elite group of just 93 organizations out of 5,000 worldwide to hold this distinction.

"DAEDF displays the professionalism, commitment, and technical expertise that is deserving of this honor," said IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle.

The AEDO accreditation is awarded through a rigorous peer review process that evaluates economic development organizations against the highest standards in the profession. The process consists of two phases: a comprehensive documentation review and an onsite visit. Each phase examines the organization's structure, funding, programs, and staff expertise.

A site visit was conducted March 1–3, 2026, by AEDO Review Board members Jim Fram, CEcD, FM, HLM, of Community Growth Strategies, LLC, and Trevor Johnson, PhD, CEcD, Deputy Director of Prince William County Economic Development. In their accreditation report, the reviewers highlighted several strengths of DAEDF, including:

• A financially self-sustaining model, built through decades of strategic real estate investment
• A robust workforce pipeline in partnership with Duncan Public Schools, where more than 25% of students participate in internship programs connecting them to local careers
• Over 30 years of consistent private sector support from 70 dues-paying members
• Receipt of the IEDC Gold Award for Economic Development Organization (EDO) of the Year in 2023
• Strong relationships with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and proven ability to connect local employers with state programs

"Earning AEDO accreditation tells the community and prospects that DAEDF has attained a measure of excellence — assuring that their trust is well-placed and their business is in good hands," Ohle noted. The accreditation is valid for three years, through March 26, 2029.

"This accreditation is a testament to the hard work of our staff, the confidence of our board, and the unwavering support of our community," said Lyle Roggow, President & CEO of DAEDF. "Duncan and Stephens County deserve an economic development organization held to the highest standards, and we are proud to deliver that."

DAEDF, a 501(c)(3) organization established in 1993 (with predecessor organizations going back 70 years), oversees seven industrial sites spanning nearly 1,340 acres and owns 14 industrial and commercial buildings. The organization serves businesses across Stephens County, providing services ranging from industrial recruitment and workforce solutions to business incubation and STEM education programs.

The International Economic Development Council is the largest membership association serving economic and community development professionals worldwide, with over 5,000 members nationwide and abroad. For more information on IEDC or the AEDO program, visit www.iedconline.org.

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