COVINGTON, Ky. - Attorneys have CLEs, doctors their CMEs. For people who work in the public sector to help local economies thrive, the ongoing training and education never stops either.
Covington Economic Development Specialist Ross Patten now has the initials after his name to prove it.
Patten this week was certified by the New York-based National Development Council as an EDFP - a formal and official Economic Development Finance Professional - after he passed the final, comprehensive exam that followed intensive and rigorous study in topics like business credit analysis, real estate financing, loan packaging, deal structuring and negotiating, and implementation of development programs.
“The certification validates what many in the community already know about his skills and expertise,” said Tom West, Economic Development Director with the City. “Since I came to work here in December, Ross’s knowledge of economic development financing and project deals has been invaluable.”
Patten said the training will assist him as he continues to help make development happen in Covington in a manner that benefits not only developers and the City but also residents.
“When it comes to real estate development in Covington, we hear a lot of good proposals, but to analyze them properly you have to be able to speak the language and understand the impact of the deal’s provisions,” he said. “We want to partner with developers on projects that benefit the community.”
Patten came to City Hall in December 2016 to focus on filling storefront vacancies, attracting retailers and small businesses, and improving the health of the commercial district. Two months later he became de facto development manager, and has overseen primary business attraction, real estate development and transactions and business expansion opportunities.
He was named City Hall Employee of the Year in December 2017 and was honored as a WCPO “Next Nine” Young Leaders to Watch in June 2017.
Covington City Manager David Johnston said Patten’s certification continues Johnston’s mission of “putting together the most professional staff I can.”
“Covington residents deserve a local government that is trained and qualified to address their concerns, provide top-notch services and keep the City strong,” Johnston said.
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