Economic developer Jim Fram honored by international council

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) awarded Jim Fram the status of Honorary Life Member (HLM) in recognition of his commitment to excellence and impact on the field of economic development.

To be considered for this honor, a candidate must meet rigorous criteria, including earning Fellow Member status, maintaining at least 10 years of continuous IEDC membership, and possessing at least 20 years of experience in economic development. Additionally, the candidate must have demonstrated exceptional achievements that have advanced the industry and served as a mentor, guiding others toward success.

“Earning this status is a testament to Jim Fram’s lifelong dedication to furthering economic development and supporting others in the field,” said Nathan Ohle, IEDC president and CEO. “Jim Fram exemplifies these qualities through his groundbreaking work and leadership, consistently pushing boundaries to create opportunities for economic growth, investment, and long-term prosperity. His guidance has left an indelible mark on the profession, inspiring others to make a lasting difference where they live and work.”

Fram is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) through the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and a Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) through the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) with 30+ years of successful economic development and senior-level chamber of commerce management experience in Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Missouri.

Fram led the teams of two economic development organizations to accreditation by the International Economic Development Council (Tulsa and Hot Springs). He also assisted in leading three Chambers of Commerce to Five Star Accreditation by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (Lincoln, Neb., Tulsa, Hot Springs).

In 2018, Fram founded Community Growth Strategies, LLC, a consulting firm that focuses on assisting communities as well as regional economic development efforts and chambers of commerce.

“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from IEDC. Economic development has been a passion of mine for most of my adult life, and I’ve been privileged to work alongside numerous talented professionals who share that commitment. Together, we’ve strengthened communities, and I look forward to continuing this work and shaping what’s next for the profession,” said Fram.

IEDC will formally celebrate Jim Fram at the 2025 Leadership Summit, taking place February 23-25 in Washington, D.C. This gathering provides economic development professionals with a space to explore cutting-edge strategies and boost leadership skills for today’s rapidly changing landscape.

IEDC is the largest nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for economic developers, bringing together nearly 4,500 professionals.