OmniTRAX’s Wolfe Earns Elite Rail Certification, Joins CPKC, UP

OmniTRAX Inc. Economic Development Director Ashley Wolfe has earned the prestigious Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) accreditation, a top global recognition from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). This achievement places her in an elite group of professionals within the rail sector, as OmniTRAX becomes one of only three North American railroads, alongside Canadian Pacific Kansas City and Union Pacific, to employ an expert with this certification.

DENVER, CO – OmniTRAX Inc. has announced that its Economic Development Director, Ashley Wolfe, has successfully obtained the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) credential from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The CEcD is a globally recognized accreditation that signifies a professional’s comprehensive knowledge of economic development theory and practice, as well as their commitment to the highest ethical standards. Professionals who earn this certification are skilled in working with public officials, business leaders, and community stakeholders to create, retain, and expand high-quality jobs and drive sustainable community investment.

Wolfe’s certification underscores a strategic approach that integrates deep railway operational knowledge with proven economic growth strategies. Her recent work exemplifies the tangible benefits of this expertise. In Arizona, she was instrumental in growing the customer base for the Sonoran Valley Railroad, successfully onboarding clients such as Wright Asphalt. In another key project, her collaboration with the Phelps County Development Corp. in Nebraska was pivotal in attracting major investments, including the development of new facilities for Nebraskaland Aviation along the Nebraska, Kansas and Colorado Railway line. These projects highlight the critical role of a certified expert in navigating complex site selection, infrastructure, and public-private partnership challenges.

The exclusivity of this certification within the North American rail industry emphasizes its strategic importance. With professionals from only OmniTRAX, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), and Union Pacific Railroad (UP) holding the CEcD title, it signals a competitive advantage for railroads that invest in this level of economic development expertise. The IEDC, the certifying body, is a non-profit organization with over 5,000 members, making it the world’s largest organization for economic development professionals. Its rigorous certification process ensures that CEcDs are equipped to foster economic prosperity and build resilient, rail-served industrial ecosystems.

Key Takeaways

• OmniTRAX joins the exclusive ranks of CPKC and Union Pacific as one of only three North American railroads with an IEDC-certified economic development professional.
• The CEcD certification validates an individual’s expertise in forging public-private partnerships to attract investment and drive rail-centric industrial growth.
• Ashley Wolfe’s successful projects in Arizona and Nebraska demonstrate the direct impact of strategic economic development on securing new, long-term rail customers.

Editor’s Analysis

This development is more than a personal accolade; it marks a significant evolution in how short-line and regional railroads compete and grow. By embedding a certified economic development professional within its leadership, OmniTRAX is shifting from a reactive logistics provider to a proactive industrial development partner. This strategy allows the railroad to get involved at the earliest stages of a project, shaping site selection and infrastructure planning to maximize rail efficiency and de-risk investment for shippers and communities. For the global rail market, this represents a sophisticated model for securing long-term freight volume by creating the very industrial demand that feeds the network, a crucial advantage in an increasingly competitive logistics landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) certification?

The Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) is a prestigious global certification from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). It recognizes proven expertise and comprehensive knowledge in the field of economic development, including business retention, marketing, finance, and real estate.

Which North American railroads employ CEcD-certified professionals?

According to the IEDC, only three North American railroad companies currently employ CEcD-certified professionals: OmniTRAX Inc., Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), and Union Pacific Railroad (UP).

What are some examples of Ashley Wolfe’s economic development work?

Her recent projects include expanding the customer base for the Sonoran Valley Railroad in Arizona with clients like Wright Asphalt, and collaborating with local partners in Nebraska to attract Nebraskaland Aviation’s new facilities to the Nebraska, Kansas and Colorado Railway.