Norwich, City of Groton, Town of Groton and North Stonington were among 24 cities and towns to receive the first certifications for best practices in land use and economic development by the Connecticut Economic Development Association.

The association announced its first certification accreditation process Monday. The certified cities and towns went through a “rigorous application review process” that required documentation of their procedures for development projects and consideration of their economic development strategy,” the news release by the association stated.

This is CEDAS’s first year accrediting communities. The program, presented by sponsors Eversource and United Illuminating, was conceived to recognize communities that are committed to economic development, the news release said.

In the applications, towns and cities showcased the policies that create efficient economic development processes, target strategic business growth, and implement planning and zoning practices that plan for future needs.

The 2019 application process ran from June through Sept. 15. The association hopes other Connecticut cities and towns participate next year.

Awards will be presented to the 24 communities at the CEDA annual meeting Wednesday in Bridgeport. Tickets for the event are available at www.cedas.org.

“In order for our state to be successful at economic development, we need all levels working together and at the top of their game – local, regional, and state,” Garrett Sheehan, president of CEDAS and CEO of the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce in the news release. “The communities we are recognizing have shown a commitment to economic development and exemplify that Connecticut is open for business.”