Beth Johnson, vice president for economic development at the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, has received certification in the development and use of business retention and expansion programs from Business Retention and Expansion International.

The organization is a nonprofit professional association of economic development professionals working to advance business retention and expansion as an economic development strategy for communities. The organization seeks to boost knowledge about such efforts through scientific research, instruction, publications and meetings.

Johnson received her certification after attending a training program June 2-4 in Wichita. Training included classroom instruction, discussions with experienced practitioners and small-group exercises designed to demonstrate knowledge of the process and ability to introduce and lead a retention program in a community.

Members of the organization represent public and private organizations, including economic and workforce development practitioners, universities faculty, utilities and economic development consulting firms.

For more information, visit www.brei.org.