In the framework of the Local Economic Development and Marketing of Bulgarian Municipalities Project the municipalities Gotse Delchev, Kozloduy, Mezdra, Plovdiv, Pravets, Svilengrad, Sevlievo, Strazhitsa and Teteven successfully fulfilled the criteria for Ready for Business Municipality!

At the official ceremony on 6 March, 2007 the certificates were awarded to the mayors. Municipality of Strazhitsa was awarded the Ready for Business Municipality with Excellence Certificate.

17 municipal officers were also certified as LED experts, and Desislava Ivanova from Pleven and Diana Bebenova from Silistra were certified as LED experts - Second Level.

At the ceremony took place the final stage of the FLGR contest for “Best Presentation of Results Achieved in Investment Attraction and Initiatives for Local Businesses Support”. Among the 17 competing presentation 4 were nominated and presented at the event by their authors. Later the participants and guests voted for the best Practice and the winner was the Municipality of Stara Zagora.

With this the overall number of certified municipalities equals 33 (out of 39), and the number of certified LED experts equals 51 (out of 102 trained).

Foundation for Local Government Reform certifies the municipalities according to an established methodology, developed by ICMA, U.S. partner cities and FLGR. The certification process verifies that a municipality and its staff are dedicated and prepared to assist existing businesses and potential investors by establishing fair, open, and to using business friendly approaches to retain and attract quality business. Representatives of Invest Bulgaria Agency were members of the certification teams.