Gilbert, AZ Office of Economic Development Receives Excellence in Economic Development Award from the International Economic Development Council
WASHINGTON, DC (Sept. 19, 2017) The Gilbert, AZ Office of Economic Development won a Silver Excellence in Economic Development Award for its Gilbert Business Walk campaign, a project in the category of Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Single Event of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
The honor was presented at an awards ceremony on Tuesday, Sept. 19, during the IEDC Annual Conference, which was held Sept. 17 – 20, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
“On behalf of the IEDC board of directors and Excellence in Economic Development Awards Advisory Committee, congratulations to the Gilbert, AZ Office of Economic Development. Not only did they work to provide a necessary service to their community; but also, their participation in the awards program sheds light on their stellar projects which other communities can now use as a benchmark.” – Michael Langley, FM, CEO of GREATER MSP, Minneapolis–St. Paul, MN, and 2017 IEDC Board Chair
A “Business Walk” is a day dedicated to learning more about the local business community through face-to-face interviews on their turf. Business Walks involve a partnership for local leaders and representatives to connect with businesses face to face in an informal way. Over a few short hours large portions of the community are covered and the group has gathered industry intelligence to foster business growth and better equip the Town to support and stimulate economic activity in the area.
Gilbert, Arizona is one of the fastest growing communities and the largest town in the United States. Encompassing 72.6 square miles, just southeast of Phoenix, Gilbert has transformed from an agricultural community into a thriving and economically-diverse suburban community. The Gilbert, Arizona Office of Economic Development is committed to attracting, growing and retaining business and industry to the Gilbert community.
“The awards process is a thorough, non-biased and multi-layered process. These are extraordinary accomplishments for all winners, and an overall great effort by all participants. We look forward to next year’s awards competition,” Langley said.
About the International Economic Development Council
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 5,000 members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities, by creating, retaining and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IEDC’s members are engaged in the full range of economic development experience. Given the breadth of economic development work, our members are employed in a wide variety of settings including local, state, provincial and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities and a variety of other institutions. Among many activities which benefit the economy, IEDC’s members create high-quality jobs and develop vibrant communities. www.iedcONLINE.org.
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