Press releae
from the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County
Asheville, NC- The Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County (EDC) received a Silver Excellence in Economic Development Award for its Target Cluster Brochures from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) in the category of General Purpose Brochure for communities with populations of 200,000 – 500,000.
The honor was presented at an awards ceremony on October 2 during the IEDC Annual Conference, held in Houston, Texas. The EDC was recognized for a series of newly created brochures that highlight the five industry clusters targeted through the Asheville 5×5 plan, a five-year plan for job creation. The reports provide readers with an easy-to-digest overview of the clusters through a combination of story, profile, achievement, supportive data, and regional photography. Through the voices of the Asheville business community, the brochures convey compelling stories and activities that communicate both economic development efforts and Asheville’s unique brand. The Asheville area is shown as highly competitive and prepared to support key business needs.
“The award is truly a celebration of our local companies,” stated Heidi Reiber, Director of Research for the EDC. “We are so pleased they have been highlighted and honored; this recognition is a great tribute to the business community of our region.”
Under Reiber’s direction, the EDC utilized an internal library of success stories and collaborated with dozens of local companies, Alice Oglesby of io Design, and local writers Lydia Carrington of Brucemont Communications, Nan Chase, and Melissa Stanz.
“We recognize the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County for creating innovative and successful strategies to promote economic development in this period of global recovery,” said Jay Moon, IEDC chair. “Our awards honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in communities. The EDC demonstrates that they are at the forefront of the economic development profession and are using cutting-edge, effective practices that can be replicated in other communities.”
IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development Awards recognize the world’s best economic development programs and partnerships, marketing materials, and the year’s most influential leaders. These awards honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban, and rural communities.
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is the world’s largest independent non-profit membership and research organization devoted exclusively to the field of economic development. IEDC helps economic development professionals create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities and improve the quality of life in their regions. Serving more than 4,400 members, IEDC provides a diverse range of services including conferences, professional development and certification, publications, research, advisory services, and legislative tracking. Visit www.iedconline.org.
The EDC for Asheville-Buncombe County is a public-private partnership committed to: creating and retaining high quality jobs, community leadership and being a resource for better business decisions. The EDC accomplishes this mission through its four core services: business retention and expansion, small business and entrepreneurship, research and marketing and recruitment. The EDC is funded by Buncombe County, the City of Asheville, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and the AVL 5×5 Campaign.
The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce is a 2,000 member organization representing 86,000 employees. Chamber members collaborate with community organizations and coalitions to support the community and each other with the mission of building community through business. The Asheville Chamber works diligently to ensure that Asheville continues to prosper while also protecting the natural beauty of the area. In 2006, the Chamber moved to a new location and is now home to the 4,000 square foot Visitor Center which welcomes 200,000 visitors per year.
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