August 28, 2024 – Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance has received not one but two 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Awards from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). AREA will be formally acknowledged and honored at the IEDC 2024 Annual Conference in Denver, CO, September 15-18.
AREA received the Bronze Award in the Economic Development Organization (EDO) of the Year category for entities serving a population of 500,000 or more. In addition, it received the Bronze Award in the Multimedia Promotion category for entities serving a population of 500,000 or more for its creative and collaborative 2024 AREA and CBRE Interactive Joint Talent Profile.
“Albuquerque is definitely on the map and we are seeing interest from businesses in the region not only nationwide but globally,” said Don Tarry, CEO, PNM and AREA Board Chair. This honor illustrates what we already know, AREA, working closely with state and local government economic development groups, is leading the way for the region’s economic development success.”
“This level of recognition, which is bestowed by a large panel of economic development professionals who judge and score submissions, is something that we are humbled to receive and that reflects the hard work of the entire AREA staff team and its Board of Directors and amazing community partners like CBRE,” commented AREA President & CEO Danielle Casey.
“It has been an absolute pleasure to work with AREA on the greater Albuquerque Talent and Industry profile each year! Publishing a comprehensive and engaging report to promote the greater Albuquerque region is a testament to the commitment we share for the success and growth of the region,” commented Kimberly Vanderpool, Senior Marketing Manager for CBRE Albuquerque.
“Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance is setting the standard of excellence for economic development. These awards highlights AREA’s commitment to its community and demonstrates the transformative impact of economic development,” said Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO, “It is with great pride that IEDC presents these awards to AREA, celebrating their leadership and innovation in the field of economic development.”
Every year IEDC looks specifically for economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that have demonstrated consistent, exemplary performance in the economic development profession, leading the execution of projects that have a significant impact on revitalizing communities, and playing a major role in shaping and improving the practice of economic development.
This recognition also comes on the heels of a March 2024 announcement of AREA’s recognition as the 79th economic development organization accredited by IEDC as an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO). The AEDO program is a comprehensive peer review process that measures economic development organizations against commonly held standards in the profession and recognizes the professional excellence of economic development organizations (EDOs).
“We are absolutely thrilled to announce this year’s award winners. These exceptional projects showcase remarkable dedication and ingenuity within the field,” said Kevin Kramer, Chair of IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development Awards Advisory Committee.” AREA’s contributions will leave a lasting impact and demonstrate its commitment to creating positive change for its residents.”
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About IEDC
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 4,300 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 engage in the full range of economic development practices. Given the breadth of economic development work, our members are employed in various settings, including local, state, provincial, and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities, and a variety of other institutions. When IEDC succeeds, its members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions. For more information on IEDC, visit www.iedconline.org.