Waynesboro, VA – Waynesboro Economic Development received two 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Awards, gold and bronze, from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The gold award was earned specifically for the Grow Waynesboro Main & Wayne program in the Entrepreneurial & Small Business Development category. Additionally, the innovative ‘Mug Mailing’ business attraction initiative received a bronze award in the Print Promotion category.
“Waynesboro is setting the standard of excellence for economic development with the Grow Waynesboro Main & Wayne and Mug Mailing projects. These awards highlight Waynesboro’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 Waynesboro, celebrating their leadership and innovation in the field of economic development.”
“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. “Waynesboro’s contributions will leave a lasting impact and demonstrate its commitment to creating positive change for its residents.”
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. Recognition is given in over 23 categories across four population ranges.
“We are incredibly honored to receive these prestigious awards from IEDC. Our team’s dedication to fostering economic growth and enhancing the quality of life in Waynesboro has been unwavering,” added Greg Hitchin, Director of Economic Development and Tourism. “This recognition underscores our commitment to innovative and impactful economic development initiatives that benefit our community and set a high standard for others to follow.”
About Waynesboro
Strategically located on the I-81 corridor in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, Waynesboro has a strong connectivity to major markets via road, rail, and air and to the world with major fiber carriers providing high-speed service. The city continues to have a strong heritage of manufacturing excellence, and is a regional retail center with outstanding cultural and recreational amenities providing an attractive business location and outstanding quality of life.
About the International Economic Development Council
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. Learn more at www.iedconline.org.
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