Southern Vermont Economic Development Summit wins IEDC award
WASHINGTON, DC (October 02, 2018) – The Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation and Bennington County Industrial Corporation received a Silver Excellence in Economic Development Award for their Southern Vermont Economic Development Summit, a project in the category of Special Event of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
The honor was presented at an awards ceremony on Tuesday, October 2, during the IEDC Annual Conference, which was held September 29 – October 3, in Atlanta, Georgia, United States.
“The Summit is a terrific opportunity for business and community leaders to come together in Southern Vermont to inspire and be inspired and to learn about available tools and best practices,” said Bill Colvin, Director, Bennington County Industrial Corporation.
The Summit emerged out of 2016 legislation which funded coordinated planning and development entities in the Southern Vermont Economic Development Zone. Its growth is being fostered through connections and networks engaged in the USDA supported Southern Vermont Economy Project and local and state business sponsors. The event website is at www.sovermontsummit.com.
“The Summit is a great way to bring together economic development professionals and community volunteers to increase understanding and awareness, helping to align common interests and goals in support of our regional economy. I was blown away by the interest, passion and desire to learn from one another that was so evident at last year’s event. I look forward to seeing everyone at the May 23, 2019 event at Mount Snow,” added Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation Executive Director Adam Grinold.
The 2nd Annual Southern Vermont Economic Development Summit brought together Bennington and Windham regions on issues of regional economy, to engage in peer to peer learning opportunities, and gain perspective from outside sources. The theme was Grow Southern Vermont’s People, Partnerships, and Potential. 2018 featured speakers wereTim Martin (Acting Director, Region 1, USDOL-ETA), Mayor Alex Morse of Holyoke, Massachusetts, and Mariko Silver, Bennington College President. In 2017, more than 130 attendees heard from speakers Governor Phil Scott and Dr. Robert Triest, of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.
“This year our judges reviewed some extraordinary projects that advanced both communities and businesses. We congratulate all the award winners and thank everyone who nominated their projects for sharing their success with fellow IEDC members. What we learn from each other helps us to grow and advance as a profession. We look forward to even greater participation from economic developers across the globe in the 2019 awards program.” -Craig Richard, CEcD, FM, President and CEO, Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation located in Tampa, Florida, and 2018 IEDC Board Chair.
About the International Economic Development Council
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is the world’s largest membership organization for economic development professionals. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life in their communities by creating, retaining, and expanding jobs that facilitate growth and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, our members represent the entire range of economic development. Learn more at iedconline.org.
About the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation
The Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation (BDCC), is a private, nonprofit economic development organization that serves as a catalyst for industrial and commercial growth throughout Southeastern Vermont, including: Windham County and the towns of Readsboro, Searsburg, Weston, and Winhall.
About the Bennington County Industrial Corporation
Bennington County Industrial Corporation (BCIC) is a non-profit economic development corporation. It is overseen by a board of business people and professionals from throughout Bennington County, Vermont. Its office is in Downtown Bennington. BCIC’s mission is to promote quality jobs in Bennington County. It provides services and information to businesses, runs an industrial incubator, does development projects, and advocates policies that support its mission. For more information visit: www.bcic.org
