EDIE Awards
EDCC’s Annual EDIE Award recognizes outstanding economic development achievements by our members, organization volunteers, communities, companies and legislators.
EDIE Awards Criteria
Please review EDIE Awards Criteria prior to submitting your nomination.
Nominate Today!
Do you know someone who should be recognized for excellence in your community and economic development.
Past Winner’s Circle
Meet our past winner’s going back to the inception of the EDIE Awards.
Thanks goes to our 2024 EDIE Awards Sponsor!
EDIE AWARDS CEREMONY RECEPTION TITLE SPONSOR
Congratulate the 2024 Winners
Click a category below to learn more about this year’s winners.
- Small Community of the Year
- Large Community of the Year
- Legislator of the Year
- Legislator of the Year
- Legislator of the Year
- Legislator Lifetime Achievement
- Partnership of the Year
- Rookie of the Year
- Chairman’s Choice Award
- Economic Development Achievement
SMALL COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR
CITY OF DURANGO
City of Durango was selected as this year’s ‘Small Community of the Year’ (community population up to 19,999) for its achievements in the following activities:
- Innovative Economic Leadership: The city has emerged as a dynamic economic catalyst by implementing strategic leadership and bold initiatives that have significantly revitalized the local economy.
- Collaborative Economic Development: By fostering a consortium of local partners, including the Economic Development Organization and local businesses, Durango has driven a unified vision for economic growth.
- Urban Renewal & Housing Initiatives: The City Park Overlook project, led by Durango’s Urban Renewal Authority, delivered award-winning mixed-income, workforce housing, recognized statewide for its innovative collaboration.
- Support for Entrepreneurs & Creative Economy: Partnerships with the local college and Small Business Development Center have led to programs that empower creative entrepreneurs, resulting in a dramatic increase in arts and culture spending from $3 to $29 per capita. Efforts to support underserved food entrepreneurs have further enhanced inclusivity within the community.
LARGE COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR
CITY AND COUNTY OF BROOMFIELD
City and County of Broomfield was selected as this year’s ‘Large Community of the Year’ (community population greater than 60,000) for its achievements in the following activities:
- Business Support and Expansion: Secured annual funding that provided over $120,000 in 2023 to assist small businesses in growth and improvements, leveraging private investments that exceeded grant amounts. Additionally, the Entrepreneurship Grant Program supported five startups with $21,300 in funding.
- Catalytic Development Projects: Facilitated over $1 billion in investments across several catalytic redevelopment initiatives, featuring mixed-use developments that combine housing, commercial spaces, and community amenities, supported by more than $100 million in public investment.
- Business Attraction and Growth: Oversaw the development and redevelopment of over 3.5 million square feet of commercial and industrial space in 2023, successfully attracting key industries such as aerospace, bioscience, and advanced manufacturing.
- Housing and Workforce Programs: Launched its inaugural Down Payment Assistance Program and implemented an Inclusionary Housing Ordinance to ensure the availability of middle-income housing. The Workforce Department served 562 employers, hosted nearly 14,000 job seeker visits, and surpassed state employment rate averages for job seekers.
LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR
SENATOR BRIDGES
Senator Bridges was selected as this year’s ‘Legislator of the Year’ for his achievements in the following activities:
- HB 24-1107 Judicial Review of Local Land Decision
- HB 24-1125 Tax Credit Commercial Building Conversion
- HB 24-1157 Employee-Owned Business Office and Income Tax Credit
- HB 24-1325 Tax Credits for Quantum Industry
- HB 24-1365 Opportunity Now Grants and Tax Credit
LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR
REPRESENTATIVE CATLIN
Representative Catlin was selected as this year’s ‘Legislator of the Year’ for his achievements in the following activities:
- SB 23-006 Creation of The Rural Opportunity Office
- HB 23-1094 Extend Agricultural Workforce Development Program
- SB 22-146 Middle Income Access Program Expansion
- HB 22-1117 Use Of Local Lodging Tax Revenue
- Over the years, Rep Catlin has sponsored and passed various bills on broadband and water
LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR
SENATOR KIRKMEYER
Senator Kirkmeyer was selected as this year’s ‘Legislator of the Year’ for her achievements in the following activities:
- HB 24-1172 County Revitalization Authorities
- HB 24-1160 Economic Development Organization Action Grant Program
LEGISLATOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
SENATOR ROBERTS
Senator Roberts was selected as this year’s ‘Legislator Lifetime Achievement Winner’ for his achievements in the following activities:
- SB 24-002 Local Government Property Tax Credits Rebates
- HB 24-1001 Reauthorization of Rural Jump-Start Program
- SB 23-001 Authority of Public-private Collaboration Unit for Housing
- SB 23-006 Creation of The Rural Opportunity Office
- HB 23-1051 Support for Rural Telecommunications Providers
- HB 23-1094 Extend Agricultural Workforce Development Program
- HB 22-1117 Use of Local Lodging Tax Revenue
- HB 22-1394 Fund Just Transition Community and Worker Supports
- SB 21-291 Economic Recovery and Relief Cash Fund
- HB 20-1003 Rural Jump-start Zone Act Modifications
- HB 19-1322 Expand Supply Affordable Housing
- SB 18-005 Rural Economic Advancement of Colorado Towns
PARTNERSHIP OF THE YEAR AWARD
ELIZABETH GARNER | COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF LOCAL AFFAIRS
Elizabeth Garner, State Demographer, Colorado Department of Local Affairs was selected as this year’s ‘Partnership of the Year’ for her achievements in the following activities:
- Expert Data Resource: Provides valuable demographic and economic estimates and projections for Colorado and local communities, offering crucial insights for planning and decision-making.
- Engaging Data Presentation: Demonstrates a unique ability to make complex data relatable and entertaining, enabling diverse audiences to effectively understand and apply information.
- Statewide Impact: Ensures that both urban and rural communities benefit from her expertise, making herself available to assist all areas of Colorado.
- Nationally Recognized Expertise: Her team’s depth of data and knowledge is unmatched, having worked on projects across various states, making her an essential resource for Colorado’s economic development.
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
TOMMY CROSBY | CITY OF DURANGO
Tommy Crosby, Economic Opportunity Manager, City of Durango was selected as this year’s ‘Rookie of the Year’ for his achievements in the following activities:
- Innovative Economic Development Initiatives: Tommy designed and implemented Durango’s first-ever Economic Development Incentive Program, approved by the City Council in 2024, aimed at helping local businesses grow and retain jobs while preventing relocation. He also led the city’s involvement in the National League of Cities’ City Inclusive Entrepreneurship Program, supporting local food entrepreneurs, particularly in BIPOC communities.
- Creative Economy & Arts Support: He has been pivotal in coordinating grants through Durango’s Creative District, overseeing initiatives like Durango Create! and the Lodgers Tax Arts & Culture fund, which has supported 109 projects with $1.5 million since 2022. Additionally, Tommy initiated a loan program to provide working capital for creative projects prior to receiving grant funds.
- Regional Collaboration & Relationship Building: Tommy fosters collaboration among neighboring economic development organizations, hosting regional meetings and building relationships that enhance shared knowledge and best practices.
- Urban Renewal Success: His leadership has been crucial in advancing Durango’s Urban Renewal Authority, facilitating projects that deliver affordable housing and stimulate local development, such as the North Main Gateway URA and the Midtown URA, driving economic resilience in the community.
CHAIRMAN’S CHOICE AWARD
DREW KRAMER | TRI-STATE GENERATION & TRANSMISSION ASSOC.
Drew Kramer, Immediate Past Chair and Economic Development Manager, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association was selected as this year’s ‘Chairman’s Choice Award.’
Drew’s distinguished contributions, unwavering support for EDCC, and a long-term commitment to the growth and sustainability of Colorado’s economy include:
- Longstanding Commitment: Serving on EDCC’s Board of Directors for seven years, including five years as an Executive Committee member, Drew has demonstrated exceptional dedication with near-perfect attendance.
- Advocacy and Promotion: He actively promotes EDCC in external meetings, enhancing awareness and participation among stakeholders, which strengthens the organization’s impact.
- Leadership in Organizational Growth: Drew spearheaded the first-ever Special Committee to address EDCC’s growth, focusing on enhancing staff capacity and ensuring team well-being through health and wealth benefits.
- Economic Development Leadership: He played a pivotal role in establishing the Economic Development Manager position at Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, reflecting his commitment to diversifying the economies they serve.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACHIEVEMENT
STEPHANIE GONZALEZ | SOUTHEAST COLORADO ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT
Stephanie Gonzalez, Executive Director, Southeast Colorado Enterprise Development was selected as this year’s ‘Economic Achievement Award’ for her achievements in the following activities:
- Major Investments and Funding Success: She secured significant funding for the region, including a $500,000 award from the DOLA Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance Fund for renewable energy impact studies and $10 million from the U.S. DOE Transmission Siting and Economic Development Grants Program for the Southeast Economic Development (SEED) Grant Program.
- Regional Development Initiatives: Stephanie led the creation of a regional housing authority, resulting in the development of 83 affordable housing units across six counties and efforts to launch 20 more. She also developed a regional transit system and a CDL training program, helping over 250 students to meet local workforce needs.
- Innovative Mini-Grant Program: She established a successful mini-grant program to help municipalities and counties access DOLA funding for small-scale projects, positively impacting the 31 member governments she serves.
- Leadership and Collaboration: Beyond her organization, Stephanie has served on the CDOT State Transportation Advisory Council, the Southeast Enterprise Zone, and the Lamar Community College Advisory Council. Her leadership and strong partnerships with DOLA and OEDIT illustrate her commitment to advancing economic development in southeastern Colorado.