THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL OF COLORADO ANNOUNCES 2023 EDIE AWARD RECIPIENTS
Top people, places and projects in economic development honored at annual awards dinner & ceremony
GRAND JUNCTION, COLORADO (Oct. 19, 2023) – The Economic Development Council of Colorado (EDCC) announced the 2023 EDIE award recipients, recognizing economic development excellence during its annual Drive|Lead|Succeed Conference at Grand Junction Convention Center in Grand Junction, Colorado Oct. 18-20, 2023.
The most recognized award in economic development in Colorado, the EDIE represents outstanding achievements by its members, organizations, communities, companies, individuals and legislators for their outstanding achievements in economic development in the State of Colorado. Since 1989, EDCC has celebrated the achievements of over 200 award winners. This year, 12 awardees were recognized.
Greeley Hat Works was selected as this year’s ‘Company of the Year’ for its achievements in the following activities:
- This company proudly produces over 10,000 hats annually, shipping to customers worldwide, and employs over 28 craftsman.
- These hats are produced in a sprawling 10,000 square feet building, anticipating the addition of a new annex, boasting more than 4,000 square feet. This expansion promises not only an increased workforce, but also a substantial capital investment in equipment, leather, and human resources.
- Beyond their manufacturing achievements, this company has nurtured over 100 retail partnerships worldwide. In efforts to support these partnerships and as a testament to their commitment to education, the company often hosts an immersive program that grants their retail partners a unique opportunity to spend three days in the community and engage with business leaders of Northern Colorado. It’s a chance for their guests to not only savor local cuisine and networking, but also to roll up their sleeves and join the team in crafting their own hats, fostering a deeper understanding of the product, process, and the passion that drives this company.
- Greeley Hat Works gives back to its community through its service to local organizations including Higher Grounds, Youth For Christ, A Women’s Place, Beef Sticks for Backpacks, Boys and Girls Clubs of Weld County, United Way of Weld County, the Greeley Stampede, Colorado Youth Outdoors, and the Weld County Food Bank.
- Greeley Hat Works efforts to support economic development through their continued investment into the Weld County area, active involvement in the community, and commitment to fostering business partnerships are just a few reasons why this company one Company of the year.
Criteria to be considered for this award include:
- Demonstrated support for economic development, financially, through board participation or lobbying on behalf of economic development.
- Support for their community though active engagement in community issues.
- Significant expansion or investment during this past year.
“The historic Avalon Theatre in downtown Grand Junction was the perfect place to honor this diverse and talented cast of contributors to Colorado’s economic development community,” said Drew Kramer, EDCC Board Chair and Economic Development Program Manager for Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association. ”Each of the winners represents a key piece of the complex puzzle we must complete to ensure an economically viable future for Colorado – from large and small communities to national corporations and local businesses to elected officials and individual professionals and advocates.”
Kramer further noted the hard work that EDCC Executive Director Kim Woodworth, her staff and several volunteers put in to make the Drive|Lead|Succeed Conference such an effective gathering of the state’s economic development professionals, policymakers and business leaders. An estimated 300 attendees converged in Grand Junction for an agenda rich with content covering everything from housing and the impacts of the outdoor recreation industry to leadership development and demographic trends. Taking place, the second night of the conference, the EDIE Awards ceremony was held at the recently renovated Avalon Theatre in Grand Junction’s Main Street District.