REPRESENTATIVE BARBARA MCLACHLAN RECEIVES ‘LEGISLATOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD’ FROM THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL OF COLORADO
Top people, places, and projects in economic development honored at annual awards dinner & ceremony
PUEBLO, COLORADO (Oct. 20, 2022) – The Economic Development Council of Colorado (EDCC) announced the 2022 EDIE award recipients, recognizing economic development excellence during its annual Drive|Lead|Succeed Conference at Pueblo Convention Center in Pueblo, Colorado last week. 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, 11 awardees were recognized.
Representative McLachlan was selected as this year’s ‘Legislator Lifetime Achievement’ for her leadership in strengthening Colorado’s economy through public policy achievement:
- Representative McLachlan is a champion for rural economic development, K-12 and higher education, broadband, and workforce development.
- Legislative highlights include
> Modify Main Street Business Recovery Loan Program, Expansion of Experiential Learning Opportunities
> Sales Tax Assistance for Small Business
> Create Outdoor Recreation Industry Office
> Supporting Educator Workforce in Colorado
> Concerning Successful High School Transitions
> College Credit for Work Experience
> Outdoor Recreation Industry Office
> Rural Economic Development Initiative Grant Program
> Rural Development Grant Program Creation
> College Credit for Work Experience
> Food Systems Advisory Council
> Federal Funds for Rural Broadband Deployment
> Financial Incentives for Education in Rural Areas
> Concerning the Creation of Agricultural Workforce Development Program
> Broadband Deployment Level Playing Field
“We celebrate and honor the winners of this year’s EDIE awards. Their dedication and hard work towards the progression of our industry, across the state and beyond, is astounding,” said Stacy Miller, 2022 Board Chair of the EDCC and the Director of Economic Development for the Town of Windsor. “These individuals and organizations’ contributions to our communities will help to advance Colorado’s economy for years to come.”
Pueblo, the Steel City, introduced a new generation of the EDIE award fabricated in steel. The EDIE Award was handcrafted by Johnny’s Boiler Shop & Metal Works which has been a staple of craftsmanship and skill in Pueblo Colorado since 1946. This handcrafted award was made with heart and soul by Pueblo metal workers from American steel. The stainless rod, depicting water, was cut from a legacy drill rig which provided drilling service throughout the Southern Colorado region. The base of the award was handcrafted from a 1940’s Denver and Rio Grande Western Box car floor which carried goods throughout the region.
Each of these winners, gives a glimpse into what our professionals and stakeholders are doing, in keeping Colorado’s economy moving forward. More now than ever, the value and importance of sustainable economic development, needs to be shined upon as we navigate the ever-changing headwinds our economy is facing. EDCC is honored to represent this year’s winners and their invaluable contributions and achievements in keeping Colorado economically viable.