PUEBLO COMMUNITY COLLEGE RECEIVES ‘PARTNERSHIP OF THE YEAR 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.
Pueblo Community College was selected as this year’s ‘Partnership of the Year’ for their leadership and support for the community through:
- Providing workforce preparation throughout the State by way of contract training, small-business development, and involvement in local economic development planning.
- Embodies EDCC’s mission to create programs that strategically retain, expand, and attract primary employers and talent by working closely with their local economic development organization. Over the years, at least nine new businesses have been relocated, creating nearly 1,900 new jobs as well as multiple expansions of existing employers in Pueblo alone.
- Worked to expand services at other extension campuses including Southwest Colorado.
- Pueblo Community College works closely with EVRAZ North America for over the past 2 decades providing opportunities for ongoing training for current, new, and transferring employees. Custom training programs have been co-designed including two apprenticeship programs, new mechanical and electrical millwright new-hire training, quality assurance training, and most recently, operator training for a state-of-the-art long rail mill.
“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.