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.
BNSF Railway was selected as this year’s ‘Partnership of the Year’ for their achievements in the following activities:
- BNSF has played an integral role in marketing Colorado’s assets through their various partnerships with EDCC members, current clients, and national site selectors in the continued effort to attract new jobs and new investment to Colorado communities.
- BNSF supports multiple economic development offices throughout the State and is actively working with partners across the Front Range to help bring projects to various localities.
- Since 2017, they have invested over $56 million in Weld County alone, helping drive economic activity in their local communities.
- From Northern Colorado to Pueblo, BNSF continues working to advance new opportunities and expand rail infrastructure which supports multiple industries that strengthen our economy.
- For the last 5 years, BNSF has been a committed member of EDCC and has served on EDCC’s Board of Directors since 2019 as well as the Membership Committee.
- The Texas-based C-Level team annually attends EDCC’s Drive|Lead|Succeed Conference to collaborate with and learn from the State’s leading economic development professionals.
- This partner helps recognize the State’s successes in economic development by supporting the EDIE Awards every year and attending associated events.
Criteria to be considered for this award include:
- The recipient continues to work with EDCC members and stakeholders to retain, expand and attract primary employers.
- The chosen partner is committed to the vitality, growth, and sustainability of Colorado’s economy.
“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.
