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.

EDIE Criteria

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Past Winner’s Circle

Meet our past winner’s going back to the inception of the EDIE Awards.

Past Winners

Congratulate the 2026 Winners

Click a category below to learn more about this year’s winners.

City of Lone Tree, CO

City of Lone Tree was selected as this year’s ‘Small Community of the Year’ (community population up to 19,999) for its achievements in the following activities:

Lone Tree was recognized for connecting long-term planning with investments that support jobs, housing and quality of life. Its 20-year Lone Tree Elevated plan integrates land use, transportation and economic growth. A central part of that vision is the 3,500-acre RidgeGate development, planned to accommodate up to 50,000 jobs and 30,000 residents in a walkable, mixed-use setting.
The city committed $9 million toward the approximately $31 million to $32 million High Note Regional Park, an 80-acre project developed with regional partners. It has also attracted investment in a King Soopers-anchored retail hub at Lone Tree Village. Recent efforts to broaden the local economy include rezoning the Westbrook Entertainment & Sports District and opening Forte, a 101-unit affordable rental community for seniors.
Lone Tree operates without a municipal property tax and maintains an AA+ bond rating. It recently increased its dedicated economic development budget by 14%, pairing a business-friendly climate with continued investment in infrastructure and public safety.

City of Brighton, CO

City of Brighton was selected as this year’s ‘Medium Community of the Year’ (community population between 20,000 to 59,999) for its achievements in the following activities:

Brighton was honored for aligning city leadership and economic development around a shared growth strategy. The city provides Brighton Economic Development Corporation with approximately $800,000 in annual support, including a share of lodging tax revenue. Representation from the mayor, city manager and City Council on the organization’s board helps connect business development with municipal priorities.
Brighton has modernized its Business Attraction Incentive Policy, allowing the city manager to approve incentives of up to $250,000. Updates to the comprehensive plan expanded industrial land designations in Weld County by 80% and restored Enterprise Zone status to 475 acres along Interstate 76 with plans to expand industrial land designations in Weld County by 80%. Furthermore, the City’s future comprehensive plan overhaul expands Weld County industrial land designations by 80% and 475 acres of State Enterprise Zone status along I-76 has successfully been restored.
The city’s investments include a new water treatment facility designed for 20 million gallons per day with advanced PFAS removal, more than $100 million in long-term utility upgrades and the $35 million E-470 Sable Boulevard interchange, which opened in July 2026. Brighton has also established a voter-approved Downtown Development Authority to support its historic core while attracting employers including Crusoe AI, Jupiter Bach, Endurance Roofing and a Trader Joe’s distribution center.

City of Centennial

City of Centennial was selected as this year’s ‘Large Community of the Year’ (community population greater than 60,000) for its achievements in the following activities:

Centennial earned the award for a broad approach to redevelopment, employer attraction and regional investment. Adopted in January 2026, the Midtown Centennial Sub-Area Vision Plan charts a path for aging office and business parks near Interstate 25 and the Dry Creek light rail station to become a more walkable, transit-oriented district. The city committed $400,000 to planning and reserved $4 million for future Midtown open-space improvements.
The city also partnered with Cherry Creek Schools on the arrival of Denver Summit FC, Colorado’s first National Women’s Soccer League franchise. The project includes a 20,000-square-foot CommonSpirit Performance Center and a 12,000-seat stadium. Centennial updated its Land Development Code to support employment centers, infill and adaptive reuse, while expanding SPARK Centennial programming for local businesses.
Its regional investments include street and bridge rehabilitation, the Lone Tree Creek Trail underpass and the allocation of $6.96 million in 2025 Private Activity Bonds to South Metro Housing Options for affordable housing.

Higher Purpose Homes

Higher Purpose Homes was selected as this year’s ‘Company of the Year’ for their achievements in the following activities:

Higher Purpose Homes was recognized for an off-site construction model that addresses housing shortages while creating a new manufacturing opportunity in Southwest Colorado. The company builds panelized floors, walls and roofs indoors while site work proceeds, allowing structures to reach dry-in status in days rather than weeks. Its process also reduces jobsite waste and helps builders work around short high-country construction seasons.
In February 2025, the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade selected Higher Purpose Homes for the state’s Innovative Housing Incentive Program. The award offers up to $590,000 in performance-based reimbursements tied to a projected 95 housing units over three years, including approximately 30 deed-restricted affordable units.
Working with Region 9 Economic Development District, state partners, developers and contractors, the company is building a model for housing production across the Four Corners. Its indoor manufacturing approach creates steadier year-round employment for skilled tradespeople while responding to a pressing regional need.

TFP Nutrition

TFP Nutrition was selected as this year’s ‘Workforce Colorado Partnership of the Year’ for their achievements in the following activities:

As TFP Nutrition launched operations in Platteville, it partnered with Upstate Colorado Economic Development and the Weld County Workforce Center to make local workforce resources part of its hiring strategy. That early collaboration connected the company’s growth plans with organizations that understand the region’s workers and employment needs.
TFP Nutrition has taken steps to reduce barriers for local job seekers and expand access to employment as it grows. Its work with economic and workforce development partners illustrates how employers can address immediate hiring needs while strengthening the region’s ability to retain talent.
The award recognizes partnerships that connect business growth with workforce opportunity and shows how public and private organizations can work together from the outset of a new operation.

Representative Rick Taggart

Representative Rick Taggart was selected as this year’s ‘Legislator Lifetime Achievement Winner’ for his achievements in the following activities:

Taggart’s career spans more than three decades of executive leadership, civic service and public office. He has held chief executive roles with Swiss Army Brands, Marmot and Timberland, served in leadership at Colorado Mesa University, and spent six years on the Grand Junction City Council, including two years as mayor. He has also contributed to regional business, housing, health care and airport organizations.
In the Colorado Legislature, Taggart has sponsored measures addressing the Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit, the Rural Jump-Start Program, business entity filings and county revitalization authorities. His work has also supported employee-owned business tax credits and financing tools for downtown development authorities.
Through service on the Joint Budget Committee and Appropriations Committee, Taggart has brought a Western Slope perspective to fiscal decisions affecting communities across the state.

Senator Cleave Simpson

Senator Simpson was selected as this year’s ‘Legislator of the Year’ for his achievements in the following activities:

A fourth-generation farmer and rancher and general manager of the Rio Grande Water Conservation District, Simpson brings direct experience with the issues shaping rural economies. His work has emphasized agricultural water rights, rural infrastructure and the long-term strength of communities in Southern Colorado.
Simpson sponsored legislation addressing affordable home ownership and administrative burdens for businesses, agricultural operations and local governments. As Senate Minority Leader, he serves on the Senate Finance Committee, the Executive Committee and the Legislative Council Committee, bringing a rural perspective to statewide budget and policy discussions.
His previous service as chair of the Adams State University Board of Trustees reflects a sustained commitment to higher education and regional opportunity.

Senator Matt Ball

Senator Ball was selected as this year’s ‘Legislator of the Year’ for his achievements in the following activities:

Ball was recognized for work on policies that affect Colorado’s business climate and growing communities. He co-sponsored legislation to extend the Colorado Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit and advanced a measure addressing local entertainment districts and retail activity.
As vice chair of the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee and a member of the Local Government and Housing Committee, Ball works on housing supply and regional connectivity. His earlier service as Denver’s director of policy, where he established the Roads to Recovery program, informs his approach to state and local challenges.
A fifth-generation Coloradan, Ball served four overseas deployments with the Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment, earned two Bronze Stars and continues to serve in the Army Reserve. He earned a law degree from Stanford Law School on the GI Bill.

Region 3 Economic Development Resilience Team

Region 3 Economic Development Resilience Team was selected as this year’s ‘Partnership of the Year’ for his achievements in the following activities:

The team brings together local governments, school districts, human service agencies, broadband providers, nonprofits and businesses to work on connected economic challenges. By organizing targeted task forces around shared goals and measures, partners can coordinate projects across jurisdictional lines and make better use of existing resources.
The partnership is advancing work on workforce housing, childcare, broadband, transportation, business support, food security and wildfire and biomass mitigation. These priorities affect whether mountain communities can retain workers, support employers and respond to changing conditions.
The team’s framework offers a way for organizations with different responsibilities to act on regional priorities together, drawing on the strengths of each partner while building long-term capacity.

Tim Funk, Planner, CDOT Region 5

Tim Funk was selected as this year’s ‘Volunteer of the Year’ for his achievements in the following activities:

Funk was recognized for his volunteer leadership of the Durango Running Club and the local benefits generated by its events. The club’s race portfolio, including the Vallecito Lake Heavy Half Marathon, draws an estimated 2,300 entries annually. More than 625 runners come from outside the region, generating an estimated 425 hotel room nights and $220,000 in direct visitor spending.
Race coordination directs an estimated $60,000 each year to local businesses such as restaurants, breweries, photographers and event vendors. Proceeds also generate about $30,000 annually for local organizations, including La Plata County Search and Rescue, the Vallecito Community Center Scholarship Fund and Durango Trails.
Since becoming volunteer president in 2024, Funk has helped grow club membership to a record of more than 420. Low dues, coached workouts and runs for multiple paces make participation accessible. Following the loss of a local runner in the La Plata Mountains, he also led an initiative to make Garmin inReach satellite emergency devices available for members to borrow at no charge.

Veronica Mata

Economic Development Specialist, City of Centennial
Veronica Mata was selected as this year’s ‘Rookie of the Year’ for her achievements in the following activities:

Mata was recognized for quickly making an impact on business support and industry recruitment in Centennial. She managed a 14-business cohort of SPARK Centennial, then redesigned the accelerator’s 2026 program for 12 new businesses. By reducing reliance on outside consultants, she redirected city funds into resources for participating businesses and strengthened connections with program alumni.
She has also advanced the city’s aerospace outreach. Mata represented Centennial and the Denver South region at the Small Satellite Conference in Utah, conducting business attraction and retention meetings, and helped connect Denver South with Step One 2 Launch, a local hub for defense and aerospace innovation.
Mata completed EDCC’s Basic Economic Development Course in 2026 and enrolled in IEDC coursework toward Certified Economic Developer credentials. She serves on EDCC’s Professional Development Committee and contributes to regional economic development groups.

Kim Woodworth

Executive Director, Economic Development Council of Colorado
Kim Woodworth was selected as this year’s ‘Chairman’s Choice Award.’
Kim’s distinguished contributions, unwavering support for EDCC, and a long-term commitment to the growth and sustainability of Colorado’s economy include:

The recognition celebrated Woodworth’s leadership of EDCC and the relationships she has built throughout the state. Her dedication to supporting economic developers, strengthening communities and bringing partners together has helped make EDCC an essential resource for professionals working to advance Colorado’s economic future.
Under her leadership, EDCC has expanded its reach, strengthened member engagement, increased volunteer participation and enhanced professional development opportunities. She has created an environment where practitioners from rural and urban communities can exchange ideas, learn from one another and collaborate on challenges that cross geographic boundaries.
That commitment to connection extends well beyond conferences and educational programs. Woodworth helps local leaders access the tools, resources and partnerships they need to serve their communities. Through statewide initiatives and strategic planning, she has worked to ensure that communities of different sizes and circumstances have a voice in Colorado’s economic development conversations.
Colleagues across Colorado know Woodworth as a trusted leader who pairs a clear vision for the profession with a personal commitment to serving others. She recognizes that economic progress depends on teamwork among businesses, communities, education partners and economic development professionals, and she brings those perspectives together in her work.
Her tireless work ethic is equally central to her impact. Whether coordinating statewide initiatives, organizing professional development programs, preparing conferences or responding to a member’s needs, Woodworth consistently gives her time and attention to helping others succeed.

Clif Harald

Retired, formerly Boulder Chamber
Clif Harald was selected as this year’s ‘Economic Achievement Award’ for his achievements in the following activities:

Across more than two decades leading economic development organizations in Boulder, Broomfield and Longmont, Harald has helped strengthen the Front Range economy. A co-founder and former leader of the Boulder Economic Council, he supported major corporate campus developments and expansions involving employers including Google, Trimble, Emerson/Micro Motion, Ball Aerospace, Pfizer and AGC Biologics.
Harald also advised hundreds of startups and growing companies across aerospace, bioscience, technology and natural products. His work helped build connections and resources for ventures including Justin’s, SomaLogic, Zayo, LogRhythm, SolidFire and Meati.
His service to the profession includes leading the Metro Denver EDC Professionals group, presenting at EDCC and IEDC conferences, supporting professional certification and mentoring emerging leaders through EDCC. In 2021, he developed and taught a graduate-level economic development course for CU Boulder’s Outdoor Recreation Economy program.