Get Your Entries in Before April 15 and Save!
http://www.iedconline.org/AnnualConference/Awards.html

Get the recognition you deserve! IEDC's Excellence in Economic Development Awards recognize the world's best economic development programs and partnerships; marketing materials; and the year's most influential leaders. These prestigious awards honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban, and rural communities.

WHERE DOES YOUR ORGANIZATION FIT IN?
With 30 categories you can be certain to find an award for your organization. Visit our website for category descriptions, requirements and to download the IEDC Awards Entry Packet.

HOW TO SUBMIT AWARDS ENTRIES
STEP 1: Download the IEDC Awards Entry Packet
STEP 2: Review the award category descriptions and consider one or more entries from your community.
STEP 3: Submit your application(s) by the May 20 deadline.

Questions: Contact Emily Bell at [email protected] or (202) 942-9452.

FREE WEB SEMINAR
What You Need to Know about IEDC's Excellence in Economic Development Awards: Submitting a Complete Entry
http://www.iedconline.org/?p=Awards_Webinar

Date: Thursday, March 10
Time: 2:30 - 3:30 pm EST
Cost: Free
Contact: [email protected]

If you are considering submitting an entry this year, attend this seminar to:
• Learn about award categories and ideas for eligible projects and programs
• Learn about critical dates and deadlines
• Learn how to submit a complete entry
• Learn about the judging process
• Learn what the judges look for when evaluating entries

SPEAKERS
The web seminar will be conducted by members of the IEDC Awards Advisory Committee chaired by Timothy Solomon, CEcD, Executive Director of Regional Development Alliance, Inc., Idaho Falls, ID.

WHAT CAN AN IEDC AWARD OFFER YOUR ORGANIZATION?
IEDC is the world's largest membership organization serving the economic development profession. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, our members represent the entire range of economic development.

Winners of IEDC's Excellence in Economic Development Awards must demonstrate to our experienced panel of judges that they are at the forefront of the economic development profession. We recognize only the most successful, innovative, and effective leaders, programs, partnerships, and promotional materials. Award recipients gain valuable publicity and exposure to their peers in the economic development field.

PRESENTATION OF AWARDS AT THE 2011 IEDC ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Connect Locally, Succeed Globally
September 18-21, 2011
Charlotte, NC
http://www.iedconline.org/AnnualConference/index.html

Awards recipients will be recognized at the 2011 IEDC Annual Conference – the largest and most comprehensive event for the economic development profession.

As Bob Dylan said, "the times they are a-changing." How an economic developer brings people, places and ideas together may determine a community's success in putting its people back to work stabilizing the local economy. This conference will explore the key questions facing the economic development profession as we work to connect locally and succeed globally:
• What are the current forces influencing economic development and the strategies needed to respond?
• What do you need to know about new forms of infrastructure investment in order to build foundations for economic growth?
• How can you catch the next wave of innovation and secure a place in the global economy?
• How do you connect to the right resources for career and organizational growth in the next decade?

As the nation's second largest banking center, the Charlotte region recently boasted the lowest center-city office vacancy rate in America. Today, they have emerged as a new leader in many sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, financial services and energy. The Charlotte region is home to nine Fortune 500 companies and over 850 foreign companies, making it a gateway to global markets. Win-win partnerships between government, business and institutions of higher learning make the Charlotte Region a rich landscape to showcase best practices for communities of all sizes.