OEDA Recognizes Success in Oregon Economic Development and Honors EDCO for Partnership Excellence
Economic development successes throughout the State of Oregon were recognized at the Oregon Economic Development Association’s (OEDA) Annual Conference, Back to Business, in Eugene on October 4, 2005.
Five winners were announced for the 2005 Awards of Excellence in Economic and Community Development.
Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) was honored for Partnership Excellence award. EDCO received the award for Industry Week, which features a series of regional events designed to provide useful resources and information for entrepreneurs and primary employers in the manufacturing and technology sectors.
EDCO successfully organized or partnered to produce eight events in five days (October 10-14) to recognize and support primary employers in the region. This year, 860 total participants and 75 companies participated (over 250 representatives from these companies) in Industry Week – a 56% increase its inaugural year.
Industry Week events included round table discussions between businesses and city officials in Bend, Redmond and Prineville, and focused workshops on lean manufacturing, management excellence, technology, and entrepreneurship were available for businesses to hone skills for competitiveness.
EDCO’s Annual Awards, the Bend Venture Conference, LaunchPad Innovation and Technology Expo, and the Malcolm Baldrige Performance Excellence were highlights to bring even more attention to successful business partners in the region. OEDA honored EDCO for the overall coordination of this monumental 2nd Annual event with government and private sector partners.
Additional Oregon Economic Development awards were also distributed to:
- The Chambers of Tillamook County for the Creative Marketing and Promotions category for familiarization tours to educate partners on activities to promote tourism in the region. The Award of Excellence for Creative Marketing and Promotions goes to all of the Chambers of Commerce in Tillamook County who worked together to raise awareness of the region’s offerings to visitors and residents by organizing three community tours.
- Best Website honors were awarded to the Oregon Employment Department for their Business Information Center website. This website offers Oregon businesses and entrepreneurs labor market information that is customized for business decision-making.
- Larry Glassock, President of the Strategic Economic Development Corporation, was honored with the Economic Development Leader of the Year award. OEDA recognizes a professional who has attained outstanding achievement and who has consistently supported the vision and goals of local and state economic development efforts.
- The City of Lebanon was recognized in the category of Outstanding Community Leadership for the Lowes Home Improvement Warehouse location due to extensive preparation work for a Certified Site. Outstanding Community Leadership focuses on a project within an Oregon Community that has overcome economic challenges, demonstrating unique vision, leadership and citizen involvement.
About OEDA and the Awards Program
The Oregon Economic Development Association (OEDA) is a statewide non-profit organization working to support economic development professionals who are on Oregon's front line in diversifying and expanding Oregon's economy.
The purpose of the Awards in Excellence program is to recognize exceptional and innovative economic and community development efforts. Peer recognition provides the opportunity to share success and potentially replicate in other areas of the state.
Steve Vincent, OEDA President, comments on the winners, “We are proud to recognize these exciting successes. Not only are we honoring our peers, the bottom-line is that Oregon residents and communities win.”
About Economic Development for Central Oregon
Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) is a private, nonprofit membership-based organization dedicated to building a strong and secure economic future for Central Oregon. Founded over 25 years ago, the organization’s core purpose is to attract primary employers in the technology and manufacturing sectors from outside the area and help existing companies to expand. Learn more about EDCO at www.edforco.org.
