Excellence Award banner
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) presented Lenawee Now an Excellence in Economic Development Award for its booklet identifying manufacturing careers in Lenawee County. The award was the Silver level for the category of communities with population 25,000 – 200,000. Lenawee Now was among hundreds of entries in 34 categories this year.
“Being recognized on an international level for the work that we are doing locally is invaluable to our community. It brings positive attention to Lenawee and helps us stand out among others, particularly because this project shows that we are working with other economic development partners and educators to close the labor gap in Lenawee County. It takes collaboration to effectively connect employers and our talented youth,” said Jim Van Doren. Executive Director of Lenawee Now. Tim Robinson, Director of Operations at Lenawee Now, accepted the award from IEDC on October 20 in Fort Worth, Texas.
The project enlisted the help of Adrian College interns to interview over 25 manufacturing companies in Lenawee County. Information on hard and soft skills needed by the employers and the career paths offered were documented in a booklet format aimed at students, parents, and guidance counselors. With the help of the Lenawee Intermediate School District, the booklets were printed and distributed throughout the schools.
This is the second award received in 2014. The Michigan Economic Developers Association (MEDA) also recognized the hard work being done by Lenawee Now earlier this year at its annual meeting. Lenawee Now won the marketing award in the population category of <100,000 for the same manufacturing careers booklet, its annual report, website, social media and outreach video.
The IEDC is a non-profit membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 4,000 organizations, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities, by creating, retaining and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth and provide a stable tax base. 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. The awards honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban, and rural communities. Visit www.iedconline.org to learn more.
Lenawee Now is a non-profit private/public partnership dedicated to economic and business expansion throughout Lenawee County. By attracting new businesses, helping to grow established businesses, and supporting entrepreneurial endeavors in the county, Lenawee Now is creating an economically viable and vibrant region. In addition to business attraction, retention and start-up activities, Lenawee Now provides critical services to support business growth including access to funding sources and talent enhancement. For more information, visit www.LenaweeNow.org.