Washington, DC – Lenawee Now won a Silver Rank for its Career Con, a project in the category of Special Event of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The honor was presented today at an awards ceremony during the IEDC Annual Conference, which is currently underway.
“We are honored to receive another award from the IEDC for our marketing efforts,” said Jim Van Doren, Executive Director for Lenawee Now. “This was one of the most unique events we’ve ever hosted and we’re pleased that the IEDC recognized our creative efforts.”
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. 25 award categories honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban, and rural communities. Awards are judged by a diverse panel of economic and community developers, following a nomination process held earlier this year. IEDC received over 500 submissions from 4 countries.
Over 320 participants representing 17 school districts (from Lenawee County and the surrounding counties) logged on for the event. A majority of viewers stayed online for the entire virtual event. In a post-event survey, 88% of respondents reported a better understanding of the local job market and 84% reported a better understanding of career opportunities
“What do you want to do after you graduate?” is a question asked of high school students everywhere, many of whom struggle to find an answer. Identifying the right career or education path after graduation can be challenging, especially since a majority of students, parents, and teachers are unaware of the career and job opportunities available right in their own backyard. Through a unique, virtual event called “Career Con” Lenawee Now provided students, parents, teachers, and counselors real answers to the post-graduation dilemma facing all students.
Career Con featured career expert Chris Czarnik, who has toured the U.S. and Canada sharing his powerful blend of in-your-face humor and truth about the new world of work and what the new decade has in store for career and job seekers. Attendees learned that there are many options after high school, including local opportunities to attend college with no or reduced debt. They also received a free step-by-step guide to help students discover their ideal career path, helping students uncover careers that truly fit their personalities. They also had the opportunity to see what kind of on-the-job training, apprenticeships, tuition reimbursements, and job opportunities are available before and after graduation right here in Lenawee County.
“The winners of IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development awards represent the best of economic development and exemplify the leadership that our profession strives for every day,” said 2021 IEDC Board Chair and Invest Buffalo Niagara, President, and CEO Tom Kucharski. “We’re honored to recognize the more than 100 communities whose marketing submissions, projects, and partnerships have improved regional quality of life.”
We’re incredibly honored to recognize the outstanding organizations that received this year’s Excellence Awards. This year, more than ever, has presented opportunities to innovate, impact, and progress the cities, neighborhoods, and communities around us. Each of this year’s recipients represents the best of the economic development profession and exemplifies the ingenuity for fellow economic developers to aspire to in the years to come.
About the International Economic Development Council
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 5,000 members, 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. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IEDC’s members engage in the full range of economic development experiences. Given the breadth of economic development work, our members are employed in various settings, including local, state, provincial, and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities, and a variety of other institutions. When we succeed, our members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions. Learn more at iedconline.org.