CIEDA Receives Two Excellence in Economic Development Awards from IEDC

October 21, 2020

Story originally published by CIEDA

Washington, DC – Claremore Industrial & Economic Development Authority (CIEDA) won a silver category award for its CIEDA Talent Development Program, a project in the Talent Development and Retention category of the International Economic Development Council’s 2020 Excellence in Economic Development Awards Program. The honor was presented last week at an awards ceremony during the IEDC Annual Conference.

“Roughly four years ago, CIEDA shifted focus and placed emphasis on developing a robust, business-centered workforce program,” said CIEDA Associate Director, Meggie Froman-Knight. “We know a strong workforce is essential to a successful economic development and retention strategy. It is an honor to be internationally recognized by IEDC for our efforts to ensure Rogers County eliminates barriers to employment and provides our companies with a strong talent pipeline. We would not have the success we are witnessing today without strong collaboration with our workforce, business, and community partners. We are proud Rogers County has earned this prestigious distinction.”

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. Thirty-five 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 worldwide following a nomination process held earlier this year. IEDC received over 500 submissions from 4 countries.

“The winners of IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development awards represent the very best of economic development and exemplify the ingenuity, integrity, and leadership that our profession strives for each and every day,” said 2020 IEDC Board Chair and One Columbus CEO Kenny McDonald. “We’re honored to recognize the more than 100 communities whose marketing campaigns, projects and partnerships have measurably improved regional quality of life.”

Rogers County employers have shared a desire and need for skilled workforce participants. The goal of CIEDA's workforce initiatives is to connect prospective employees and businesses promoting career pathways, and strengthening the future Rogers County workforce pipeline and training offerings.

Utilizing student placement, career simulation programming, and direct connections to employers, CIEDA is actively working to ensure Rogers County's students are engaged with future career opportunities. Through these unique workforce offerings, Claremore's manufacturing and business partners are directly involved in developing the next generation of employees, taking a hands-on approach to developing its economic future. Initiatives like career awareness tours, internship opportunities, and the Partners in Education program are essential to generating interest for in-demand occupations, showcasing local career opportunities. Additionally, CIEDA continues to collaborate with regional workforce partners to support Rogers County’s under-employed and justice-involved communities.

Additionally, CIEDA received a gold category award in the area of Public/Private Partnerships for the recruitment of MST Manufacturing.


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. 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.