Conroe EDC Recognized for International Economic Development Excellence

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA. (September 20, 2022) – The Conroe Economic Development Council (CEDC) received two 2022 Excellence in Economic Development Awards from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).

The CEDC earned an Economic Development Gold Award in the Digital Media category for the ‘More is Made Here’ marketing campaign. ‘More is Made Here’ began with an idea to increase community understanding of economic development, what it looks like in Conroe with existing companies and quality of life, and what role the CEDC plays. Utilizing monthly themed features and social media activity, the campaign increases exposure to current companies and Conroe’s quality of life that assists with job retention, job creation, and tax base enhancements. 

An Economic Development Bronze Award was presented to the CEDC for its website modernization project in the General Purpose Website category. Purposefully developed in partnership with the Golden Shovel Agency, the updated website contains critical economic development information in a modern, user-friendly layout. With an improved design, the new ConroeEDC.org enables visitors to quickly navigate the site for resources and news.

“The IEDC’s recognition highlights the story we get to tell every day about the economic benefits and advantages for companies to locate and expand in Conroe,” said Danielle Scheiner, CEDC Executive Director. 

‘More is Made Here’ and the improved ConroeEDC.org have positively impacted the CEDC’s ability to tell the Conroe story to companies looking to relocate or expand, as well as remind residents of the amenities and advantages of living and working in Conroe.

“I am pleased with the recognition of our staff’s hard work and dedication to economic development in Conroe. These awards are outstanding accomplishments for our team to celebrate and will further motivate us to continue finding innovative and effective ways to communicate with our stakeholders,” Scheiner added. 

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. Twenty five award categories honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban, and rural communities. IEDC received over 500 submissions from the United States and four additional countries around the world.

The CEDC competed against economic developers representing populations of 25,000 to 200,000. The awards were announced at IEDC’s Annual Conference in Oklahoma City on September 20. Awards were judged by a diverse panel of economic and community developers.

“Communities need our profession now more than ever. This year's awardees exemplify the ingenuity, leadership, and determination needed to meet the challenges of today and the future. The winners of IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development awards represent the best of economic development and demonstrate the level of leadership that our profession strives for every day,” shared IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle. 

“This year’s awards selection process was especially competitive. We are honored to recognize the more than 100 communities whose marketing submissions, projects, and partnerships have improved regional quality of life,” added IEDC Awards Advisory Committee Chair Christina Winn. 

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About the Conroe Economic Development Council    
The mission of the Conroe Economic Development Council is to enhance the strength and stability of the greater Conroe economy through the support of existing industry and the attraction of manufacturing and service sector business, which bring new capital and employment opportunities into the community.

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 4,800 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 practices. 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.