Tampa Bay Economic Development Council Named Top International Economic Development Organization
September 21, 2023
Organization wins International Economic Development Council’s 2023 Gold Economic Development Organization of the Year Excellence Award for large markets
Tampa, Fla. (Sept. 21, 2023) – The Tampa Bay Economic Development Council (Tampa Bay EDC) received the International Economic Development Council’s (IEDC) Gold Economic Development Organization of the Year Excellence Award for 2023 in the large market category (population greater than 500,000). The award, given earlier this week at the IEDC’s Annual Conference in Dallas, recognizes economic development organizations that have demonstrated evidence of consistent strategy, defined goals and accomplishments, and committed leadership.
“The Tampa Bay Economic Development Council’s outstanding performance in strategic planning, organizational management and innovative placemaking, as well as its visionary leadership, make it one of the best economic development organizations among large markets in North America,” said Nathan Ohle, president and CEO of IEDC. “Congratulations to Craig Richard and his team for this well-deserved recognition from their peers.”
A panel of judges chosen from among IEDC member veteran economic development leaders evaluated nominees on selection criteria that included demonstrated program innovation, leadership quality and consistency, measured metrics, performance benchmarks, and community engagement and impact.
“We are extremely proud to be recognized for the work that we do on behalf of Tampa and Hillsborough County,” said Craig J. Richard, CEcD, FM, HLM, president and CEO of the Tampa Bay EDC. “This tremendous honor recognizes our team’s relentless pursuit of excellence in making our community the best place in the country to grow a company, find exceptional talent, and access supportive business, local government, and academic leadership.”
One of only 72 Accredited Economic Development Organizations (AEDOs) across the globe, the Tampa Bay EDC is recognized among IEDC members as a leading authority on economic-related issues. Craig Richard has served as Chairman of the IEDC in 2018. Michelle Bauer, the Tampa Bay EDC’s chief operating officer, currently serves as chair of the Florida Economic Development Council, the Florida economic development community’s primary resource for peer connection, professional development, and advocacy.
“Hillsborough County and the Tampa Bay EDC have been collaborating successfully on transformative projects since the organization’s inception,” said Ken Hagan, chairman of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners. “Our nationally renowned talent attraction campaign, Make it Tampa Bay, is just one example. Thanks to our joint efforts, Hillsborough County has become one of the fastest growing destinations in the country for tech talent and tops the list of places Generation Z graduates want to move to launch their careers.”
The Tampa Bay EDC was formed in 2009. Since that time, it has helped recruit or expand companies that have transformed Hillsborough County into one of the most economically diversified counties in the United States and a top destination for new resident in-migration. In the past five fiscal years (FY2018-FY2022), the Tampa Bay EDC helped 134 companies to create 14,022 jobs and generate over $1.6 billion in capital investment in Hillsborough County. These jobs supported the creation of an additional 16,990 indirect and induced jobs and generated an additional $1.06 billion in economic impact.
About IEDC
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 4,300 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. Learn more at www.iedconline.org.
About the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council
The Tampa Bay Economic Development Council is the lead designated economic development agency for Hillsborough County and the cities of Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace. Established in 2009 as a partnership between the public sector and private corporate investors, the EDC works to advance a diversified local economy that is beneficial to all by attracting, expanding and retaining quality employers, a talented workforce and investment, focusing within targeted industry sectors, including Corporate Headquarters, Financial and Professional Services, Information Technology, Life Science and Health Care, Defense and Security, Distribution and Logistics, and Manufacturing. The EDC exists because of the generous support of more than 100 corporations, Hillsborough County, and the cities of Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace. For more information, visit www.tampabayedc.com.
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