Silver Excellence in Economic Development Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC)

The honor was presented at an awards ceremony on Tuesday, October 2, during the IEDC Annual Conference, which is being held September 30 - October 3, 2012 in Houston, Texas.

"We recognize the City of Piqua/Grow Piqua Now for creating innovative and successful strategies to promote economic development in this period of global recovery," said Jay Moon, IEDC chair. "Our awards honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in communities. The City of Piqua/Grow Piqua Now demonstrates that they are at the forefront of the economic development profession and are using cutting-edge, effective practices that can be replicated in other communities."

The State of Economic Development Report is an annual publication to share the economic development successes in Piqua, Ohio. It was developed as a partnership between the City of Piqua, Grow Piqua Now and the Piqua Area Chamber of Commerce.

The report was written by the City of Piqua, with input from the Grow Piqua Now Marketing Committee and the companies highlighted in the report. It is designed to be visually appealing and to incorporate the marketing message of the City and Chamber. A local graphic design company was engaged to leverage the other marketing material used by both organizations, including an award-winning quality of life publication. The report was distributed in the regional weekly business publication and the local newspaper, as well as on the city's website.

The City of Piqua is located in the Dayton Region of Western Ohio. With a population of approximately 20,000, the community enjoys strong public-private partnerships that have enabled it to undertake and successfully complete this and other notable projects, including the $22 million restoration of the Fort Piqua Plaza in historic downtown Piqua, which was recognized with a 2009 Honor Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

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. These awards honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban, and rural communities.

"The City of Piqua and Grow Piqua Now are extremely pleased to have our work recognized by our Economic Development colleagues. It truly is a project that the community can be proud of" stated William Murphy, Assistant City Manager, Director of Economic Development for the City of Piqua.

About the International Economic Development Council

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is the world's largest independent non-profit membership and research organization devoted exclusively to the field of economic development. IEDC helps economic development professionals create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities and improve the quality of life in their regions. Serving more than 4,400 members, IEDC provides a diverse range of services including conferences, professional development and certification, publications, research, advisory services, and legislative tracking. Visit www.iedconline.org.