Arlington Economic Development Is Big Winner in International Economi

Published on October 15, 2020

Arlington Economic Development took home numerous honors at this year's International Economic Development Council (IEDC) 2020 Excellence Awards, which were announced earlier today at the organization's annual conference. AED's programs and partnerships were recognized for Economic Excellence in several categories.

IEDC is the largest nonprofit professional association for professional economic developers in the world, and these awards honor the world's best economic development marketing campaigns, projects and programs, 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.

"We are thrilled to have the work of the economic development team honored in this way," said Telly Tucker, Director of Arlington Economic Development. "This year has certainly seen its challenges in the business community, and it's both inspiring and humbling to see AED's efforts, both before and during the pandemic, recognized for its innovation and collaboration."

AED was honored with the following awards for Economic Excellence:

  • GOLD: Amazon HQ2 — Regionalism and Cross-Border Collaboration (Population 200,000 to 500,000)

  • GOLD: AED Arlington Premiere — Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Initiatives (Population 200,000 to 500,000)

  • GOLD: AED Gazelle Grant Program — Creative Financing (Population 200,000 to 500,000)

  • SILVER: AED Arlington Small Business Emergency GRANT Program — Resiliency, Recovery and Mitigation (Population 200,000 to 500,000)

  • BRONZE: AED Innovations in Healthy Aging Startup Competition — Economic Equity and Inclusion (Population 200,000 to 500,000)


"The recipients 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 especially honored to recognize the outstanding organizations who received this year's Excellence Awards. This year, more than ever, the value of a career dedicated to improving the quality of life for our friends and neighbors cannot be overstated. Each of this year's recipients set a precedent for fellow economic developers to aspire to in the years to come."

Awards are judged by a diverse panel of economic and community developers from around the world, following a nomination process held earlier this year. In 2020, IEDC received over 500 submissions from four countries.

Arlington Economic Development


Arlington Economic Development (AED), part of Arlington County Government, is dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of an economically competitive and sustainable community, and the creation of exciting, diverse and amenity-rich places. AED provides visionary leadership and superior services to Arlington's business and arts community, its tourism industry and its real estate development. For more information, visit arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com.
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