An award-winning Economic Development Commission

COEDC News September 29, 2023

The Regional District of Central Okanagan’s Economic Development Commission (COEDC) has received two 2023 Excellence in Economic Development Awards from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).

A silver award was bestowed for the organization’s work in the Talent Development & Retention Category for the Connector Program – a formalized community networking initiative designed to broaden a job seeker’s network through one-on-one meetings with business leaders in the community. The organization was also awarded a bronze award in the Innovative Programs & Initiatives category for the Okanagan Young Professionals Collective – a group creating a dynamic and vibrant culture and community to attract and retain young professionals to the Central Okanagan.

“The Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission has raised the bar for excellence in economic development with its Connector Program and Okanagan Young Professionals Collective. These awards are a testament to the COEDC’s dedication to its residents and serves as a great example of how economic development can help transform a community for the better,” says Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO. “It is IEDC’s honor and privilege to present the COEDC with this award and recognize its leadership and innovation in the field of economic development!”

Every year IEDC looks for economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives and programs that have demonstrated consistent, exemplary performance in the economic development profession. These organizations have led projects that have a significant impact on revitalizing communities and play a major role in shaping and improving the practice of economic development.

“I would like to express my appreciation to IEDC for acknowledging our accomplishments and dedication to economic development in the Central Okanagan. This recognition highlights the exceptional efforts of our team and underscores the significant impact of our work through the Connector Program and Okanagan Young Professional Collective,” says Krista Mallory, COEDC Manager.  “We are honored to be recognized for our commitment to fostering meaningful connections within our business community. This recognition further motivates us to continue pushing boundaries and delivering exceptional results for our community and partners.”

 

Previous awards won by the COEDC over the past three years include:

2022 Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC) Marketing Canada Awards

• Advertising Campaign Category for the OKGo Campaign
• Single Publication – 5+ pages Category for the OKGo Magazine Vol. 2
• Website Category for OK-Go.ca
• Cup Contender for the OKGo Campaign

2021 IEDC Excellence in Economic Development Awards

• Magazine and Newsletter Award – Gold Rank for OKGo Magazine Vol. 1
• Special Purpose Website Award – Silver Rank for OK-Go.ca

About the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission

The Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission (COEDC) is a service of the Regional District of Central Okanagan providing economic development services to the communities of Lake Country, Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, West Kelowna, Peachland and Electoral Areas East and West. Our priority is to facilitate the development of a dynamic and sustainable economy in our region by encouraging business investment and supporting existing businesses.

 

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 4,300 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 iedconline.org.