Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality Receives 2024 IEDC Excellence in Economic Development Silver Award for EDO of the Year

September 06, 2024

The Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality (OEV) proudly announces its receipt of the 2024 International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Excellence in Economic Development Silver Award for Economic Development Organization (EDO) of the Year and a Bronze Award for promoting Economic Equity & Inclusion through the Amazon Tallahassee Robotics Fulfillment Center project. This recognition represents the culmination of years of strategic planning led by the Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency (IA) Board of Directors, supported by City and County executive leadership, community stakeholders, and the driving force of our economic ecosystem—the business owners and entrepreneurs. Through collaboration, these efforts have effectively transformed Tallahassee-Leon County into a vibrant, thriving economic hub, fostering growth, innovation, and opportunity across the region.

The IEDC’s annual Excellence Awards honor organizations that demonstrate exemplary performance in the economic development profession. Judges highlighted OEV’s pivotal role in creating jobs, attracting major investment, and driving economic resilience during their review. Among the accomplishments noted were OEV’s $1 billion economic impact in its first five years, securing the Amazon Tallahassee Robotics Fulfillment Center—the region’s largest private-sector job creator—and earning the distinction from Area Development magazine as the strongest economy in the United States.

OEV Director Keith Bowers said, “As Director of the Office of Economic Vitality, my team and I are ecstatic to receive these awards on behalf of our dynamic and growing business community. Being named the strongest economy in the United States by Area Development magazine, alongside receiving this award, accentuates our commitment to fostering a vibrant and resilient community. These honors are a testament to the collaborative spirit within our region and our relentless pursuit of economic opportunity and inclusivity for all.”

Tallahassee City Manager Reese Goad said, “We are incredibly proud that our Office of Economic Vitality has been named Economic Development Organization of the Year. This prestigious award underscores the hard work, dedication and forward-thinking approach of the OEV team, whose efforts have helped Tallahassee gain recognition for having the strongest economy in the United States, while positioning our city as a premier investment destination on the international stage.”

Leon County Administrator Vincent Long said, “Being recognized as the Economic Development Organization of the Year highlights OEV’s ongoing dedication to building a strong, inclusive, and sustainable local economy. It reinforces how our hard work is paying off by creating a community where businesses and people thrive. We’re excited about the progress we’ve made and can’t wait to keep this momentum going in the years ahead.”

These accolades will be celebrated alongside other distinguished awardees at the IEDC 2024 Annual Conference in September. The recognition reflects the tireless efforts and dedication of the OEV team in driving sustainable economic growth and fostering an inclusive, resilient community. As OEV continues its mission, it remains steadfast in enhancing the prosperity and quality of life for all residents in Tallahassee-Leon County, building on this momentum to achieve even greater milestones in the future.