St. Louis County Economic Council Receives Honorable Mention for Excellence in Economic Development from the IEDC
Contact: Erin Way
Media Relations
(202) 942-9474, eway@iedconline.org
St. Louis County Economic Council received an Honorable Mention for Excellence in Economic Development for its St. Louis County's Entrepreneurial Efforts in the category of Entrepreneurship for communities with populations of greater than 500,000 from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
The honor was presented at an awards ceremony Tuesday, September 28 during the IEDC Annual Conference, September 26-29 in Columbus, OH.
"We recognize the St. Louis County Economic Council for providing successful strategies to promote new paradigms in economic development in this period of global recovery," said William Best, IEDC chair. "Our awards honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in communities. St. Louis County Economic Council is showing that they are at the forefront of the economic development profession and using innovative and effective practices that can be replicated in other communities."
The St. Louis region, like many other areas nationwide, has not been immune to the unsettling economic climate. Many layoffs -- from the corporate workplace to manufacturing plants -- have left people unemployed. The Economic Council's entrepreneurial efforts not only strengthened the overall approach, but it was designed specifically to fill entrepreneurs' unique needs in the current climate.
"Small businesses are leading us out of this recession, and it is the County's objective to provide support and services to help our small businesses grow and prosper," said St Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley. "We will continue to look for innovative ways to support our entrepreneurs."
The goal of the three main entrepreneurship initiatives - BOOST Loan Program, business plan competition and the new business incubator - is to encourage small business growth by augmenting the Economic Council's comprehensive resource armament. In addition to supporting them on their path to success, the three initiatives further economic development opportunities in the region.
The Economic Council also created the Helix Center, its fifth incubator and the first to provide specialized yet wide-ranging resources for startups in the plant and life science sector. The Economic Council also hosted the Science of Entrepreneurship, a workshop introducing local scientists to the new facility and idea of starting their own business.
Founded in 1984, SLCEC is a not-for-profit economic development organization responsible for creating high-quality business and employment opportunities for long-term diversified growth throughout St. Louis County and region. SLCEC oversees several local and regional economic development programs including World Trade Center Saint Louis, various loan programs, small business incubators, business development and retention services, and community.
The Excellence in Economic Awards Program annually recognizes the world's best economic development programs and partnerships, marketing materials, and the year's most influential leaders. The program honors organizations and individuals in 28 categories for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban, and rural communities.
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is the premier membership organization dedicated to helping economic development professionals create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities and improve the quality of life in their regions. Serving more than 4,500 members, IEDC represents the largest network of economic development professionals in the world. IEDC provides a diverse range of services, including conferences, certification, professional development, publications, research, advisory services and legislative tracking.
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