WASHINGTON, D.C. — Kentucky’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives won a Gold Rank for its Co-opAPaLooza, a project in the category of Special Event of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The honor was presented at an awards ceremony during the IEDC Annual Conference.
“Co-opAPaLooza was a first-of-its-kind event that brought together 250 key players from Kentucky’s rural economic development community for an experience that was informative and energizing, leaving the participants better prepared to seize opportunities in their communities and transform local economies,” said Rodney Hitch, Director of Economic Development for Kentucky’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives.
The event featured nationally recognized speakers such as renowned site selector Didi Caldwell, rural economic development expert Lorie Vincent, and the cast from HGTV’s Home Town. With a jamming soundtrack and high-energy entertainment, the six-hour program presented in Frankfort, Ky., in February 2020, built excitement for rural economic development.
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. 25 award categories honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban, and rural communities. Awards are judged by a diverse panel of economic and community developers, following a nomination process held earlier this year. IEDC received over 500 submissions from 4 countries.
“The winners of IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development awards represent the best of economic development and exemplify the leadership that our profession strives for every day,” said 2021 IEDC Board Chair and Invest Buffalo Niagara, President, and CEO Tom Kucharski. “We’re honored to recognize the more than 100 communities whose marketing submissions, projects, and partnerships have improved regional quality of life.”
“We’re incredibly honored to recognize the outstanding organizations that received this year’s Excellence Awards. This year, more than ever has presented opportunities to innovate, impact, and progress the cities, neighborhoods, and communities around us. Each of this year’s recipients represents the best of the economic development profession and exemplifies the ingenuity for fellow economic developers to aspire to in the years to come.”
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