ANN ARBOR, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ann Arbor SPARK received a Bronze Excellence in Economic Development Award for its 2015 project in the category of New Media for communities with populations greater than 500,000 from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The honor was presented at an awards ceremony during the 2015 IEDC Annual Conference.
“Marketing the Ann Arbor region is a core economic development activity, and one that SPARK has achieved recognition for consistently over the last four years,” said Donna Doleman, Ann Arbor SPARK senior vice president, operations and communications. “The more visibility we can generate for Ann Arbor as a high tech hub where innovative companies and people thrive, the more effective we can be at attracting talent and businesses to the region. It’s exciting to have the leading international economic development organization award our efforts to make Ann Arbor stand out from the competition.”
“From localized community projects, to large scale endeavors, economic development efforts have played a vital role in the global economy,” said JoAnn Crary, CEcD, IEDC chair and president of Saginaw Future Inc. “As we address new and longstanding challenges, these efforts continue to take on even greater importance. The award serves as a salute to pacesetting organizations like the Ann Arbor SPARK for leading the charge."
Ann Arbor SPARK’s integrated approach utilizes a range of marketing tools, including PR, print pieces, social media, online newsletters, website, videos, podcasts, and Google AdWords. Integrated marketing enables SPARK to effectively deliver the message that Ann Arbor is a great place to live and work, with one of the most highly skilled workforces in the country.
As a result of SPARK’s integrated marketing plan, the region has been successful at attracting and retaining startups and growing global businesses alike, and is seen as a premier destination for high tech and innovative companies.
Recipients of IEDC's Excellence in Economic Development Awards demonstrate to an experienced panel of judges that they are at the forefront of the economic development profession. They are recognized as the world’s best economic development programs and partnerships, marketing materials, and the year’s most influential leaders.
About Ann Arbor SPARK
Ann Arbor SPARK, a non-profit organization, is advancing the region by encouraging and supporting business acceleration, attraction and retention. The organization identifies and meets the needs of business at every stage, from start-ups to large organizations. Ann Arbor SPARK collaborates with business, academic, government, and community investor partners including the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, Washtenaw Community College, Washtenaw County, Livingston County, the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti SmartZone (LDFA), Washtenaw County etcs/Michigan Works!, the City of Ann Arbor, Bank of Ann Arbor and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. For more information, please call (734) 761-9317 or visit www.AnnArborUSA.org.
About the International Economic Development Council
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 4,600 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 are engaged in the full range of economic development experience. Given the breadth of economic development work, our members are employed in a wide variety of 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. www.iedconline.org.