2024 IEDC Gold Award
Pinellas County Economic Development Receives 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award and Best in Show Nomination from the International Economic Development Council
IEDC’s annual Excellence Awards honor the economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that have demonstrated consistent, exemplary performance in the profession.
Clearwater, FL– Pinellas County Economic Development (PCED) received a 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and is a nominee for Best in Show. The award was bestowed specifically for the department’s work in the Real Estate Redevelopment & Reuse category for the Employment Sites Program (ESP). ESP is a commitment by the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners of over $90 Million in funding from Penny for Pinellas for countywide investments into economic development projects. ESP helps to fund, in part, the construction and redevelopment of industrial and Class A office buildings to build the next generation of modern properties needed for businesses to expand their capacity and workforce for the needs of today and the future. PCED’s work will be acknowledged and honored at the IEDC 2024 Annual Conference in Denver, CO, September 15-18.
“Pinellas County Economic Development is setting the standard of excellence for economic development with its Employment Sites Program project. This award highlights Pinellas County’s commitment to its community and demonstrates the transformative impact of economic development,” said Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO, “It is with great pride that IEDC presents this award to Pinellas County Economic Development, celebrating their leadership and innovation in the field of economic development.”
“We are absolutely thrilled to announce this year’s award winners. These exceptional projects showcase remarkable dedication and ingenuity within the field,” said Kevin Kramer, Chair of IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development Awards Advisory Committee. “Pinellas County’s contributions will leave a lasting impact and demonstrate its commitment to creating positive change for its residents.”
Every year IEDC looks specifically for economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that have demonstrated consistent, exemplary performance in the economic development profession, leading the execution of projects that have a significant impact on revitalizing communities, and playing a major role in shaping and improving the practice of economic development.
“The Employment Sites Program is a groundbreaking collaboration between the County, its 24 municipalities, and the private sector development and business community. This initiative provides solutions to the economic challenges and constraints faced by the County’s industry employers, which might otherwise hinder essential growth and modernization,” said PCED Director Dr. Cynthia Johnson.
Said Cindy Margiotta, PCED Division Director, “Over the initial four years of the Employment Sites Program, Pinellas County has committed nearly $37 million in ESP funds to match $251 million in private sector investment across 26 projects. These investments have or will add over 1.6 million square feet of industrial and office space to the County’s inventory. The program has supported infrastructure development—including fill dirt, stormwater, floodplain improvements, brownfield remediation and rising materials costs—to facilitate industry expansion and bring new projects to fruition.”
To learn more about Pinellas County’s ESP, visit www.pced.org/ESP
About Pinellas County Economic Development
Pinellas County Economic Development (PCED) works with existing businesses to encourage expansion and seeks to attract new companies with high-wage careers to our community. Through investment tools, business classes, professional consulting services, trade missions to open new markets, and strategic partnerships, PCED fosters a pro-business environment and promotes the ideal business climate of Pinellas County, Florida. Learn more at www.pced.org.
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 IEDC succeeds, its members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions. Learn more at www.iedconline.org today.
