Florida’s Top Economic Developers
FEDC hosts the Florida Economic Development Conference each year. We take the opportunity to recognize Florida’s best economic developers during the conference.
For 2022 FEDC welcomes nominations from economic development organizations for projects completed during 2020, 2021 and 2022. If you submitted a nomination in 2020 and/or 2021 and did not win, please feel free to resubmit your nomination for consideration by the 2022 conference judges. If you have any questions, please contact Jill Blackman at [email protected].
Select the individual award headings below to learn more.
Learn more about the 2021 FEDC Conference Economic Development Award Winners.
Eunice Sullivan Economic Development Professional of the Year
The award was first given in 1985 and was renamed in 1991 to honor Eunice Sullivan for her outstanding dedication and commitment to the economic development profession and the Florida Economic Development Council.
Check out the history of the Eunice Sullivan Economic Development Professional of the Year award.
Toni Jennings Workforce Development Professional of the Year
This award was first given in 2007 to honor and recognize the former Lieutenant Governor’s exceptional leadership in revamping Florida’s workforce system to respond to critical workforce needs and to advance local, regional and state economic development.
Review the history of the Toni Jennings Workforce Development Professional of the Year award.
Deal of the Year
Recognizing outstanding achievement in the location/expansion of business in the state of Florida. Awards will be given annually to recognize the outstanding deal from a rural community, urban community, and regional cooperative (multi-county) area. In addition, an award may be given in an open category that does not recognize community type.
FEDC Innovation in Marketing
Recognizing the outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations for economic development and innovative/best practices for our communities and abroad. Members benefit significantly from the FEDC Promotional Materials Awards Competition and award winners receive favorable publicity that generates increased public support for their organizations. Used correctly, an FEDC Promotional Materials Award can be a great tool when targeting increased funding.
(NEW) The “Pivot and Persist” Award
2020 disrupted nearly everything in economic development and hit local businesses especially hard. However, with crisis comes opportunity to innovate and pivot, staying true to goals under unprecedented circumstances. This award is to recognize those EDOs who rose to the occasion and persisted, demonstrating dedication and commitment to the local economy and proved to be a critical resource during crisis and into recovery. Examples may include crisis communications efforts, recovery campaigns, attraction campaigns and support of local employers and/or partners.
(NEW) Best in Show: The Melissa Medley Creativity Award
This award will be chosen from all the Innovation in Marketing Awards submissions as a “best in show” award. In honor of our dear friend, Melissa Medley, who inspired so many of us to promote the state with enthusiasm and grace, this award recognizes a marketing activity or campaign that was creative, effective and meaningful.
Dan Webster Young Innovator Scholarship Award
Given annually by The Corridor in recognition of the achievements of an outstanding young innovator in economic development in Florida. Recipients of this award will receive a scholarship of up to $5,000 to be applied towards coursework and fees associated with achieving the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation.
Review the history of the Dan Webster Young Innovator Scholarship awardees.
